LeBron James hug of Kate Middleton was not breach of any 'Royal protocol'

Officials at Buckingham Palace are speaking up in defense of LeBron James after he drew the ire of some of the British media's more sensationalist members when he put his arm on Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

LeBron James drew the ire of some of the British media's more sensationalist members when he put his arm on Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at a Cavaliers-Nets game. Now the officials at Buckingham Palace are speaking up in James' defense, according to Cleveland.com.

According to the report, Laura King, senior communication officer for the Royal Family, says that James did not breach the rules of etiquette.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge very much enjoyed their time in the US, including attending the NBA game and meeting LeBron... When members of the Royal Family meet people they want them to feel as comfortable as possible," King said. "There is no such thing as Royal protocol."

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The Daily Mirror spoke with etiquette 'expert' William Hanson after the game, who said James was "being too touchy feely and he shouldn't have done it."

- Brendan Maloy