
The Princess of Wales proved that royal duties don’t get in the way of a little high-heeled drama.
Princess Catherine Middleton turned heads at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire when she managed to climb aboard a Typhoon fighter jet in towering stilettos. She then made her exit by walking backwards down the steps, balancing on her high heels and drawing both admiration and critique from fans.

A netizen reacts to a video of Princess Catherine Middleton stepping off a plane, from a post dated October 2, 2025 | Source: Facebook/hello
Eight Steps, One Viral Moment
The incident unfolded during the royal fashion icon’s first official visit to the base as Royal Honorary Air Commodore on October 2. Catherine toured the state-of-the-art Typhoon Future Synthetic Training facility, met families of service members, and spoke with Quick Reaction Alert personnel.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is shown a Typhoon aircraft at Typhoon Future Synthetic Training facility at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire during her first official engagement at the station, on October 2, 2025 in Coningsby, England | Source: Getty Images
The 43-year-old even got a close look inside the cockpit of the aircraft. But while the day was packed with serious duties, it was her stylish descent that had everyone talking. As captured in a video shared by Hello!, the Princess first climbed up the aircraft steps to peek into the cockpit.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is shown a Typhoon aircraft at Typhoon Future Synthetic Training facility at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on October 2, 2025 in England | Source: Getty Images
Then came the scene everyone’s talking about. Catherine expertly navigated the eight steps in sky-high heels, gliding backwards with practiced grace and a calm smile. The mom of three made it look as though walking down fighter jet stairs in stilettos was just another part of her royal routine.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is shown a Typhoon aircraft at Typhoon Future Synthetic Training facility at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on October 2, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
The dramatic exit had all the makings of a viral royal moment, equal parts elegance and tension, wrapped up in Princess Catherine’s trademark poise. And naturally, fans rushed to weigh in with their thoughts on her unusual technique and daring footwear choice.
Praise Meets Sass as Critics Call Out the Footwear
One person was simply baffled, asking, “Why did she walk backwards?“ and another questioned, “Why with high heels coming down backwards?”

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Royal Honorary Air Commodore, meets families of personnel serving at the base on a visit to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire | Source: Getty Images
Others marveled at her balance, with one fan exclaiming, “God, how did she do those steps in heels 😮” while another netizen admitted, “To me seems a bit dangerous.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Royal Honorary Air Commodore, is shown a Typhoon aircraft as she is given a tour of the new Typhoon Future Synthetic Training facility at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire | Source: Getty Images
Practical voices chimed in, too, “It is easier to go down backwards in heels. Easier still if you let the heel hang off the edge of the step and only put your weight on the toe box.” A sympathetic viewer related to her fear, writing, “I do that as well. It helps with fear of heights.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales, on October 2, 2025 in Coningsby, England | Source: Getty Images
Not everyone was focused on the technique, as some questioned, “Why does she have to wear such high heels?” and others remarked, “Looks like she is in pain after coming down the stairs.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales, on October 2, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
The criticism sharpened with comments such as, “She could always wear appropriate shoes....but she never does.” Still, others balanced admiration with practicality, noting, “She looks beautiful, don’t understand why she didn’t wear more appropriate foot wear [sic] she would still look lovely 😃.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales in Coningsby, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and Princess Catherine Wear Special Bracelets
Catherine had previously caught the internet’s attention with a subtle yet powerful gesture that tugged at heartstrings. This time, she appeared alongside her husband, Prince William, as the couple arrived in Southport on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Their show of unity was hard to miss, with both royals wearing matching bracelets during a series of public appearances.

Prince William and Princess Catherine visit Southport, England, on September 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
This visit marked their return to the grief-stricken town, still haunted by a horrific tragedy that claimed three young lives just last year.

Prince William and Princess Catherine visit Southport, England, on September 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Horror at a Dance Class Leaves Town Shattered
On July 29, 2024, three young girls — six-year-old Bebe King, nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe — were brutally stabbed to death during a Taylor Swift–themed dance class at The Hart Space community center.
The sickening rampage left ten others injured, including eight terrified children and two adults. One of them was Leanne Lucas, the yoga teacher who had lovingly organized the joyful event that turned into a scene of carnage.

Prince William and Princess Catherine visit Southport, England, on September 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
What did the Bracelets Symbolize?
The bracelets, worn tightly around the royal couple’s wrists, were made in memory of Bebe, inscribed with the name Bebe’s Hive, a grief support project founded by her heartbroken mother, Lauren King.
William and Catherine received the tokens during a private meeting filled with emotion at Churchtown Primary School, where both Bebe and Alice had once played and learned. “It meant everything. It was really special,” Lauren said after the meeting.

Prince William wears a bracelet with Bebe’s name on it during his visit to Southport, England, on September 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Royal Gestures at Playground Built in Honor of Lost Lives
The royal couple continued to wear the bracelets throughout their Southport engagements, most notably while visiting a newly constructed playground lovingly dedicated to Bebe and Alice. Prince William was photographed with his bracelet clearly visible as he delivered heartfelt remarks to the children and staff assembled.
Located on the grounds of Churchtown school, the playground was envisioned as a joyful, healing refuge — a living tribute to the children lost and a symbol of resilience for those who remain.

Prince William wears a bracelet with Bebe’s name on it during his visit to Southport, England, on September 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Another Private Visit, Another Devastated Family
At Farnborough Road Infant and Junior School, where Elsie had been a student, William and Catherine held a separate, private meeting with her grieving parents.
Their visits to both schools served as a deeply moving demonstration of their commitment to supporting shattered families and rebuilding hope in two school communities forever altered by violence.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, wears a bracelet with Bebe’s name on it during a visit to Southport, England, on September 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Teen Terrorist Who Stabbed Three Girls Locked Up for Life
The man behind the unspeakable horror, Axel Rudakubana, was sentenced to life in prison in January 2025. Just seventeen years old when he carried out the killings, Rudakubana pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and several counts of attempted murder.