Did Prince William break Royal protocol during a game of volleyball?

Recently, Prince William wowed Royal fans with his impeccable volleyball skills.

While in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the Earthshot Prize, the 43-year-old Prince of Wales found time for some athletic fun.

On Tuesday, He ended his day on Copacabana Beach, where he connected with emergency responders and young people working on safety and eco-friendly activities.

The engagement marked the final stop in an already packed and busy day of Royal duties, centered around his Earthshot Prize mission.

Before calling it a day, the Future King ditched his shoes and jumped into a friendly barefoot volleyball match with young athletes from Levante Institute, established by Brazilian Olympian Carolina Solberg.

Prince William’s participation earned him praise from onlookers as they cheered from the spectators lining Copacabana’s promenade, while the Prince took part in the match with the players and coaches.

However, his participation also raises the question: 

Did the Prince of Wales break Royal protocol?

Royals are generally expected to keep their feet covered and while most Royals follow the unspoken rules, it seems like it’s not only Prince William who broke away from the rule.

It seems like he was only following in his mother’s footsteps as she wasn’t afraid to break away from the rules from time to time.

At Wetherby School’s sports day in 1991, Princess Diana had kicked off her shows and ran barefoot in a parents’ race. Although she didn’t win, the incident showcased her playful side, as per Harper’s Bazaar.

In fact, other Royals have been inspired to remove their shoes on different occasions, like Kate Middleton, who is married to William and more. 

Other Royals who went barefoot

Princess Kate

She took off her shoes back in 2012, when she judged a judo match at Baron's College in London.

Princess Eugenie

Eugenie was spotted without her shoes while vacationing with Princess Beatrice luxurious 1 Hotel Beach Club in Miami Beach.

Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex had to remove her shoes as a part of royal visit to New Zealand in 2018.

During the Royal engagement, the former actress participated in a powhiri and luncheon at Te Papaiouru Marae, where she was honoured with a traditional cape.