RAPIER WIT
Kate Middleton giggles as Queen cheekily refuses offer of knife and cuts cake with SWORD saying ‘this is more unusual’
THE QUEEN insisted on using a ceremonial sword to slice a cake during a royal engagement - making Kate and Camilla giggle.
The 95-year-old Monarch was handed the unusual cake cutting tool by Edward Bolitho, the Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, at the Eden Project's 'Big Lunch' event.
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But despite an aide offering Her Majesty a conventional knife, she persisted with her blade of choice - quipping: "I know there is, this is more unusual".
Her amusing remark sparked a flurry of laughter at the small gathering.
Camilla lent a hand to her mother-in-law, observantly adding "that's slicing through" as the pair portioned up the sweet treat.
After handing the ceremonial sword back, the Queen took a moment to observe her handiwork before saying: "That looks very good!"
Executive director of the Eden Project, Peter Stewart, gushed about the Monarch's visit: "It is like comets - they don't come around very often.
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"The important thing for me was there was every reason not to do it.
"The fact that they judged that with the eyes of the G7 that there was an opportunity - with the risk of missing trains and everything else - to be able to listen to some of the heartfelt stories of people here.
"It was absolutely priceless."
The trio of royal women were on a charm offensive as they chatted to the approximately 20 guests invited to the event.
The Queen must have been spurred on by her hosting success at the open-air reception held for G7 leaders, where she was joined by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Joe and Jill Biden and Emmanuel Macron were left chuckling at Her Majesty's quips at the picturesque Eden Project indoor rainforest.
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As they posed for a socially distanced group photo, the 95-year-old monarch asked the question possibly on all their minds.
She said: "Are you supposed to be looking as if you're enjoying yourself?"
The presidents and prime ministers alongside her could not help bursting into laughter, as Boris Johnson replied emphatically: "Yes!"
Following a day of heavyweight political talks, the power of "soft diplomacy" was put into action when three generations of the royal family gathered to welcome the leaders to Cornwall.
It was the first time Her Majesty has met the new US president, who was VP under Barack Obama.
The Queen will also host President Biden and his wife Jill for tea at Windsor Castle this weekend.
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She will welcome the President and the First Lady in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.
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Upon arrival, a Guard of Honour formed of The Queen’s Company First Battalion Grenadier Guards will give a Royal Salute, and the US National Anthem will be played.
The President will then accompany the Officer Commanding the Guard of Honour, Major James Taylor, and Major General Christopher Ghika to inspect the Guard of Honour.
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