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British RoyalsInternational royalsJordanPrincess Anne and FamilyQueen Elizabeth II

The Queen’s hand takes centre stage as Jordan’s royals visit London

The Queen welcomed Jordan’s royals to Buckingham Palace this week. And one image of the previously unannounced meeting ended up causing some debate. For a closer look at the photos of Elizabeth II with her guests revealed what appears to be dark purple bruising on the Queen’s left hand.

Buckingham Palace hasn’t commented (as you would expect) but there was plenty of debate on Twitter and Facebook as people expressed concern about the mark which in some close ups seemed to cover much of the back of the Queen’s hand. Royal Central’s social media accounts received several queries about the apparent markings.

Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein and HRH Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace
London, United Kingdom / 28 February 2019. Copyright 2019, Royal Hashemite Court

It should be noted that bruising is common in older people as the skin thins with age.

The Queen had welcomed King Abdullah, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein to Buckingham Palace on Thursday as they continued a governmental visit to the UK. The Princess Royal, whose curtsies to Jordan’s king and queen also attracted plenty of comment on social media, was there, too.

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After the brief photocall which ended up causing so much comment, the royals enjoyed a private meeting and lunch at the Palace. During their time in London, the King and Queen of Jordan also took part in the conference ‘Jordan: Growth and Opportunity’ with Abdullah II giving a speech at the event in which he focused on the importance of renewal, change and economic development. He also held talks with the World Bank Interim President, Kristalina Georgieva, at the event.

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The conference was closed by an address from UK Prime Minister, Theresa May. King Abdullah visited her at 10 Downing Street on Thursday for talks.

On Friday, King Abdullah and Queen Rania visited Westminster Abbey where the Hashemite Monarch placed a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The couple paid their respects at the site as prayers were said. On the same morning, Crown Prince Hussein paid a visit to the Duke of Cambridge.

 

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.