In a light-hearted moment during a state visit to France, Queen Camilla found herself in the spotlight, not for diplomatic discussions or royal protocols, but for her tennis skills. The Queen, accompanied by King Charles III, attempted a brief game of table tennis with Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. The playful exchange, which took place on the second day of the royal couple's visit, quickly became a talking point on social media.
While the intention was to foster camaraderie, the tennis match didn't go as smoothly as one might expect from royalty. Social media users were quick to comment on the Queen's tennis prowess, or lack thereof. One user remarked, "Poor Queen Camilla," while another commented on how both ladies appeared "too amateurish and childish." However, not all feedback was critical. A more amused observer noted, "This is the kind of content I'm here for! Love it."
Away from the tennis table, Queen Camilla garnered admiration for her sartorial choices. At a state banquet held at the opulent Palace of Versailles, she donned a stunning midnight blue cape dress by Dior. The ensemble was deemed fitting for an evening at Europe's most lavish palace, a former residence of French monarchs. The banquet also witnessed speeches by King Charles III and President Macron. The King, speaking fluently in French, expressed gratitude for the tributes paid in France to his late mother, the former Queen, whose funeral had taken place a year prior.
The state visit, marking the second of King Charles III's reign, follows a tour of Germany in March. Initially, the French visit was slated to precede the German one but was postponed due to social unrest in Paris. Upon their arrival in the French capital, the royal couple was greeted by President Macron and his wife for a photo session before proceeding to the Palace of Versailles for the grand banquet. Despite minimal protests, security measures were heightened to prevent any potential disruptions. Dai Davies, a former head of royal protection, described the security arrangements as a "ring of steel operation."
The royal itinerary also includes a visit to the recently restored Notre Dame cathedral, which suffered significant damage in a 2019 fire. King Charles III, in his address to the French Senate, emphasized the "indispensable relationship" between the UK and France. The royal couple's visit is set to conclude with a trip to Bordeaux.
In the backdrop of these diplomatic and cultural exchanges, it's the unexpected moments, like the tennis match, that often capture the public's imagination, reminding us that royals, too, can have their share of unscripted moments.
