Palace issues statement over “bored” Camilla claims
Buckingham Palace has issued an extraordinary public statement responding to claims the Duchess of Cornwall was bored during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Camilla was spotted numerous times by Channel 7 cameras flicking through a Games program with seemingly little interest for the live action in front of her.
But Clarence House has insisted both Prince Charles and Camilla were genuinely entertained and moved during the show.
“The Prince and The Duchess thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremony,” the statement said.
“They found it entertaining and moving particularly the indigenous musical performances and the smoking ceremony.”
The royals look like we all feel right now... #OpeningCeremony #GC2018 pic.twitter.com/YzBtUzmk9n
— Adrian Stoll (@macstoll) April 4, 2018
The official statement was released after Games bosses defended Camilla yesterday, declaring she had been jet-lagged.
Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin said if the Duchess appeared bored, it was “not true”.
“She did full duty right through and the only time she got a break was when she sat in the car from Brisbane down to here,’’ she said.
“Then she got 20 minutes to change before she went to another reception. When you’re back to back like that, coming off a long-haul flight ... and she literally hates flying. She really wanted to go to sleep.
“She really enjoyed herself [at the opening ceremony]. I didn’t see the facial expressions etc but the comments between the Duchess, Charles and myself — she was asking questions all day.
“They both enjoyed it.”
Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie – who Camilla appeared to ignore as he officially welcomed her and Charles to the Games during the ceremony – said the Duchess was “enthusiastic in any dealing that I had with her”.
Prince Charles attended the swimming finals last night while Camilla was medal presenter at the track cycling.