On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, June 25, 2025, Buckingham Palace witnessed a rather unorthodox scene on its famed Grand Staircase. Jamie Laing, the former Made In Chelsea star turned Radio One presenter, and his pregnant wife Sophie Habboo cheekily filmed themselves performing the viral "Baby Mama" dance — a playful nod to a controversial video posted by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, earlier this month.
The original clip, shared by Meghan in early June to mark the fourth birthday of their daughter Princess Lilibet, showed the Duchess and Prince Harry dancing in a hospital delivery suite to Starrkeisha’s catchy track "Baby Mama." The video was a lighthearted attempt to induce labor, with Meghan shimmying and twerking beside the hospital bed, soon joined by Harry himself. It quickly became a talking point, hailed by some for its authenticity and slammed by others as cringeworthy.
Fast forward four years to the heart of the British monarchy’s residence, where Jamie and Sophie, who are expecting their first child, recreated this very dance. Sophie, radiant in a pastel yellow floral halter-neck summer dress that showcased her blossoming baby bump, matched the energy of the viral original as Jamie pointed playfully at her stomach. The couple gyrated down the sweeping red-carpeted and gilded staircase, surrounded by portraits of senior royals, all set to the same viral tune.
Jamie shared the cheeky clip with his 1.6 million Instagram followers, captioning it with a wink: "They said we couldn't film in Buckingham Palace." The video was shot during a glittering reception held at the palace to celebrate The King's Trust charity — a cause close to King Charles’s heart since he founded it in 1976. The charity has since helped over one million disadvantaged young people find pathways into education, work, and training.
What could have been a serious breach of royal protocol instead sparked laughter and lighthearted banter. The official Royal Family Instagram account responded with a playful comment: "We see you," accompanied by eye and winking emojis, signaling a rare glimpse of the monarchy’s sense of humor. The King's Trust itself joined the fun, adding, "All of our attendees are very well behaved," with a laughing emoji, underscoring the jovial mood of the event.
A palace aide told the Mail, "I'm sure it 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." The aide cheekily added, "Proof that from time to time the Royal Family account has a sense of humour too. As for Jamie, may we recommend a visit to the Tower of London? Hashtag Winkyfacelolz."
The reception itself was star-studded, with guests including George and Amal Clooney, and presenter Fearne Cotton, who couldn’t resist teasing Jamie in the comments: "You also had your pap camera out with a flash. Think of what the flash has done to those priceless paintings." Her witty jab highlighted the delicate balance between fun and respect in such a historically significant setting.
Social media quickly caught on to the irony of the moment. One user quipped, "When you get to do it at the Palace but Harry and Meghan couldn't lol," while another remarked, "In a world at times worrying and serious, this comment was so needed." The video served as a reminder that even in the grand halls of Buckingham Palace, humor and humanity can prevail.
Jamie later shared a candid moment on his Instagram Story, posting a photo of himself laughing with King Charles, captioned simply: "Life Goal: Making King Charles laugh." This candid snapshot further emphasized the friendly atmosphere surrounding the event and the King's personal investment in the charity it celebrated.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle has recently defended her decision to share the original "Baby Mama" dance video. Speaking on Emma Grede’s "Aspire" podcast, Meghan explained it was a chance to reveal her "authentic" life behind the scenes, stating, "Did you see my 'Baby Momma' dance? That wasn't yesterday, that was four years ago. It's a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there's still a whole life — a real, authentic, fun life — that's happening behind the scenes."
Her candidness about sharing personal moments online contrasts with some royal commentators' criticism. Royal expert Ingrid Seward called the video "vulgar" and "unnecessary," accusing Meghan of lacking boundaries and being hypocritical about privacy. Yet Meghan's supporters praise the video for its honesty and relatability.
The "Baby Mama" dance saga, from its hospital origins to its cheeky reincarnation on the Grand Staircase, encapsulates the evolving relationship between the British monarchy, celebrity culture, and social media. It highlights how traditions are both upheld and playfully challenged in the modern era.
In a setting steeped in history and protocol, Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo’s playful dance was more than just a viral moment — it was a symbol of levity and connection, bridging royal heritage with contemporary pop culture. It also spotlighted The King's Trust’s vital work, reminding us that behind the pomp and ceremony, there are causes and communities the royal family supports passionately.
As the couple prepares to welcome their first child, their dance on the Grand Staircase will surely be remembered as a cheeky, unforgettable moment in the palace’s storied history — a reminder that even the most regal spaces can host a little fun.
