A legendary British actress has revealed the moment she was jokingly rebuked by Prince William after asking for a kiss. Emma Thompson had known the Prince of Wales for years when she received her damehood from him in November 2018, following a friendship with King Charles that stretched back to the 1990s. The Oscar-winning actress, who has presented at William's Earthshot Awards, shared a playful moment with the future King while being awarded the honours as a result, including asking him for a kiss during the ceremony.

Speaking to reporters while promoting the Disney film Cruella, Ms Thompson said: "Prince William was absolutely fantastic. I wrote him a fan letter afterwards. His face and body language, so kind and generous to every single person."

"I've known him since he was little, really," she added.

"I've always liked him. I couldn't believe how tall he'd got. I did say, 'I suppose I'd better not kiss you', and he said, 'Probably better not'."

She added that she then asked the prince a question about himself, to which he replied: "Will you please stop talking about me, it's about you."

William received a 76% approval rating in the Royal Popularity List 2026, followed by Princess Kate with 75%, Princess Anne, with 69% and King Charles, with 61%.

Reflecting on the results, royal commentator Daisy McAndrew said: "There have been so many moments throughout William's life where the country has been cheering him on.

"And we know that one day we are going to be watching him on the throne and people want him to be successful.

"William does have the hopes, beliefs and love of the nation pushing him on. He's our boy."

The neck-and-neck race between the Prince and Princess of Wales also bodes well for the future of the monarchy, showing that it is in safe hands despite recent scandals linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince Harry, according to royal author Andrew Lownie.

He said: "[Kate] will make a brilliant Queen and I think we're jolly lucky to have her as the Queen-in-waiting."