Over the June 21st weekend, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour arrived at Wembley Stadium in London. Prince William and his two eldest children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, were among the attendees at her show. In a memorable backstage encounter, Swift’s boyfriend, professional football player Travis Kelce, shared his experience meeting the royal family.
Travis Kelce, known for his charismatic personality on and off the field, described the meeting as a highlight of the event. Speaking on the “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, he revealed his initial uncertainty about the proper etiquette when meeting royalty.
“Dude, he [Prince William] was the coolest (expletive),” Travis quipped. He mentioned, “He was awesome. He was so cool. I didn’t realize this because obviously we’re backstage meeting him because he was there with little George and Charlotte, and they were an absolute delight to meet. Wasn’t sure if I was supposed to like bow to them, curtsy, just be an American idiot and shake their hand.”
Kelce’s confusion was soon resolved when he learned that formal gestures such as bowing or curtsying were unnecessary in this casual context. They explained that because it wasn’t a formal royal event, bowing or curtsying wasn’t required,” Travis clarified. However, he still addressed Prince William as “Your Royal Highness” out of respect.
Prince William, celebrating his 42nd birthday, attended the concert with Princess Charlotte and Prince George. The trio enjoyed the show from a private box, with a video capturing Prince William dancing to Swift’s hit song “Shake It Off” going viral. The royal family even shared a backstage selfie with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, delighting fans worldwide.
The Kelce brothers were particularly taken with Princess Charlotte. Jason Kelce expressed his admiration, stating, “I have to say, Prince William was fantastic, but Princess Charlotte was the highlight. Prince George was great, too. She was incredibly adorable. I can’t quite explain it, maybe because I have three daughters. She had a fiery spirit and was asking questions.”
Travis agreed with his brother and admired Prince William’s parenting approach. “I love it when parents encourage their kids to be vocal. It was a good meeting, taking pictures and keeping it moving. Let them have a moment and feel comfortable talking to people,” he remarked. He complimented Prince William, saying, “If anyone is getting it right, it’s Prince William. So, thank you, Your Royal Highness. It was great meeting you.”
Taylor Swift’s concert at Wembley Stadium was a star-studded affair, but the royal family’s presence added an extra layer of excitement. Fans were thrilled to see the Prince of Wales enjoying the show with his children. The viral video of Prince William dancing further endeared the royal family to the public, showcasing their ability to enjoy such events like any other family.
As Travis Kelce reflected on the evening, his genuine admiration for the royal family shone through. “Honestly, I’ve never seen you show anyone as much respect as you did then,” he said to his brother.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and this particular show at Wembley Stadium will be remembered not only for the music but also for the memorable interactions between American sports stars and British royalty.