In an unexpected moment during their visit to Malta, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, caused a stir when she seemed to miss an attempt by Prime Minister Robert Abela to shake her hand.
Newsweek reported that the incident sparked online attention but did not overshadow the couple’s contribution to commemorative events in Malta.
Sophie, along with her husband Prince Edward, visited Malta this week to participate in various cultural and historical activities.
Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife, Lydia Abela. An awkward exchange was caught on video, where it appeared that Sophie did not immediately notice the prime minister’s outstretched hand.
The video clip, which showed the prime minister reaching across Prince Edward to shake Sophie's hand, quickly went viral. Shared on the social media platform X, it attracted almost 1,000 likes and garnered 110,000 views. After a brief pause, Sophie appeared to realize the oversight and shook hands with Prime Minister Abela, resolving the awkwardness.
Despite the minor interaction hiccup, the royal visit involved several significant events, celebrating the enduring ties between Malta and the British royal family.
One major highlight was the couple's visit to Villa Guardamangia. This location holds historical significance as it was the residence of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip from 1949 to 1951, during their time living in Malta.
The visit's timing was also poignant as it coincided with the 60th anniversary of Malta’s independence from British rule.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh took part in ceremonies marking this milestone, underscoring the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
Sophie and Prince Edward further honored the Maltese people by participating in a ceremony at Valletta harbor. They cast a wreath into the waters, paying tribute to Maltese bravery during World War II. The statement from the royal family emphasized the impacts of relentless aerial attacks endured by Malta during the conflict.
The royal couple's commemoration of Malta’s resilience also touched on historical gestures of recognition.
A royal family statement recounted that King George VI had awarded the George Cross to Malta in 1942. The award recognized the population's remarkable resistance, endurance, and loyalty amidst devastating wartime conditions.
The statement acknowledged that 1942 was "at the height of the attacks," showcasing Malta's pivotal role and contribution during the war. This act of valor and endurance remains a profound element of Malta’s history and its collective memory.
Social media commentary on Sophie's moment with Prime Minister Abela varied widely. A particularly critical post on X called it a "must-watch" and sarcastically questioned Sophie's diplomatic aptitude. The post implied that the incident reflected poorly on British diplomacy, though the sentiment might have been exaggerated in light of the fleeting nature of the incident.
Conversely, the royal family used their social media presence to highlight the positives of the trip.
Their messages focused on the cultural and historical reverence shown during the visit, particularly the acknowledgment of Maltese valor during WWII. These posts aimed to reinforce the bond between the British monarchy and Malta.
The minor diplomatic faux pas seemed largely overshadowed by the successful execution of royal duties. Commentators noted that the event's main purpose—to strengthen historical ties and celebrate Malta's achievements—was largely met. The dignified conduct of both royals amidst the awkward moment helped maintain the focus on the trip's primary objectives.
The Duke and Duchess's visit to Malta ultimately reaffirmed historical connections, nurtured ongoing relationships, and celebrated the shared histories between two longstanding allies. The hand-shaking incident, while notable, served as a brief but intriguing footnote against the backdrop of a well-received royal engagement.
