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8 times royals were caught yawning in public

See the rare candid moments when the royals were caught off guard


royals yawning
Rachel Avery
Homes Editor
Updated: On 27 July 2023
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With back-to-back royal engagements and busy family lives, it's not surprising that the royal family get a little tired from time to time – just like the rest of us. While they usually remain poised and professional, not letting their emotions show too much, there have been some candid moments where their yawns have been caught on camera. From Prince Louis' yawn-fest at King Charles' coronation to when Queen Elizabeth II showed us how to stifle a yawn like a pro. Take a look at the rare photos…

18

Kate Middleton

princess kate yawn © Getty Images
Even the Princess yawns sometimes!

A yawn? A sneeze? Either way, the Princess of Wales kept her poise perfectly with a delicately placed hand while she stood on the balcony during Trooping the Colour in 2014.

28

Prince Philip

Prince Philip was sleepy in Scotland© Getty Images
Prince Philip was sleepy in Scotland

A 94-year-old Prince Philip looked ready for bed while he watched the Braemar Gathering for the Highland Games. We think we'd feel a little sleepy with a fetching blanket over our legs too.

38

Queen Elizabeth II

the queen yawning
Even the late Queen has been seen yawning

Stifling a yawn like a pro while on tour in India, we'd expect nothing less from the late Queen Elizabeth II. Watch and learn, royals!

48

Prince Louis

prince louis yawning alongside royal © Getty Images
Prince Louis yawned as his grandad's coronation

Coronations can be long, and although King Charles' was a condensed affair, it's a long time for little ones to sit still. We don't blame you for sneaking a cheeky yawn, Prince Louis.

58

Prince Louis (again)

prince louis and prince george© Getty Images
Prince Louis let out a yawn in the coronation carriage ride

Not even his brother could keep Louis energised during a carriage ride around London after the Coronation ceremony was complete.  

68

Lady Louise Windsor

lady louise windsor © Chris Jackson
Lady Louise Windsor couldn't keep her yawn in

While watching the cycle track at the 2012 Paralympics, Prince Edward's daughter couldn't hold back her tiredness. Deciding not to cover it at all, the royal just embraced it. Trailblazer.

78

Princess Eugenie

princess eugenie yawning© Getty Images
Eugenie gave a big yawn at sports day

Princess Eugenie sat on her mother Sarah Ferguson's lap during school sports day, wearing jazzy floral leggings and a sweet pink jumper. But all that activity made her rather tired and she couldn't help but yawn in front of the cameras.

88

Mike Tindall

mike tindall yawning© Matt Cardy
Zara Tindall's husband tried to conceal his tiredness

Zara Tindall's husband (then-boyfriend) was watching her in a dressage competition in 2008, and in a moment of downtime he had a cheeky yawn. The rugby player tried the 'cover up the yawn with the collar of your jacket' trick. Genius.

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