An evening with royalty is an event most of us will never have the chance to live. Two-time Olympic medalist Jennifer Heil was invited to share the head table at last Monday’s Official Dinner in Toronto with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; her husband Philip Duke of Edinburgh; Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen Harper; Chief of Defense Staff General Walt Natynczyk and his wife; former Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn’s wife Gerda; as well as Olympic Ice Dance Gold Medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.
“I will be telling my grandchildren about this incredible experience”, exclaims Jennifer. Meeting royalty and sharing a dinner table with such dignitaries is certainly a chance the majority of us may only dream of. How does one prepare for such an event? “I went online and read about the protocol and proper etiquette”, explains Jenn. It is suggested to curtsy and, if offered the hand, proceed to a short and light handshake. “I certainly wanted to shake her hand”. This moment was immortalized by cameras and will remain a most memorable moment for the freestyle skiing champion.
In Jennifer’s words, Her Majesty was “so real”. We are used to seeing the Queen in a very formal context however; it was as though “she came to life through the conversation”. During dinner, the Duke of Edinburgh asked the Olympic athletes about each of their sports and the monarch allowed her table guests to “get a glimpse of her personality. It was neat to see how real she was through her interactions and dialogue”. Jenn elaborates by mentioning that, at one point the Queen moved quickly and her tiara slightly slipped on her head. She made a funny look as she graciously replaced the jeweled diadem. “It was neat to see a hint of the person underneath the crown. She seemed sweet and engaging”.
Photo credit Jason Ransom
When asked what is more nerve-wrecking between competing on moguls or meeting Queen Elizabeth, the athlete does not hesitate one second to say that this week’s dinner did require some preparation and she was definitely nervous! “I feel very lucky to have had such an amazing experience. The picture of my greeting the Queen will be in a very special frame right next to the one I have of my high-fiving Prime Minister Harper at the Vancouver Olympics!”
The word that best sums the evening for Jenn is “dazzling”. “From the overall feeling to the sparkling of her crown to the pearls and sequins that were forming maple leaf shapes on her outfit; I simply could not take my eyes off Her Majesty”.
Jennifer Heil makes history again!
Jenn took a few moments to tape videos while she was getting ready for a regal evening. Her natural beauty was enhanced by Marcelle colours of course and the talented hands of hair and makeup artist Claudine Baltazar from Plutino Group Toronto. We invite you to check her out as she gets ready to meet Queen Elizabeth II! Special thanks to Claudine Baltazar and Roseanna Plutino, President of Plutino Group Toronto, for their collaboration.
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