I'm curious, who's met royalty. I was a big Diana fan. My family happened to run into our local member of the legislative assembly prior to Expo 86 in Vancouver. The Princess and Princess of Wales were going to be there. I told him that I was planning a trip to the Expo and that I hoped to see the royal couple.
To my surprise I received an invitation to the opening ceremonies and a royal banquet as well. It turns out, that my MLA was the host of the banquet, and that I had a very good seat. My table was right next to Diana's.
It was interesting to see the difference in her from when the press was in the room, and when they were not. When the Wales first arrived, there was a wall of photographers, mostly aimed at her. They were there for the anthems, grace etc., and then kicked out until the speaches. When they were there, Diana kept her head down. After they left, she was very animated.
The day of this banquet, was the day that Diana fainted. During the speaches, I had an interesting non-verbal exchange with her. The podium was right beside me. I could see Prince Charles notes, I was so close. Diana was about 5 feet away from me, and we were facing each other. During PC's speach he made, what I thought at the time, was a teasing remark. Diana looked a little wounded. I gave her a sympathetic smile, and she gave me a small smile in return. It was really a small moment of connection.
One thing that surpised me, is that Diana ate a plate and a half of fancy cookies, all by herself in public. Initially, there was one plate per table. Everyone at her table took one, including her. She than proceeded to eat all the extras. Then she ordered another plate, and ate it all by herself.
Other impressions. She was far prettier in person and unbelievably slim. But she had a huge head. It looked to large for her body.
To my surprise I received an invitation to the opening ceremonies and a royal banquet as well. It turns out, that my MLA was the host of the banquet, and that I had a very good seat. My table was right next to Diana's.
It was interesting to see the difference in her from when the press was in the room, and when they were not. When the Wales first arrived, there was a wall of photographers, mostly aimed at her. They were there for the anthems, grace etc., and then kicked out until the speaches. When they were there, Diana kept her head down. After they left, she was very animated.
The day of this banquet, was the day that Diana fainted. During the speaches, I had an interesting non-verbal exchange with her. The podium was right beside me. I could see Prince Charles notes, I was so close. Diana was about 5 feet away from me, and we were facing each other. During PC's speach he made, what I thought at the time, was a teasing remark. Diana looked a little wounded. I gave her a sympathetic smile, and she gave me a small smile in return. It was really a small moment of connection.
One thing that surpised me, is that Diana ate a plate and a half of fancy cookies, all by herself in public. Initially, there was one plate per table. Everyone at her table took one, including her. She than proceeded to eat all the extras. Then she ordered another plate, and ate it all by herself.
Other impressions. She was far prettier in person and unbelievably slim. But she had a huge head. It looked to large for her body.