A remark made to Prince George during the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day walkabout at Sandringham has sparked debate across social media platforms.
John Loughrey, a 70-year-old royal enthusiast from Wandsworth widely recognised as Princess Diana's biggest superfan, approached the young prince during the festive gathering outside St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate.
The encounter, captured on video and subsequently shared online, saw Mr Loughrey address the 12-year-old heir about his late grandmother, who died in a Paris car crash in 1997.
While some observers found the moment touching, others have criticised the interaction as inappropriate.
Prince George being told ‘Granny Diana would be proud’ sparks debate among royal fans
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Mr Loughrey, sporting a hat adorned with Royal Family pins, addressed George directly as the young prince stood alongside his siblings, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.
"George, I've got something to say to you," the superfan began. "Granny Diana would be ever so proud of you."
The second in line to the throne responded graciously, offering a smile and replying: "Thank you."
Charlotte also demonstrated impeccable manners during the exchange, thanking Mr Loughrey for gifts he had brought for the children by saying: "Thank you very much, that's so kind."
Prince George smiling after being told the comment
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Despite the positive interaction, some social media users expressed discomfort with the exchange.
"I'm sorry whoever said that to him, you crossed the line. It's not your place to tell him what his late grandmother would have felt," one commenter wrote.
Another questioned the presumption behind the remark: "I think it's a very weird thing to say to George. How does that woman think she knows what Diana would think?"
Some attempted to strike a balance in their assessment.
Prince George leaving St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate
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Prince George walking behind Prince Louis on the Sandringham walk
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"She meant well, but it's not her place to even talk about that with them," one user observed.
Despite the criticism, other social media users defended the interaction, with one noting that George appeared "so happy" in response to the comment.
Mr Loughrey is no stranger to the Royal Family. The retired chef assistant arrived at Sandringham at 9pm on Christmas Eve, spending the night on a fold-up chair to secure his position at the front of the queue.
Prince William recognised him by name during the walkabout and introduced him to his children.
Even King Charles acknowledged the dedicated fan, remarking on his expanded badge collection: "You've collected more badges since last year!"