Fearne Cotton, 43, delivers cutting response to celeb couple who mocked Harry and Meghan in Buckingham Palace clip
Fearne Cotton has delivered a sharp critique of Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo after the couple posted a controversial video filmed inside Buckingham Palace.
The Made in Chelsea stars had shared footage of themselves dancing on the palace’s historic Grand Staircase, appearing to mock Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s viral hospital twerking video.
Cotton’s pointed response came after Laing acknowledged breaking palace rules, which strictly prohibit photography or filming inside the royal residence.
The couple had attended a reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday as official ambassadors for The King’s Trust.
Cotton took to Instagram to comment on their breach of protocol, writing: “You also had your pap camera out with a flash. Think of what the flash has done to those priceless paintings.”
Laing and Habboo’s video showed them gyrating on the sweeping red-carpeted staircase, flanked by portraits of members of the Royal Family.
The 36-year-old BBC Radio One host and his pregnant wife, 30, danced to Starrkeisha’s “Baby Momma” – the same song used by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their controversial video.
The Sussexes’ original footage, shared by Meghan earlier this month, showed the couple twerking in a hospital delivery suite moments before Princess Lilibet’s birth four years ago.
Laing appeared to replicate Harry’s moves whilst Habboo showcased her baby bump in a floral pastel yellow halter neck dress.
The words “The Royal Baby has arrived” were overlaid on the clip, which garnered more than 50,000 likes on Instagram. Laing had captioned the post: “They said we couldn’t film in Buckingham Palace.”
The Royal Family’s official Instagram account responded to the protocol breach with unexpected humour, commenting “We see you” accompanied by eyes and wink emojis.
The King’s Trust joined the playful exchange, writing: “All of our attendees are very well behaved,” with similar emojis.
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Palace aides appeared to take the incident in good spirits. A palace aide told the Daily Mail: “I’m sure it was done in a spirit of fun, and of course aligned to Jamie’s wonderful support for The King’s Trust Awards – even if it’s not something we would greatly encourage every guest to attempt.”
The aide added with tongue-in-cheek: “Proof that from time to time the Royal Family account has a sense of humour too. As for Jamie, may we recommend a visit to the Tower of London. Hashtag Winkyfacelolz.”
Public reaction to the incident proved deeply divided. One Instagram user praised the Royal Family’s response, writing: “best response ever! This really made me laugh.”
Another commented: “In a world at times worrying and serious this comment was so needed.”
However, critics condemned the couple’s actions as inappropriate. “Disrespectful,” wrote one Instagram user, whilst another posted: “Diabolical behaviour.”
A third critic shared: “Quite disappointing. I like you guys normally.”
Celebrity responses were more positive. TV presenter Rochelle Humes wrote: “The speed that this happened is genuinely impressive. I just about got mine in focus for a sneaky pic.” Social media influencer Kerry Villers observed: “I feel like you can see Jamie’s excitement to become a dad in his face and it’s pure joy.”
One follower noted cheekily: “When you get to do it at the Palace but Harry and Meghan couldn’t lol.”