LONDON (Reuters) - Prince William boasts countless young admirers, but it was a 42-year-old mother of three who gave him a surprise hug on Christmas day as he left a traditional church service with other members of the royal family.
American Marlene Ponce ducked under a rope, gave William a quick hug and presented him with a box of chocolates before police escorted her back to the crowds gathered outside Sandringham Church in Norfolk.
"I've always loved the royal family and I just wanted to give William a hug," Ponce, who was born in the Philippines, told Sky News.
"We are going back to the States in October and I thought this may be my last chance to speak to William and I told my husband I just wanted to do this," she said.
An unfazed William smiled and briefly chatted with her before rejoining his brother Harry.
Several members of the royal family attended the traditional service, including the Queen, who walked with a slight limp after straining her knee last week.