Kate and William's ‘festive glance’ in ITV Royal Carols trailer baffles fans

Royal fans aren't happy with ITV's description of the couple's romantic exchange

Kate and William's ‘festive glance’ in ITV Royal Carols trailer baffles fans
(Image credit: Getty)

Prince William and Kate Middleton's 'festive glance' in the new ITV Royal Carols: Together at Christmas trailer has left some fans feeling confused. 


Kate Middleton's so-called 'festive glance' with Prince Willliam in the new trailer for her Christmas carols concert has caused an unexpected uproar, as fans grabble to decode what exactly the bizarre phrase means. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appear together in the latest teaser for ITV Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, sitting side by side as Ellie Goulding sings a stunning rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. 

The exciting show, which is hosted by Kate Middleton herself, features a star-studded lineup of British talent, with A-list acts like Leona Lewis and Tom Walker taking to Westminster Abbey's stage to perform the nation's most-loved holiday songs. It will air on ITV on Christmas Eve after Will and Kate banned BBC from broadcasting the concert in response to tensions over its controversial documentary, The Princes and the Press. 

Kate Middleton ITV Christmas Carols concert

Kate Middleton is the host of the ITV Royal Carols: Together at Christmas 

(Image credit: Alex Bramall/Kensington Palace via Getty Images)

In the final few seconds of Ellie's performance, Kate and William are caught on camera sharing a romantic moment, with both royals looking sheepishly and smiling at each other. The brief exchange, while undeniably affectionate, has drawn increased attention after an ITV news article described it as a 'festive glance'—a phrase that has left readers baffled and demanding clarification. 

"What is a festive glance? Just because they look at each other during the Christmas period? So, if I look at someone at Easter, that should be called a resurrection glimpse?" one witty royal fan commented.

"How is a glance festive. Does it has tinsel or lights, ribbons or balloons? Do you see sparks, smoldering. What is a festive glance?" another confused person said. 

Not everyone has been so unsettled by the headline though. The trailer has reminded longtime royal fans of Kate and Will's fairytale love story, with many comparing the glance to a sweet interaction between the couple on their wedding day back in 2011. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were shown on camera sneaking a flirtatious look at each other at the extravagant ceremony, which also happened to take place at Westminster Abbey. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.