Summer Olympics 2012

Kate Gives U.S. Gymnasts a Thrill

By Tim Nudd

08/06/2012 at 11:15 AM EDT

London 2012 Olympics: Kate Meets Team USA Gymnasts

From left: Mckayla Maroney, Kyla Ross, Alexandra Raisman, Gabrielle Douglas and Jordyn Wieber with Kate (inset)

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Gymnastics royalty encountered the real thing on Sunday in London, as four of Team USA's female Olympic gymnasts – out of the so-called Fab Five – were starstruck by an unexpected chat with the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate, 30, attending the beginning of the event finals at Greenwich Arena, is a huge supporter of Great Britain's athletes at these London Games – but was impressed enough by the gold-winning American team to approach and offer her congratulations.

"Just met princess Kate with @jordyn_wieber @kyla_ross96 & @gabrielledoug she is so beautiful & so nice! I told her I loved her style lol :)," Aly Raisman wrote on Twitter.

PHOTOS: Star Spotting at the Olympics!

"Can't believe I just met Princess Kate Middleton! She was in the crowd at the competition and she stood up to talk to us! #honored," added Wieber.

Kate Gives U.S. Gymnasts a Thrill| Summer Olympics 2012, The Royals, Aly Raisman, Gabrielle Douglas, Jordyn Wieber, Kate Middleton, Kyla Ross, McKayla Maroney

Kate's Olympic all-access badge

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Indeed, TV cameras caught the young Americans grinning from ear to ear as the duchess, in her official Team GB jacket, smiled and talked with them. And, if they needed confirmation it was really royalty in their midst, they could check out HRH Kate's all-access Olympic badge, which she's been wearing throughout the Games.

McKayla Maroney was the only one of the Fab Five to miss the encounter, as she was busy winning silver in the vault finals.