LeBron James may be the "King" of the court, but the British press slammed the NBA royalty for breaking royal protocol after wrapping the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge round his arms during a photo op Monday.

A gift of NBA jerseys was presented to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as their baby boy, Prince George.

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The Independent explained that royal protocol bars any individual "from touching or kissing members of the royal family," although the official website of the British Royal Family does not specify such obligatory code when meeting a member of the Royal Family.

"There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms. For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way," the British monarchy's website explains.

This is not the first time that royal protocol was said to be broken when meeting a member of the Royal Family.

Last April, Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbot placed his hand on Prince William's back. Meanwhile, US First Lady Michelle Obama wrapped her arm around Queen Elizabeth II in 2009. Likewise, late British screen legend Mickey Rooney also broke protocol when he kissed the Queen's hand in 2007.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watched LeBron James and his team, the Cavaliers, battle and beat Brooklyn Nets in the Barclays Center in New York.  Cavaliers won 110 to Brooklyn Nets' 88. The royal couple was there to strengthen the bond between the Royal Foundation charity and the basketball league's NBA Cares in an effort to educate children and woe them away from illegal wildlife trade.

The royal couple also met with pop royalties, Beyonce and Jay-Z, who shook hands with the royals.

TagsLebron James, duke and duchess of cambridge, Kate Middleton