LeBron James: Royal Protocol Broken by 'King' With Duchess Kate

NBA star LeBron James, nicknamed "King James," broke royal protocol when he draped his arm around Duchess Kate of Cambridge during a photo op at the Brooklyn Nets/Cleveland Cavaliers game on Monday.

The social faux pas is being compared to that of Michelle Obama, who hugged Queen Elizabeth II in 2009.

Royal protocol prohibits anyone from touching or kissing members of the royal family.

Other tips given to Americans upon meeting members of the royal family are to not reach for their hand to shake until they do and don't speak to them until they have spoken to you.

James didn’t seem to be rattled by the interaction when he posted about it on Instagram.

 

Wow what an Honor! This game has brought me so much and I'll never take it for granted! The King, "Duke & Duchess. #Royalty #StriveForGreatness #RWTW #LRMR #Klutch

A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Dec 12, 2014 at 8:43pm PST

The story made the rounds on Twitter to mixed reactions.

#LeBronJames learns royal protocol: Don't touch them http://t.co/ow55tkzASH He probably thought it didn't apply, him being a king & all....

— Marisel Morales (@57MCM) December 9, 2014

This is a real news story today http://t.co/fTbGwGm8Nw

— Jack Judge (@JackJudge1) December 9, 2014

Doofus! LeBron violates royal protocol, puts arm around Kate Middleton during photo http://t.co/M6lacd7zfu via @YahooSports

— Luz Rivera (@Luz50) December 9, 2014

People needa chill 😂“@TheSpec: Dear LeBron James; Never, ever, ever touch a royal.....http://t.co/ulhpUjpQ8q pic.twitter.com/Ox9RCmeBKe”

— M (@michie_tm) December 9, 2014

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