Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh has raised eyebrows by appearing to snub a handshake on her landmark royal tour.
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie have been touring Malta to mark 60 years of the Mediterranean island nation’s independence from the UK.
The duo met Maltese PM Robert Abela and his wife, Lydia – with the four posing together for photos.
But in one awkward encounter caught on video, the duchess appeared to miss Malta’s prime minister reaching out for a handshake.
The duchess appeared to miss Malta’s prime minister’s outstretched hand
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The slow-mo footage, which has circulated on social media, shows Abela reaching across Prince Edward to share a handshake with the duchess.
But Sophie can be seen gazing forward as the four pose for reporters stationed outside.
Eventually, Prince Edward can be seen turning towards his wife – presumably to alert her of the PM’s outstretched hand.
Sophie then swiftly turns her attention to Abela before indulging his diplomatic efforts.
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The couple have been touring Malta to mark 60 years of the Mediterranean island nation’s independence
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The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, pictured waving from a Maltese balcony
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The Edinburghs’ visit to the Mediterranean also brought on some somewhat less embarrassing social media coverage.
On Tuesday, the Royal Family’s account lauded the pair’s trip, saying: “This week, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are in Malta to mark the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.
“Their Royal Highnesses commemorated the bravery of the people of Malta during the Second World War, casting a wreath into Valletta harbour which suffered relentless aerial attacks by the Luftwaffe and Italian Air Force.
“In 1942, at the height of the attacks, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the Maltese population in recognition of their resistance, endurance and loyalty.”
The George Cross remains on the flag of Malta to this day
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The George Cross remains on the flag of Malta to this day – and it was seen emblazoned on balconies alongside the Union Flag as the royal couple toured the island.
Just yesterday, the Royal Family drew attention to the couple’s visit to Villa Guardamangia, which was home to Queen Elizabeth II, as Princess Elizabeth, and Prince Philip between 1949 and 1951 while he was stationed in Malta as a Naval officer.
The villa is currently being restored, and the duke and duchess were given a tour by staff involved in the heritage project, the family added.
