Camilla, the Zulu duchess
Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, puts on a traditional Zulu hat during their visit to Freedom Square in Kliptown, Soweto November 3, 2011. Prince Charles and Camilia are on a five-day visit to South Africa. REUTERS/Alexander Joe/Pool Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, puts on a traditional Zulu hat during their visit to Freedom Square in Kliptown, Soweto November 3, 2011. Prince Charles and Camilia are on a five-day visit to South Africa. REUTERS/Alexander Joe/Pool
Donning traditional garb has long been an obligatory part of any royal trip abroad - sometimes with mixed success.
But when she gamely tried on a traditional Zulu headdress in a Johannesburg township yesterday, the Duchess of Cornwall managed to pull off the look with panache.
Her husband, Prince Charles, joined in with her laughter as she adjusted the headgear, given to her by a wellwisher as she toured Freedom Square in Soweto.
The Duchess was so taken by the hat that she tried to pay local businesswoman Nthabiseng Dibakoane Ð who specialises in handmade bags, dresses and hats Ð for it.
But Mrs Dibakoane insisted she take it as a gift to welcome her to South Africa.
Charles and Camilla were enjoying the first full day of a whistle-stop Commonwealth tour, and looked relaxed as they mingled with the crowds.
They shook hands with some of the hundreds who came to see them and the Duchess, wearing a white Anna Valentine dress with butterfly motif, was given a hug by one wellwisher. - Daily Mail