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Queen saves the day after French first lady’s awkward comment

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Queen Elizabeth. (Photo: Getty/Gallo Images)
Queen Elizabeth. (Photo: Getty/Gallo Images)

Cape Town - Queen Elizabeth knows just the right thing to say!

In 1960 the British monarch was hosting then French president Charles de Gaulle and his wife, Yvonne at Buckingham Palace when the awkward incident occurred, according to royal expert Adam Helliker.

In his forthcoming book about the royal family, Helliker reveals that during the lavish dinner Yvonne made a strange-sounding comment, the Mirror reports.

"A guest asked Madame de Gaulle what she was most looking forward to in her retirement, which was imminent," Helliker told The Sun.

"With great elaboration, as she didn’t speak much English, she replied, 'A penis.'

"An awkward silence ensued for some time, until the queen came to the rescue and said with a broad grin, 'Ah, happiness.'"

Queen Elizabeth and French president Charles de Ga

But this is just one of many comical situations the queen has found herself in over her 67-year reign, according to the Daily Mail.

When Elizabeth and Prince Philip celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary two years ago, royal biographer Ingrid Seward revealed that the pair often share a chuckle.

"I think the secret is they laugh together. I think the queen is the comedian," Seward said.

"She’s a wonderful mimic. She can do the Liverpool accent, she does Irish – she’s very good at American as well."

Sources: Daily Mail, The Sun, Mirror

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