Prince William And Princess Kate's Awkward Encounter With A Train Enthusiast Goes Viral

Prince William and Princess Kate's awkward moment with a famous train enthusiast has gone viral on TikTok—with one fan saying they looked "so confused." The video features the royal couple jumping onto the subway in West London in May 2023. They were heading into town on the Elizabeth Line, which was named in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who had passed away just months earlier. As they disembarked at Tottenham Court Road station on their way to the Dog and Duck pub in Soho, they unexpectedly found themselves engaging in a conversation with renowned trainspotter Francis Bourgeois.

Francis Bourgeois, a TikTok influencer, is well-known for his enthusiastic and charmingly awkward approach to trains. He often films himself in close-up using a GoPro in fish-eye mode, capturing the essence of trainspotting in a unique way. This encounter quickly caught the attention of TikTok users, with the clip being liked over 15,000 times and viewed nearly 90,000 times shortly after being posted.

The video sparked a range of reactions, with on-screen captions humorously suggesting that William and Kate appeared to have “no idea who this guy is.” The footage shows Bourgeois leaping to his feet to greet them, exclaiming, “Erm, very nice to meet you.” Kate warmly replied, “Very nice to meet you,” while William added, “Hi, how are you doing? Very nice to see you.” The interaction, filled with charming awkwardness, perfectly encapsulated the unexpected nature of their meeting!

As the conversation continued, Bourgeois cheerfully remarked, “Erm, I hope you enjoy the Elizabeth Line,” to which William responded with a casual shrug, saying, “Yeah, it’s been good. Have a good day.” The TikTok influencer, now seated, looked somewhat starstruck, concluding with a friendly “cheerio.” This moment of genuine interaction provided a refreshing glimpse into royal life outside of the usual formalities.

Bourgeois later shared the footage online, expressing his enjoyment of the Elizabeth Line experience, saying, “The Elizabeth Line sprint at Tottenham Court Road is quite enjoyable once you get used to it!” The clip continues to entertain many, especially as it transitions to other amusing moments, like Kate reminding William to wear his mask during the COVID-19 pandemic and the prince playfully asking his daughter, Princess Charlotte, to push him on a swing.

Viewers have reacted with humor and delight, with one comment noting, “Why is the first clip so funny HAHAHAHA,” while others have remarked on the charming awkwardness of the trio. The video captures a moment in time just days before King Charles III's coronation, highlighting the royal couple's busy schedule as they prepared for the event. Kate remarked during the ride, “Yes, it’s going to be a busy time. We’re getting there. I still feel like we’re trying to get ducks in a row.”