An interaction between Queen Elizabeth II and her daughter Princess Anne that has sparked speculations of a silent argument was caught on camera as the monarch was greeting the Trumps and other NATO leaders during Tuesday’s reception at Buckingham Palace; the video was subsequently shared and commented on in the social media.
A reporter on Wednesday claimed to have revealed the truth behind the viral moment between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne, when the monarch appeared to scold her daughter for what was perceived by some as snubbing President Trump at Buckingham Palace.
“OK, here goes… Princess Anne: the truth. No, she didn’t snub the Trumps. And she wasn’t told off by the Queen,” tweeted UK Times journalist Valentine Low.
Low said that the Queen, after greeting the president and first lady Melania Trump, turned to Princess Anne to see which dignitary she would be welcoming next.
“But there wasn’t anyone waiting: Trump was the last leader to be received by the Queen,” tweeted Low.
She continued: “Anne raised her hands in the air, laughed and said: “It’s just me,” adding a moment later “and this lot” as she pointed to the members of the household behind her.”
Low said he was citing reporting by Laura Elston of the Press Association, who was at the event marking the 70th Anniversary of NATO.
“So, the truth is now out there,” Low tweeted. “Not that anyone will pay any attention. Anne the Trump Snubber is a much better story.”
Many Twitter users responded by commenting that they had also thought the Princess “wouldn’t embarrass her mother” like that.
Other netizens were still left wondering.
Some posted sarcastic comments regarding the press and their “hunt for the truth”.
Earlier, footage of the exchange had generated a flurry of speculations among royal watchers, as many seemed convinced the Queen was reprimanding her daughter for failing to greet Trump.
The video footage showed the 93-year-old Queen greeting the US President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, alongside her eldest son, heir to the throne Prince Charles, and his wife, Camilla.
After a brief chat, the monarch looked over pointedly at her daughter, Princess Anne, 69, standing at the doorway.
The Princess appeared to shrug and laugh.
As the footage went viral, many netizens commented on what they perceived to be Princess Anne side-eyeing the Trumps.