Queen Camilla couldn’t help but giggle on Wednesday when she came face to face with the costumed Gladiators Nitro and Fire at the BBC 500 Words finals.
When it comes to life in the public spotlight, it’s safe to say that members of the Royal Family are usually prepared for just about anything. From greeting foreign dignitaries to interacting with cheeky children, very little has been known to faze them – but in a surprising turn of events, Queen Camilla was recently caught off guard while meeting the stars of BBC Gladiators.
In a stark change from her usual composed demeanour, Queen Camilla didn’t know where to look as she was introduced to muscle bound Nitro from Gladiators. The unexpected meeting came as the Queen was hosting the finals of the BBC 500 Words competition on Wednesday, when she was introduced to the scantily-clad star – whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
”This is Harry, but you night know him as Gladiator Nitro,” she was told, leaving the Queen giggling. “It’s so lovely to meet you,” he said, with a small bow.
“The children were so thrilled to be escorted off by a Gladiator,” said Camilla, who seemed to have a basic knowledge of the popular BBC programme, referring to how the competition’s winners were walked back to their seats by himself and colleague, Fire, reports The Mirror.
“We seem to have such a rapport with these young children, which is amazing,” he said. “They will probably remember that more than they will winning a medal,” quipped the Queen. “Well thank you very much indeed.”
She also spoke to his colleague and told her: “How are you managing to keep it going. You must be black and blue.” Fire replied: “We try to work as a team. Today was just about the children. It’s such an honour to be here.” Nitro revealed afterwards that it was actually the second time he had been invited to Buckingham Palace.
Prior to joining Gladiators, Nitro was actually a competitive sprinter and had been able to meet with the late Queen Elizabeth after becoming a British sprinting Olympian and member of Team GB at the European and World Championships.
He said: “I met the late Queen as Harry here in this room. I was invited here in 2010-ish to highlight my achievements on behalf of the ethnic minorities.” He joked that he was slightly differently dressed then and “had a few more clothes on”.
“I was dressed well,” he said, laughing. “To be fair I did come [this time] dressed correctly and once I got here they told me [to put on his shorts and singlet]. I thought gosh, surely I must be the least dressed man in this room. I’ve added to the history.” He said the Queen didn’t “even blink” when she saw him.
“She wasn’t surprised. I guess it’s 2025 and we are welcoming all sorts into the house!”