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THE QUEEN joked her grandson Louis was "quite a handful" as she met crowds of well-wishers on a visit to the Isle of Man.

Camilla, 76, received a warm welcome as she stepped in once again for King Charles due to his cancer diagnosis.

Queen Camilla met representatives from the RNLI as she visited community groups in Onchan, Isle of Man
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Queen Camilla met representatives from the RNLI as she visited community groups in Onchan, Isle of ManCredit: Getty
She also met members of the public as she visited Douglas Borough Council
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She also met members of the public as she visited Douglas Borough CouncilCredit: Getty
Queen Camilla with members of the Manx Bluetits swimming club
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Queen Camilla with members of the Manx Bluetits swimming clubCredit: AFP
Queen Camilla meet Diana Parkes CBE who founded the Joanna Simpson Foundation
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Queen Camilla meet Diana Parkes CBE who founded the Joanna Simpson FoundationCredit: Reuters

Dressed in blue, she was greeted with cheers by well-wishers and gave a speech on behalf of her husband.

While the off-the-cuff remark is thought to be about Kate and William's youngest child - the Queen actually has two grandsons called Louis.

Louis Lopes, 16, is the son of Camilla's daughter Laura Lopes, 46, and was Page at last May's Coronation.

The King, 75, wanted to travel himself to confer city status on the Borough of Douglas - but asked Camilla to step in after announcing he had cancer last month.

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In Douglas delighted crowds handed the Queen bouquets of flowers and took photos.

They included Rachael Hughes, 38, and her 15-week old twins, Louie and Oliver.

The Queen said: "I have a Louis grandson... quite a handful".

Racheal said afterwards: "Camilla came over to admire the boys, asked their names and said it gets easier when they are two! It was so lovely to see her. She is doing a great job and she looks fabulous."

Cheered by crowds she headed inside to the council chamber to present the Letters Patent.

It was the first time the Queen has conferred city status without the King by her side.

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Camilla stood to address the chamber, saying: "My husband is so sorry that he cannot be here today on this extremely special occasion. He sent me here armed with a speech to read out today."

Reading the King's speech, she said: "I am desperately disappointed not to be able to join you today as we celebrate the conferral of the city status of Douglas here on the Isle of Man.

"The granting of City status is particularly special to me as the Letters Patent are the only ones in existence that hold my signature and that of my late mother".

The King's speech added that he was ‘grateful’ to the Queen for stepping in.

Douglas was one of eight new cities created to mark the Queen's 70 years on the throne.

After meeting members of the public Camilla was whisked away to Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and his family, to meet the Isle of Man’s Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan, and community groups including representatives from the RNLI and the Manx Bluetits swimming club.

The Queen's remarks come after the cheeky youngster was previously caught playfully messing around in front of thousands as the Firm braved the rainy conditions.

Louis shared a hilarious moment as the Red Arrows turned the grey sky red, white and blue.

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He also stole the show during the 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations, he was spotted full of a wide array of facial expressions.

At times, Prince Louis was seen shushing his mother, while other times, fans saw him placing his hands over his face.

Prince Louis tries his hand at archery while taking part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, west of London on May 8, 2023
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Prince Louis tries his hand at archery while taking part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, west of London on May 8, 2023Credit: AFP
(Left-right) Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte during the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, central London June 17, 2023
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(Left-right) Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte during the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, central London June 17, 2023Credit: PA
Prince George of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales watch an RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in London
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Prince George of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales watch an RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in LondonCredit: Getty
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