Royal Biscuit Bicker: Queen and Philip's 2004 France Spat Revealed
A lip reader has revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip engaged in a light-hearted row over biscuits during a 2004 state visit to France. This amusing incident is featured in a new Channel 5 documentary airing on Saturday, 21 March, at 8pm, which delves into the private moments of the royal couple while they were on official duties abroad.
The Parisian Pastry Dispute
The couple were in Paris, observing a calvary display by the elite Cadre Noir riding college, when Her Majesty began searching through her handbag. According to lip reader Khalil Anwar, she turned to Philip and said, 'I have mints in here.' Her husband then replied with something off-camera, prompting Elizabeth to snap back: 'Yes, I have biscuits.'
The late Duke of Edinburgh allegedly responded, 'I only asked and you are being in a mood with me today. I would like this to be a nice day, today.' The lip-reader believes the Queen tried to diffuse the situation, saying, 'Let's stop this now. Of course I don't want you to suffer.'
Royal Commentary on the Exchange
Royal commentator Ingrid Seward told the programme, 'That's a delightful exchange. Philip and the Queen used to bicker a lot, so it's quite interesting to see the boot on the other foot if you know what I mean. We always hear about Philip being rude to the Queen, but here's the Queen snapping at him.'
Actress Nina Wadia also called the sweet spat 'hugely entertaining,' adding, 'This is just every day real life. And I love that they are normal.'
Grant Howard, a former royal butler, remarked, 'What's funny with this glimpse is everyone wants to know what's in the Queen's handbag. What it says to me is she basically had a walking buffet in that bag!'
Further Royal Revelations: King Charles's Coronation Scolding
In a previous episode of the documentary, a lip reader revealed how King Charles received a scolding from his wife, Queen Camilla, about swearing during his Coronation on May 6, 2023. Forensic lip reader Nicola Hickling described the scene as the monarch, visibly overwhelmed, left Westminster Abbey.
'As Charles gets into the carriage, he lets out a sigh and then mutters, "f*** me",' said Hickling. 'And then very quickly Camilla responds, "frankly, I don't want to hear that".'
Body language expert Adrianne Carter noted that this exasperated expletive showed 'the royals being as human as you and I.' Royal analyst Cristo Foufas added, 'He swears, he swears a lot, King Charles, doesn't he? Because he's the King we see him as incredibly classy... and there he is, saying "f*** me" as he gets into the carriage, because it's hard work!'
Carriage Conversations and Calming Moments
Nicola suggested that Camilla later tried to diffuse the mood, appearing to tell Charles, 'Perhaps we should run off somewhere... don't wallow.' To this, Charles reportedly quickly replied, 'I don't have to smile.' The lip-reader added that the King then seemingly 'grumbled' as he 'sarcastically' said, 'Oh we have to be happy and have manners do we?'
In one final carriage exchange, Nicola claimed Camilla simply asked, 'Are you alright?' To this, Charles reportedly said, 'No, not really.'
Former Royal Press Secretary Dickie Arbiter commented, 'I am with the King on this. There was obviously an element of frustration. At the age of 75, you're normally retired, but the monarchy doesn't retire... Fortunately Camilla was with him and Camilla's able to calm him down... He won't go OTT in her presence.'
The documentary, Lip-Reading The Royals: What Are They Really Saying?, airs at 8pm on Saturday on Channel 5, offering a unique glimpse into the private interactions of the royal family.
