Dman
Imperial Majesty
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I like that Philip tried to make sure the Pope walk with The Queen and he not get ahead of the Pope.
Thanks for the information. What do you mean by police, but not police?
I like that Philip tried to make sure the Pope walk with The Queen and he not get ahead of the Pope.
Sorry, I didn't explain well. Carabinieri (which Corazzieri are a part of) are an armed force (previously part of the Army, now independent) with police duties. But we also have the Police, as any other country.
These two corps are traditionally seen as in competition, because many of their duties overlap.
I believe that the Carabinieri are a bit like the Gendarmerie in France.
By the way, just saw The Twitter pic of the pope's present for Prince George- wow!
The introductions were really informative and not a little humerous . . . "my policeman and my husband's policeman", really made me smile. I was a little surprised her doctor travelled with them on such a short visit but thinking about it, at the age she and Philip are, it is practical. They both are precious, almost National Treasures!
I was intrigued by the staff introductions because I have never noticed them on that level and am going to take a wild punt and guess HH asked. It would seem very like him.
Love the second and third photos. I agree with all the above- I am not Catholic, so not familiar with papal protocol, but to me, this pope seems way more relaxed, and it was he that set the tone. Formal black just doesn't seem right in this case. I agree-lovely for the pope to wave his guests ahead, but it is so ingrained in Philip to stay behind his wife, he never would/could do that.It was strange seeing the Queen wearing such a beautiful lilac colour to meet Pope Francis, but somehow 'funereal black' just doesn't seem to fit the occassion or is it that it doesn't fit Pope Francis. It just looked right. The whole visit seemed to be a enveloped in a wonderful lightness and instead of it just being an "informal" visit it was like the Pope welcoming friends into his home. The fact that he has kept the number of bureaucrats under foot to an absolute minimum certainly helps the illusion.
I love the way his first thought was to wave his guests ahead of him but after all these years Prince Philip neither would nor could do that. But that seemed to set the tone. I love how the Queen's eyes seemed to be twinkling as the Pope and Prince Philip shook hands and how relaxed and happy both HM the Queen and HH the Pope seemed in the obligatory 'one on one' photo.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/04/03/article-2595978-1CCE2E1A00000578-338_634x458.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/04/03/article-2595978-1CCE2C6500000578-470_634x418.jpg
Check out how relaxed the 'entourage' were . . . smiles, unbuttoned suits, folded arms and grins, their body language says it all:
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/04/03/article-2595978-1CCDB03600000578-510_634x456.jpg
The gift to Prince George showed a world thoughtfulness while the usual formal exchange of photo's, etc. was handled with lightness and the personal gift to HH was gorgeous. I hope he takes it back to his digs and shares it with his fellow guests. It is a small luxury given on a personal level and not an austentatious "symbol".
The hamper of goods from the royal estates sounds very impressive. I like that the Pope will hand it over to a poor house. I probably would've kept mine though.
Love the pictures in the daily Mail, especially the ones with Prince Philip, and the ones of her Majesty meeting previous popes. Question- it said there was an interpreter present- does the Pope not speak English?
Love the pictures in the daily Mail, especially the ones with Prince Philip, and the ones of her Majesty meeting previous popes. Question- it said there was an interpreter present- does the Pope not speak English?
If it had been given to me my dad certainly would not have let anyone else near the cider (which is almost always an alcoholic drink here in the UK), including me!
The Queen just seems to sprinkle a little happiness everywhere she goes these days!
I was touched by the pictures of HM staring rather wistfully out the airplane window. I wonder if she was thinking that this might be her final trip to Italy?
And then it occurred to me that she has probably seen very little of Italy on her visits there. No freedom to stroll unaccompanied down the streets of Florence, eating gelato. No sitting in St. Mark's Square, sipping an aperitif, chatting with her husband about the gondolas and the pastel palaces in the background. She is a person who has had so little freedom in her life- it saddens me.