Sir Lewis Hamilton once got told off by the late Queen Elizabeth II after falling foul to Buckingham Palace's famously strict etiquette rules.
After being invited to a dinner in 2009, which took place just after he'd received an MBE, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion claims that his bad table manners were immediately noted by the Queen.
Recounting the story on a 2015 episode of the Graham Norton Show, she also supposedly admitted to watching one of his most dramatic races while at the dinner.
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Hamilton stated on the BBC talkshow: "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'."
In spite of this slightly awkward moment, the driver insisted it did not spoil the mood, as Her Majesty then engaged in a conversation with him.
According to the 37-year-old, she even admitted to having watched the dramatic finale of the 2008 F1 season, where Hamilton won his first world title on the last lap.
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The Queen passed away on Thursday (8 September) at the age of 96, with Buckingham Palace breaking the news that evening.
Hamilton, who is set to race this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix, released an emotional and lengthy post on Friday morning to pay his respects to Her Majesty.
Posted to Instagram, 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."
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"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."
He continued: "I had the incredible honour of being able to spend time with her. It is something I’ll never forget.
"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, Formula 1, Motorsport
Tom Fenton