LeBron James breaks royal protocol with Kate Middleton

Prince William and Kate Middleton met LeBron James in New York on December 8 after watching a basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Barclays Center indoor arena.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also presented with NBA shirts, including a small one for their young son, Prince George.

While posing for photographs, LeBron James appeared to surprise Kate Middleton by breaking royal protocol and placing his arm around her.

The breach of protocol echoed the time when Michelle Obama caused a stir by putting her arm around Queen Elizabeth II in 2009.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are on their first official trip to the US since 2011.

[youtube WyjTUEvHECo 650]