LeBron James criticized for draping sweaty arm around Kate Middleton's shoulder (PHOTO)

LeBron James may be considered The King on an NBA basketball court but when it comes to mixing with the real royals, he might need a lesson in protocol.

James got a prized snapshot for his photo album when he posed with Prince William and Kate Middleton after the Cavaliers-Nets game in Brooklyn last night, but he also got called for a flagrant foul by putting his arm around the Duchess of Cambridge's shoulder during the shot.

Prince William and Kate stood with James inside Barclay's Center after the game Monday night — where they were presented with a tiny jersey for Prince George.

But as the camera flashes went off, a sweaty James put his arm around the Duchess' shoulder — a huge breach in etiquette.

LeBron James breaks royal protocol with arm around Kate's shoulder http://t.co/TFV7C8Om2Y pic.twitter.com/xL2IixBudt
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 9, 2014

Etiquette expert William Hanson told MailOnline: "Although I am sure the Duchess of Cambridge won’t have worried about it, Mr James should not have put his arm around her. 

"Americans are much more tactile than we Brits and this is another example of an American being too touchy feely with British royalty. You’d have think they’d have learned by now." 

Appearing alongside the royals un-showered and in a sweaty top is something many regard as bad form. 

"A shower would have been preferable but he had just finished a game," said Hanson. "So even more reason for him not have opened his pits by lifting his arm and placing it around Her Royal Highness!"

The King Meets The Royals これは洒落が効いてますな♪笑 NBAの王様が英国王室の皇太子夫婦と面会する！ http://t.co/bQWiznXZBL #nba #lebron
— スー @ 相互フォロー募集中♪ (@scrBasketBlog) December 9, 2014

A lot of harrumphs were sounded in 2012 when centuries-long protocol was broken by Michelle Obama putting her arm around the Queen at a Buckingham Palace G20 reception.

And everyone got over that.

LeBron James wants an ‘I can’t breathe’ t-shirt for Cavs-Nets game: Report

While many eyes will be looking up at a heavily guarded private suite occupied by members of the royal family at Barclays Center Monday night, one member of NBA royalty will try and get people to notice him as a man of the people down below during pre-game warmups.

LeBron James said he is looking for a way for a way to protest the Eric Garner decision, and wants to get a "#I can't breathe" t-shirt to wear before the Cavaliers take on the Nets.

Britain's Prince William and his pregnant wife, Duchess Kate Middleton, will be in attendance for the game featuring King James himself on this already over-hyped night.

James has already spoken out about the death of Garner and a grand jury‘s controversial decision not to indict the responsible officers.

On Sunday, James was asked about the t-shirt worn recently by Bulls point guard Derrick Rose.

The message on Rose’s shirt, “I can’t breathe,” is a reference to Garner’s words as he was choked while being arrested for selling untaxed cigarettes. Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush also wore a shirt with the phrase written on it on Sunday.

“It was spectacular,” James said about Rose’s shirt, which he wore in pre-game warmups Saturday night. “I loved it. I’m looking for one.”

It shouldn't be hard to find. They’re reportedly going for $9.99 on eBay.

Will he wear it Monday at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, where the Royals will be in attendance and where protesters gathered outside just days earlier?

Even without Jay Z and Beyonce who will also be there, expect a wild scene.