We’ve all been part of it before.
You’re greeted by a group of people and there’s one person in the back waiting to make your acquaintance, but you don’t quite see them so you start to move on, only to create an awkward moment.
While that sort of scenario often replays only in the heads of those involved, you can’t help but feel for Carlos Alcaraz and Pippa Middleton, whose brief non-encounter was caught on international TV this past weekend.
The celebration was broadcast live on ESPN and showed the Spanish champion chatting with the princesses while Pippa patiently waited for an introduction.
“We’ve watched a lot on telly. It’s great to finally get to meet you,” Kate remarked while making small talk with Alcaraz.
After their brief conversation, Kate appears to step back towards her sister and urge her forward to make an introduction. However, Alacaraz, who is being cheered by the crowd, acknowledges the applause and begins to head towards another room with his trophy in hand.
He and Kate give each other an awkward nod before parting ways, leaving Pippa in the lurch.
The three royals had been in attendance at Centre Court for the men’s singles final – a rare public appearance for Kate, who has taken time off from her royal duties while battling cancer, which was revealed in March.
“Maybe I’m a little bit too volatile,” Krygios began on BBC Sport, “but look, I’ve got a lot of time on my hands at the moment so I’m happy to coach (the princess).
“It’ll be more fun being coached by me than it would by (Roger) Federer!”
Kate has previously taken coaching advice from Federer, who retired from the sport in 2022.