On June 25, 2025, Buckingham Palace was the stage for a delightful breach of royal protocol that has since captured the public’s imagination and sparked a lively conversation about tradition, celebrity antics, and the evolving relationship between the monarchy and popular culture. Jamie Laing, known for his role on the reality show Made in Chelsea, and his pregnant wife, Sophie Habboo, were guests at a star-studded reception hosted by King Charles to celebrate 25 years of his Royal Drawing School. But instead of quietly mingling among the guests, the couple seized a moment to film a cheeky dance routine on the Palace’s iconic Grand Staircase, a space originally constructed for Queen Victoria in 1832.
The couple’s impromptu performance was set to the viral "Baby Mama Dance Song" by Starrkeisha, a tune that had recently gained renewed attention when Meghan Markle shared a clip of herself and Prince Harry dancing to it ahead of the birth of their daughter, Princess Lilibet, four years prior. Jamie Laing posted the video to his Instagram account, which boasts 1.6 million followers, captioning it with a playful nod to the Palace's strict no-filming policy: "They said we couldn't film in Buckingham Palace… @sophiehabboo." The clip quickly went viral, amassing over 1.3 million views on TikTok and sparking widespread discussion.
What made the moment even more memorable was the response from the official Royal Family Instagram account, which cheekily commented, "We see you 👀😉," signaling a surprisingly relaxed and humorous attitude toward the stunt. The King's Trust, the charity organization set up by King Charles in 1976 to support disadvantaged young people, also joined in the fun, posting, "All of our attendees are very well behaved 👀😂." The King's Trust is a significant charity, having helped over one million young people through education, work, and training programs since its inception.
The dance itself was described by Daily Mail Diary Editor Richard Eden during the YouTube show Palace Confidential as more of an "elegant shuffle" than a twerk, a distinction that seems fitting given Sophie's pregnancy. Eden suggested that the Palace tolerated the video because it was "clearly having a bit of pop at Harry and Meghan," referencing the Sussexes’ earlier video from the delivery suite. Rebecca English, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor, confirmed that the Palace's social media team had indeed posted the response, adding that the stunt was "done in a spirit of fun, and of course aligned to Jamie's wonderful support for The King's Trust Awards—even if it's not something we would greatly encourage every guest to attempt." A Palace aide humorously recommended, "As for Jamie, may we recommend a visit to the Tower of London. Hashtag Winkyfacelolz."
While the video delighted many, it also raised questions about the Palace’s rules and traditions. Buckingham Palace is known for its strict guidelines: no photography or filming is allowed inside the Palace walls, no eating or drinking (except bottled water), no pushchairs (which must be checked in), and no animals aside from guide dogs. These rules help preserve the historic artworks and maintain the decorum expected in a royal residence. Fearne Cotton, a well-known presenter, joked about Jamie’s use of a flash in the video, quipping, "Think of what the flash has done to those priceless paintings," highlighting the seriousness with which some rules are observed.
Jamie and Sophie are not the first celebrities to bend or break these protocols. Olivia Coleman once revealed that her husband "stole some loo roll just to say we got it from Buckingham Palace," while Lorraine Kelly snapped a photo during her visit, and Emma Bunton of the Spice Girls famously took a sign from the ladies' loo in 2002. Even Michelle Obama, in her memoir, admitted she hadn’t realized that hugging the late Queen Elizabeth II would be considered an "epic faux pas." These anecdotes suggest that while the Palace maintains its traditions, there is room for human moments and a touch of levity.
The reception itself was a glittering affair, attended by notable figures including George and Amal Clooney and Charlotte Tilbury. It marked a milestone for the Royal Drawing School, a creative institution founded by King Charles to nurture artistic talent. The event also served to highlight the impact of The King's Trust, with Jamie Laing’s involvement underscoring the importance of supporting young people facing educational and employment challenges.
Despite the apparent breach of protocol, the Palace’s reaction and the public’s warm reception of the video reflect a modernizing monarchy that balances tradition with approachability. The playful exchange on social media and the lighthearted commentary from Palace insiders suggest that the Royals are not above a bit of fun themselves, even within the hallowed halls of Buckingham Palace.
In the end, Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo’s dance was more than just a viral moment; it was a reminder that even the most venerable institutions can embrace a little mischief. As the Royal Family continues to navigate its role in a rapidly changing world, moments like these offer a glimpse of their evolving relationship with the public—a blend of respect for tradition and a willingness to engage with contemporary culture on their own terms.
