Meeting Royalty is usually a memorable occasion – but Rihanna’s encounter with Prince Charles may prompt painful recollections for the pop idol.
The 33 year-old woman was given to the heirs to the throne last week during the historic ceremony which marked Barbados’s transition form a constitutional monarchy and republic.
The Umbrella singer – who was born in Saint Michael and was named a National Hero of Barbados during the celebrations – was quick to grasp Charles’s hand when it was her turn to meet him, despite clearly sporting a discreet splint on her right fingers.
She was seen in New York with an even more robust brace to protect her fingers, a sign Charles’s grasp may have taken her by surprise.
After decades of performing ceremonial tasks, the Prince of Wales is known for his firm handshake. Ann Loader from New Zealand said that she thought the Prince might break her fingers shortly after having met him in 2012.

MEET AND GREET: Pop star Rihanna and Prince Charles shake hands (pictured) during last week’s ceremony to declare Barbados a republic

DISCREET – The 33-year old was wearing a finger splint in her right hand.

INJURED: Three days later, the singer was wearing a protective brace on his hand.