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Arsenal are the only club the Queen invited for afternoon tea, Thierry Henry introduced her to everyone

Home> Football> Football News> Arsenal

Updated 16:47 15 Sep 2023 GMT+1Published 16:46 15 Sep 2023 GMT+1

Arsenal are the only club the Queen invited for afternoon tea, Thierry Henry introduced her to everyone

A memorable moment for the French superstar.

Marcus Chan

Marcus Chan

Arsenal are the only football club to ever be invited for afternoon tea with the Queen.

Back in the summer of 2006 when Arsenal moved from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, Queen Elizabeth II was scheduled to cut the ribbon to officially open the club's new home.

However, due to reportedly hurting her back, Prince Philip took her place.

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It was reported that the Queen expressed her disappointment at missing the event, as a result, the Arsenal team were invited to Buckingham Palace for afternoon tea in February of 2007.

Footage from a BBC documentary captured the historic meeting between the Queen and the Arsenal team. Watch the fascinating footage below.

Then club director, Ken Friar said: "I have been in the business a year or two now and have been very fortunate to do many things, and I would think this is a highlight."

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Whilst former manager Arsene Wenger added: "I think she is interested in people and will make them feel relaxed."

Before the meeting with the Queen, the Arsenal squad were given a private tour of the state apartments by Desmond Shawe Taylor, a royal collections expert.

As the Queen arrived to greet the players. Club captain Thierry Henry introduced the players.

"It went really nicely," Henry said afterwards. "I have no words to describe the experience the Queen has given us."

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It is now more than a year since the Queen passed away at Balmoral Castle, aged 96.

Arsenal released a statement at the time, paying tribute to the monarch.

It read: "Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"Her Majesty gave remarkable service over eight decades to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and we join together with so many around the world in mourning her passing and wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family."

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Featured Image Credit: BBC & Arsenal

Topics: Arsenal, Football, Premier League, Arsene Wenger, Thierry Henry

Marcus Chan
Marcus Chan

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