As Prince William marks his birthday this weekend on June 21, fans of the royal family are reminiscing—not about cakes or candles, but about a candid moment from last year that unexpectedly stole the show.

While royal balcony appearances are rare and typically reserved for major ceremonial events, like the annual Trooping the Colour, they always generate buzz when they happen. Last weekend, the royal family gathered once again to celebrate King Charles’ official birthday, filling Buckingham Palace’s famous balcony with familiar faces and waving hands.

Prince William, however, won’t be making a balcony appearance for his own birthday—it’s not tradition. Instead, he was recently spotted attending Royal Ascot, notably without Princess Kate by his side. Kensington Palace later confirmed that Kate had chosen to sit this one out as she gradually resumes public duties following a period away from the spotlight.

A Surprising Confession During a Royal Ceremony

But let’s rewind to one of Kate Middleton’s more unexpected—and human—moments during a royal event earlier this year. It didn’t happen on stage or at a formal banquet, but quietly on a palace balcony during Remembrance Sunday, where she stood beside Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

According to behavior analyst Nicola Hickling, what unfolded between the two duchesses was a light-hearted exchange that revealed a playful side of the Princess of Wales. Hickling, speaking to The Sun, described a moment where Sophie apparently pointed out Prince William’s beard, which he had grown out at the time.

Teasing her sister-in-law, Sophie allegedly asked, “What, you like a beard?” To which Kate responded with a chuckle and an unexpected comment: “I find it quite rousing.”