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Queen Reacts to Photos Taken of Mars by NASA's Perseverance Rover during British Science Week

Mar 15, 2021

03:20 P.M.

The 94-year-old monarch made a virtual appearance during the British Science Week, and her reaction to photographs captured by NASA was amusing. Check out the video below.

The Queen was joined by four individuals as well as a teacher and school children via Zoom. One of the experts broke the ice by asking Her Majesty how she would describe the first man who headed into space back then.

Her Royal Highness shared that it was interesting to meet Yuri Gagarin. When asked what he was like, she jokingly said, "Russian," which led all the attendants to burst into laughter.

Queen Elizabeth attends Ascot racecourse on October 20, 2012 in Ascot, England. | Photo: Getty Images

THE QUEEN’S VIRTUAL APPEARANCE

"He didn't speak English. He was fascinating, and I suppose being the first one, it was particularly fascinating," she said. Another expert took over and narrated the images from Mars, which popped up on the screen.

Along with the presentation, the Queen noted that a meteorite that landed in the UK looked mixed, to which the expert explained in full detail.

The expert divulged that it is the meteorite's surface and that it contains different patches. The Queen chimed in and said, "Riveting, fascinating."

When coming to the school kids, they did a little demonstration for the monarch. They are reportedly a science class who collaborated with the science museum for their project.

At the end of their demonstration, Her Majesty shared that it was exciting to see Mars' images and said that it was unbelievable to see them. She thanked those who joined her and praised them, noting that it was a pleasure to see them.

Queen Elizabeth stands on a dais outside Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Colour Ceremony on June 15, 2013 in London, England. | Photo: Getty Images

According to People, the Queen is reportedly back to work three days after releasing a statement on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview. On March 12, the palace revealed she joined a virtual science showcase to mark British Science Week.

The event is a celebration of the role played in UK society by science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

Yuri Gagarin in his spacesuit in a scene from the documentary, "First Voyage to the Stars," which is being screened at the 2nd Moscow International Film Festival on July 19, 1961. | Photo: Getty Image

FIRST MAN ON SPACE

The Queen was also able to meet Gargarin, who became the first cosmonaut. He had his first United Kingdom tour back in 1961. According to BBC, Gagarin was a Russian native and was invited by the British authorities for a day or so for the Soviet exhibition of technology.

He also made an appearance at Earl's Court and was interviewed by British journalists. His visit then turned into a state visit, and he ended up meeting the Queen and the Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, at the time.

Neil A. Armstrong poses for a portrait July 1969. | Photo: Getty Images

FIRST MAN ON THE MOON

In October 2020, People recounted astronaut Neil Armstrong’s awkward encounter with the Queen over five decades ago. Before he passed in 2012, he shared the story of his engagement with Her Majesty.

According to the outlet, the event happened following his successful moon landing with other Apollo 11 astronauts, making him the first man to walk on the moon. He and his crew embarked on a world tour, and meeting the Queen of England was on their itinerary at the time.

Neil Armstrong with wife Janet Shearon and sons, United States, March 1969. | Photo: Getty Images

Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins's historic Apollo 11 mission touched down on the moon on July 20, 1969. Their visit was reportedly scheduled for October 14 to Buckingham Palace back then.

At the time, he was suffering from a cold and was feeling unwell to a point where he considered skipping the visit, but his wife persuaded him to go. His engagement with the Queen resulted in an uncomfortable situation.

While trying to speak to the Queen, Armstrong reportedly began coughing on her – and when he tried to apologize, he only coughed more. The monarch reportedly did not find offense and reportedly reacted in a light-hearted way, lifting her hands in mock surrender.

Marilyn Monroe makes an appearance in Ladies of the Chorus. | Photo: Getty Images

HER MAJESTY MEETING CELEBRITIES

According to the Independent UK, the royal matriarch has met several well-known figures in her lifetime, from pop star Lady Gaga to former football star David Beckham. She met Gaga after the Royal Variety Performance in 2009.

On June 23, 2018, the Queen greeted Beckham during the Young Leaders Awards at Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty also had the chance to meet the late Marilyn Monroe in 1856 as the actress performed a slight curtsy.