On Tuesday evening, King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla hosted the Sultan of Oman at Windsor Castle with an impressive state banquet laid out for 160 guests. The royal family shared a mesmerising look behind-the-scenes at the breathtaking dining set-up before the meal was served, and a subtle gesture by the Queen has left royal fans confused.
In the clip above, Camilla can be seen approaching the expertly laid table inside St George's Hall to flick one of the flowers which have been arranged down the centre. When the video was shared on Instagram, users pointed out the behaviour. "Did she just shake pollen onto the table with that flick?" one quizzed, and then another replied: "Thank you! I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed! Why was she flicking them anyway?" Another user wrote: "Is QC going to flout etiquette again?"
© Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP via Getty ImagesConversely, other users defended her interaction with the blooms, pointing out that she was in fact engaging with the display. One penned: "Camilla is always so attentive to details," and another gave an expert insight: "As a floral designer, I love it when clients and guests want to interact with the flowers. I take it as a compliment when people notice, ask questions, and touch the arrangements!"
Camilla, of course, would have wanted every detail to be perfect being the hostess for such an important diplomatic event, and the team at the castle would have been meticulous in planning every element like placement of the blooms and overall decor.
Special tribute to the late Queen spotted on table
Fans also spotted a subtle tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on the table, in the form of plates with her monogram, EIIR, on.
"I noticed the China being used as Queen Elizabeth's initials," pointed out a fan, and another noted: "So cool to see the King kept his mother's china in use."
© Alamy Stock PhotoWe know that His Majesty is a big fan of keeping family heirlooms and traditions and he has reportedly kept the décor the same at his home, Clarence House, in tribute to his late grandmother, the Queen Mother.
Prince William and Princess Catherine's united front at state banquet
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Prince and Princess of Wales looked effortlessly flawless as they stepped out together for the state occasion. All eyes were on William and his wife as the dinner came just hours after his brother, the Duke of Sussex, claimed he "wants it to work out" with his family and mend the ongoing rift in a fresh GQ interview. The royal couple were seemingly unaffected by the latest comments from Harry, putting on a smiling display throughout the spectacular night.
