Hay fever season is upon us and sufferers will be out there in parks and gardens fighting to stay on top of symptoms which can include watery and itchy eyes, a blocked up nose and sneezes. King Charles, Queen Camilla and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are all said to have some form of hayfever.
Whether it’s the pollen court or a pesky cold, we’ve dug out candid moments when royal family members couldn’t help but sneeze. From summer days at Trooping the Colour to an adorable flower girl Princess Charlotte cupping a sneeze at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding – take a look…
© Getty ImagesThe royal reassured his mother after sneezing
Prince George at Trooping the Colour 2026
Most recently, we saw Prince George fighting to stifle a sneeze during the Trooping the Colour balcony appearance. During the mesmerising fly-past, he succumbed to a sneeze and quickly doting mother-of-three Princess Kate checked in with her son, after saying “bless you”, who caught his sneeze politely in his hands. He then replied: “I’m alright,” to reassure his mother and nodded at her during this very public moment.
© Getty ImagesLouis handled the situation effortlessly
Prince Louis at Trooping the Colour 2024
At Trooping the Colour two years prior, it was Prince Louis who got caught out by an unexpected sneeze. The then-six-year-old, who looked incredibly smart in a military style blue blazer, managed to catch his sneeze in his hands before regaining his composure. He must have learned from his older brother how to politely and discretely handle sneezes in public.
© Getty ImagesThe royal looked angelic on the day
Princess Charlotte at Prince Harry’s wedding 2018
Prince WIlliam’s daughter, Princess Charlotte, was a flower girl at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. The tot was three at the time, and she was a vision in her white outfit and flower crown.While holding her mother’s hand on the iconic steps of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, Charlotte sneezed into her poised hand. So sweet!
© Getty ImagesHarry’s back bending sneeze
Prince Harry at the polo in 2017
The Duke of Sussex put on an animated display when he was pictured alongside his brother Prince William at the Audi Polo Challenge at Coworth Park Polo Club in May 2017. The royal held his hand over his nose for the moment, and the force caused him to bend his knees as they continued striding across the grass.
© Getty ImagesThe flowers could have been the culprit
Duchess Sophie at Hampton Court Palace in 2014
While the Duchess of Edinburgh was touring the Royal Kitchen Garden at Hampton Court Palace in 2014, she was struck by a sneeze. It could have been the surrounding blooms or the sunshine that brought it on. The royal graciously caught it with the back of her hand as the cameras continued to roll.
© Getty ImagesKate tried to hide the moment
Princess Kate at Trooping the Colour in 2014
Another Trooping the Colour victim! In 2014, Princess Kate was the one who couldn’t help but let out a sneeze as she stood side by side with Prince William. The royal bowed her head slightly and used a closed fist to stifle the sneeze.
© Getty ImagesWilliam has an expert catch
Prince William at St Aidan’s Primary School in 2008
King Charles’ son, Prince William, got stuck into ball games in the playground when he attended an engagement at St Aidan’s Primary School in Blackburn in 2008. As well as his footie skills, he expertly demonstrated his ability to catch a sneeze and he strolled across the playground.