You have to feel sorry for LeBron James. He'd just finished leading his Cleveland Cavaliers to a 110-88 win over the Brooklyn Nets when he was wheeled out for another one of those post-match photo-ops that team management organises to help sell the brand and keep corporate sponsors and celebrity types happy.
On Tuesday it was the turn of those most modern of old-world royals Kate and William to have their photo taken with the living legend of American basketball. The thing is, it appears nobody informed the young hip Brits of the protocol that should be followed when meeting such sporting superstars.
Formality is out. He may have earned the title of King James among basketball fans for his feats, but LeBron doesn't expect any special treatment. Just relax, have some fun and get it out of the way. It's all for the cameras anyway, isn't it?
But rather than Wills and Kate joining LeBron in wrapping their arms around one another's shoulders in a huddle of ever-so-slightly-forced familiarity, LeBron was left with his arm hanging around Kate like an uninvited guest. Meanwhile, William stood off to the side, starched sleeves rolled up in that relaxed royal fashion, but somehow looking ill at ease.
