This is the awkward moment the Prince and Princess of Wales appear to have accidentally ignored their royal guests at they arrived for the Royal Variety Performance.

The royal couple, both 41, were joined by Crown Prince Daniel and his wife Victoria at the event in London earlier this month.

The show – which was broadcast on ITV last night – boasted a star-studded line-up, including performances from Cher, Hannah Waddingham and Beverly Knight.

As they arrived at the Royal Albert Hall, the Prince and Princess of Wales stopped to speak with model Daphne Self, 95, and her fashion designer daughter Rose Coutts-Smith.

Video footage captured by royal correspondent Richard Palmer shows the royals happily chatting with the two women shortly after they arrived – as the future King and Queen of Sweden lingered behind them.

During the conversation, Rose tells the couple that Daphne is now 95 – to which William responds: ‘Incredible. That is incredible. That is amazing.’

While William and Daphne discuss how she likes to keep mobile, the Princess of Wales is seen smiling at Rose – with her back to Crown Princess Victoria.

In the background, the Swedish royal is seen awkwardly looking around the room and smiling as she waits for William and Kate to move on.

Appearing to be in no hurry, Kate then says: ‘Hello Daphne, lovely to see you. I love your outfit!’

The Princess then puts a hand on Daphne’s arm as they discuss her outfit – a white silk floral dress with red fluffy sleeves.

After being told that Rose had designed it specially for her mother, Kate replied: ‘Ah no way! She looks fantastic.’

The Crown Prince and Princess of Sweden were left waiting for 90 seconds behind Kate and William before the couple walked up the stairs to find their seats in the Royal box.

Afterwards, Daphne and Rose were then seen speaking with the Crown Prince and Princess of Sweden.

The Prince and Princess of Wales stopped to speak with model Daphne Self, 95, and her fashion designer daughter Rose Coutts-Smith – while the Swedish royals lingered behind them

Pictured: the Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the Royal Variety performance earlier this month

Crown Prince Daniel and Crown Princess Victoria seen leaving the Royal Variety Performance in London on 1 December 2023

The video footage caused a stir among royal watchers – with some arguing that the Prince and Princess of Wales should have either involved their guests in the conversation or not kept them waiting as long.

Sharing the footage on X, formerly known as Twitter, one wrote: ‘That’s how you host foreign royals in your country: by standing aside, with backs turned, completely ignoring their presence […]

‘Poor Victoria didn’t even know what to do, let alone her husband.’

Another added: ‘I am sure they would not appreciate this behaviour if the roles were reversed.’

‘I would have expected more from the two of them,’ a third said.

However, others jumped to the couple’s defence – and said that the Prince and Princess of Wales were right to be ahead of their guests in the queue.

As they arrived at the Royal Albert Hall, the Prince and Princess of Wales stopped to speak with model Daphne Self, 95, and her fashion designer daughter Rose Coutts-Smith (pictured).

The royal couple spoke to Daphne and Rose for 90 seconds before heading upstairs to find their seats

‘William and Catherine are supposed to go first and if you notice Victoria and her husband go next,’ one supporter highlighted.

‘Crown Princess of Sweden was waiting next to speak to [Daphne and Rose],’ another said. ‘You can clearly see it in the end clip where Kate and William move along upstairs after speaking to the ladies.’

The Royal Variety Performance marked the first time the royal couple had appeared together following the fall-out from Omid Scobie’s book.

Earlier this month, the Dutch version of his book Endgame was pulled from shelves in the Netherlands after it appeared to name the two royals – something Scobie has put down to a translation error.

The event was in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which supports members of the entertainment industry with a nationwide grants scheme, to help those who’ve worked professionally in the entertainment industry during this very difficult economic climate.