This incident was called to mind with the revelation in Marketing last week of Tesco's plans to provide a range of beauty services, including nail bars and hairdressing.
Given the UK's shift toward US-style grooming, perhaps we should expect a negative reaction to the Queen's granddaughter sporting unpolished nails. In the US, a manicure is considered as much of a weekly ritual as grocery shopping. Tesco certainly hopes it will become so here, too (see analysis, page 14).
Some argue that Tesco is - again - stretching its brand too far, and getting the psychology of women's beauty services wrong. It does seem an unlikely choice of venue for time-poor women wanting their nails buffed. Surely John Lewis' plan to launch in-store spas is a happier brand fit?
Tesco's move into a broader range of beauty services is as much about convenience as it is cost. The model for this already exists in these islands, partly at least, at Tesco's great rival in Ireland, Dunnes Stores, where you can get your hair done under the same roof. The Irish retailer leases space to mid-market hairdressing chain Peter Mark.
That said, it will take all of Tesco's ingenuity to lure brands such as Estee Lauder and Clinique onto its shelves to combat the DIY beauty movement (see news, page 9) and to make it 'normal' to have your hair and nails done in a supermarket.
Nonetheless, let's not forget that when money is tight, make-up sales increase, as you get that all-important ego boost for a relatively small outlay.
That's starting to sound like 'Every little helps' - a proposition Tesco has made its own.
Noelle.McElhatton@haymarket.com