Duchess of Edinburgh experiences awkward handshake moment

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie have been visiting Malta to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the island nation's independence from the UK.

The couple met with Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife, Lydia, and posed for photos together.

However, an awkward moment captured on video shows the duchess appearing to miss the prime minister's attempt to extend his hand for a handshake.

In the slow-motion footage that has circulated on social media, Abela reaches across Prince Edward to greet the duchess, but she seems focused ahead while the four of them pose for reporters outside.

Eventually, Prince Edward turns toward Sophie, likely to alert her to the PM's outstretched hand.

Sophie quickly shifts her attention to Abela and acknowledges his diplomatic gesture.

While the Edinburghs’ visit to the Mediterranean included some less embarrassing moments, this particular incident caught the spotlight.

On Tuesday, the Royal Family's account lauded the pair's trip, saying: "This week, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are in Malta to mark the 60th anniversary of the country's independence.

"Their Royal Highnesses commemorated the bravery of the people of Malta during the Second World War, casting a wreath into Valletta harbour which suffered relentless aerial attacks by the Luftwaffe and Italian Air Force.

"In 1942, at the height of the attacks, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the Maltese population in recognition of their resistance, endurance and loyalty."

The George Cross continues to be featured on Malta's flag today, prominently displayed alongside the Union Flag on balconies as the royal couple toured the island.

Recently, the Royal Family highlighted the couple's visit to Villa Guardamangia, where Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, and Prince Philip lived from 1949 to 1951 while he served as a Naval officer in Malta.

The villa is currently undergoing restoration, and the duke and duchess were given a tour by the staff working on the heritage project, as noted by the family.