Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton once got a telling off from the late Queen Elizabeth II over his bad table manners at a Buckingham Palace lunch.
The Formula 1 driver was invited to dinner by Her Majesty in 2009 after he was made an MBE, following his 2008 World Championship victory.
Hamilton had been previously told that the Queen was a fan of his and had been cheering him on during the dramatic 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, where he snatched the title from rival Felipe Massa.
However, in an interview on The Graham Norton Show in 2015, Hamilton revealed an interesting encounter with the late Queen.
Advert
He said: "I got invited to a lunch and was sitting next to The Queen.
"I was excited and started to talk to her but she said, pointing to my left, 'No, you speak that way first and I'll speak this way and then I'll come back to you'."
The racer said that this encounter did not spoil the mood as Her Majesty then engaged in a conversation with him.
Hamilton added: "She is a sweet woman and we talked about how she spends her weekends, houses and music. She is really cool."
Advert
The Formula 1 driver has a further history with the royal family as he was knighted late last year by the now King Charles III.
Before the announcement of the Queen's death yesterday, Hamilton posted a message on his social media.
It read: "She has been such a strong leader for such a long, long time and so resilient.
"I know she has always been a real fighter, so my thoughts are with her and the family.
"My prayers are with them. I am hoping for better news soon."
Advert
The Formula 1 legend then released an emotional and lengthy post this morning to pay his respects to Her Majesty.
It read: "How do you find the words to describe the loss of Her Majesty The Queen? She was truly an iconic leader, an inspiration and a reassuring presence for most, if not all, of our lives.
"Since the sad news yesterday, I’ve been reflecting on her incredible life. She was a symbol of hope for so many and she served her country with dignity, dedication and kindness. She was truly like no other and I’m grateful to have lived during her time. Her legacy will be long-lasting and her passing deeply felt."
Advert
He continued: "I had the incredible honour of being able to spend time with her. It is something I’ll never forget. We talked about our shared love of dogs and she was incredibly generous with her time. I know the whole nation and many others around the world will be mourning her loss and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those close to her, who have lost a loved one. Rest in Peace."
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, The Queen, Royal Family
Callum Jones