Tracing Prince William and Taylor Swift's friendship from impromptu 2013 performance to Eras Tour appearance

LONDON, ENGLAND: Taylor Swift’s first Eras Tour stop in London’s Wembley Stadium was a royal affair with Prince William shaking a leg to the popstar’s music. 

The Prince of Wales celebrated his 42nd birthday in style as he attended the Friday, June 21, Eras Tour stop in London with his children.

It was, however, not the first time that he was seen cheering for the 14-time Grammy-winning singer as their friendship dates back more than a decade.

Prince William and Taylor Swift’s friendship

Following her Friday show in London, Swift shared an adorable selfie with the 42-year-old prince and his two children - George, 10, and Charlotte, nine, which was also shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official account. 

They shared the photo with the caption, “Thank you Taylor Swift for a great evening!”

Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce, who was also present during the gig, was also seen smiling ear to ear as he posed for the picture. 

Earlier in the day, the heir to the throne was seen in a blurry video showing off his dance moves while grooving to Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’, as per Daily Mail.

This was, however, not the first time the royal met with the pop star. More than 10 years ago, the pair had an impromptu meeting during a charity event at Kensington Palace where they sang a song with Jon Bon Jovi. 

In November 2013, the trio performed a rendition of Bon Jovi’s hit ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ during the Winter Whites Gala evening at Kensington Palace. 

All through the evening during the gala, Swift was seated beside the then-Duke of Cambridge and mentioned him during her speech later in the evening. 

Going to the stage, Swift said, “I'm Taylor, it is very nice to meet you, especially under these circumstances. It is my first time playing at Kensington Palace or any other palace for that matter.”

She continued, “I have to thank you, Prince William, for having me. It's amazing,” and added, “To call attention to this age group especially, teens and young adults.”

She even recounted her meeting with the Prince later in an interview, as she said, “He was very funny. I was really happy he was funny.' 

The pop star and Prince were snapped sitting next to each other throughout the evening, where they were seen smiling and laughing while conversing.

In a later interview with Daily Mail, Swift recalled the event, saying, “'I could hear his voice and it's pretty good. A nice tone. I'd definitely say he has got star quality and if he ever wants me to sing with him again, I'll be there.”

Prince William recalled his friendship with Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is, however, not the only one from the duo to gush about the other friend. In 2021, Prince William too recalled the event and shared that performing with Swift and Bon Jovi “nearly knocked me off my feet.”

In 2021, he recalled, “I can't believe I'm actually telling you this story… I turn up and Jon Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift are at the event, which nearly knocked me off my feet.”

“And then, I went inside, met everybody, a lot of handshaking to do those nights, a lot of chatting. I try and be charming and interactive,” continued the prince before adding, “Occasionally, you're not having a good day, and it's a little harder to come by.”

He recalled, “When I sat down to watch Jon Bon Jovi do his performance, I thought, 'That's it. My job is done. I'll get a dinner in a minute, and I might be able to have a chat to some people, and, you know, I'm off-duty a little bit now'."

Little did he know that encounter would lead to his friendship with Swift, 34. He continued, “Little did I think what was going to happen next,” before adding, “I'm sat next to Taylor Swift. She's on my left – and after Jon does his first song, there's a pause and she turns to me.”

William shared, “She puts her hand on my arm, looks me in the eye and says, 'Come on, William. Let's go and sing'.”

“To this day, I still do not know what came over me. Honestly, even now I'm cringing at what happened next, and I don't understand why I gave in,” added the prince. 

He, nevertheless, declared, “But, frankly, if Taylor Swift looks you in the eye, touches your arm and says, 'Come with me…' I got up like a puppy and went, 'Yeah, OK, that seems like a great idea. I'll follow you'.”

“I walked up on stage in a trance and then sort of halfway through Jon Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer song, I wake up,” shared William and added, “And I'm thinking to myself, 'Am I standing on the stage singing Livin' On A Prayer when I don't even know the words?'”

Fans are over the moon with Prince William's dance moves

As Prince William's alleged dance moves came to the fore, fans could not help but gush at his enjoyment. 

One of the fans said, "Oh my God is he dancing? ....yes Shake it off😂😂😭."

Someone else shared, "Awesome ,,,Taylor is one of the most loved celebrity."

Another fan added, "Please tell me that really is Prince William? I know he was there with kids, but the moves. It’s the moves!!!"

"'Shake it Off' is fitting for our very wonderful Prince William, Prince of Wales......Shake it All Off!," said someone else.

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