LONDON — A moment from this year's Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, when Princess Anne skipped the customary cheek kiss with the Princess of Wales, has resurfaced in royal coverage, with some headlines describing it as a snub. Accounts from the reporter who captured it and from outlets that reviewed the footage say it was a lighthearted exchange about hats, and both women were seen laughing.

The exchange took place on Monday, March 9, as members of the royal family gathered at the abbey for the annual service, which brings together representatives of the 56 Commonwealth nations and is held on the second Monday in March, according to InStyle. Prince William greeted his aunt, Princess Anne, with a kiss on each cheek, according to People and Marie Claire. When Kate, the Princess of Wales, went to do the same, Anne instead leaned back and made a joke, Hello! reported, prompting laughter from Kate. Marie Claire said photos confirmed Kate leaning in to kiss Anne, only for the Princess Royal to lean backward, and that Kate could not contain her laughter.

The Daily Mail's royal editor, Rebecca English, shared a video of the moment on Instagram with a caption that explained it. "There was no way Princess Anne was going to attempt a kiss under a hat like the Princess of Wales's," English........

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