It’s his secret supply of hand gel, used for disinfecting after greeting the great unwashed. 
3 Likes
Interesting observations. Having been prompted by this thread to take a look at the BBC coverage, I wonder if we’re seeing different things: in these pictures there’s nothing to be embarassed about whatsoever.
In pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla on state visit to France
The couple are on a three-day visit, with a state dinner among the highlights of the first day.
You made me look at something that I would not normally be bothered with AM, and what I have seen only strengthens my view expressed above. Mind you, the attraction of them is slightly personal. Like them , I first met and began a relationship with my wife more than 50 years ago before my first marriage but deciding, as she was married already, that it was going nowhere set off to live in Australia only coming together again after a further 15 years or so.
For her age and in keeping with her age, I think Camilla looks lovely.
BTW, as I write the mysteries of modern electronics have switched my receiver from radio to BB2 
and there was Charlie speaking in French to the French people with subtitles in English. Only problem was, some numpty was talking over him in English. 
7 Likes
Everything I have seen and read suggest it has been a feel good event with a lot of positive feeling and optimism. Macron and Charles seem to have a good rapport built on mutual respect. How sad to overlook all that and judge a couple of people both with lots of warmth and character, on their hair and their clothes. Which I don’t honestly see anything wrong with. It’s not like they are wearing ill fitting, creased suits that do not meet across their paunch and have hair like a haystack like a certain other recent representative of UK plc.
6 Likes
That was my take yesterday in Paris and colleagues tell me that this morning went well in the Senate. I’ll be down to Bordeaux tomorrow for the final visit and I expect that to be similar.
1 Like
Le monde has lots of photos today. Everyone looks ok to me !
2 Likes
With older ladies I often think if they didn’t try with makeup and/or dress even though without the same level of result as if they were younger, how much worse it would be.
For her age, very nice result although of course the money helpd.
2 Likes
Nothing to be embarrassed about here either
Seems a very human speech that clearly struck a cord with those present.
3 Likes
For heaven’ sake people! It was just an off-hand comment about an ugly hat and a bad hairstyle! It’ not inciting revolution…or even making any stance in republic v monarchy.
1 Like
I must remember that response next time I get caught making a comment about a woman who is
2 Likes
Because of the 20th century hat!
2 Likes
My embarrassment starts at the point of still having not just a monarchy but a bloated monarchy in the 21st century. To be fair i felt much the same for the greater part of the second half of the last century too so it not just having these two adulters at the top. She could wear binbags for all i care. The whole thing is ludicrous. What precisely is the point of our unelected politically sterile head of state meeting with the head of state of one of the worlds leading democratic republics?
2 Likes
But I haven’t seen the ugly hat and the bad hairstyle yet. If I had I would understand a little better.
1 Like
Some funny comments. My wife and i thought how good Camilla looked. Charles scrubbed up well, also.
2 Likes
I think it’s a pity Camilla has to be gussied up seeing I bet she would prefer to be in jodhpurs and boots and a suitable coat, outside having a fag before hopping into the saddle and going off for a nice meditative hack. When she isn’t wearing that weird getup they insist on she looks good and at least as if she has lived and enjoyed life.
7 Likes
To keep the PM and Number 10 and Chequers running. The King and his gang are surplus to requirements and have no equivalent in France.
Macron has the use of two other properties, one in Paris and a coastal retreat whilst the French PM lives at the Hotel de Matignon which has a 2 hectare garden and the largest in Paris, puts No.10’s garden to shame.
2 Likes
I know you always like to have the last word but @John_Scully made the entirely valid point that the UK is running both a king and a PM with all the associated costs.
If one starts comparing presidential residences around the world, it’s akin to bringing the word nazi into the argument…
France has a Presidential palace (plus two other properties for the president’s use) and a mansion for the PM so what’s the difference?
That’s a stretch even for you.
2 Likes
This thread has become REALLY weird now.
5 Likes