[imagesource: PA Media]

The Queen really took her role in “soft diplomacy” seriously by cracking a light joke in a photocall during the reception for leaders of the Group of Seven richest nations (G7).

The three-day summit, held in Cornwall, southwest England, was an opportunity for the Queen to finally meet US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

She struck a socially distant pose alongside them, as well as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and wife Carrie.

Per The Independent, “soft diplomacy” is when:

The monarchy does not wield power but has influence and uses what is known as “soft diplomacy” to help the UK renew and strengthen friendships with its allies and partners around the world.

During the photoshoot, the Queen quipped: “Are you supposed to be looking as if you’re enjoying yourself?”

To which everyone laughed and Mr Johnson said emphatically, “yes”, adding “we have been enjoying ourselves – in spite of appearances”:

At the event, the 95-year-old monarch was joined by other senior members of the British royal family – her son, the heir Prince Charles, and his wife Camilla, as well as Prince William, and his wife Kate Middleton.

It was the family’s first major public event together since Prince Philip’s funeral in April, and also William and Kate’s first G7 event, which is a milestone in their progression as senior royals.

There was also a moment at an event on the sidelines of the G7 summit when the Queen insisted on cutting a cake using nothing other than a ceremonial sword:

The floral dress really adds to the overall effect of “soft diplomacy”.

[source:independent]