Inuit throat singing leaves Charles and Camilla in stitches

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall struggle to contain their laughter during a traditional Inuit welcome in Iqaluit. The city is the capital of Canada's northernmost territory and is already feeling the effects of climate change. The pair were on the first day of a three-day tour of the country.

[rizal]

If Princess Diana was there, we know she would never do something disrespectful. Princess Diana Forever ❤

[Balendula]

The biggest irony to all of this is that throat singing is meant to be a fun, humorous pastime (like staring contests)... It isn't some intimate, sacred ritual. Except here, the Royals were laughing AT the singers, not with them...

[ritadighent]

from Inuit Culture Online Resource:

Throat singing was traditionally performed between two women. The songs are sung as a friendly competition; played as a game. One person sets the rhythm, the pace the sound and the other follow. The first person to outlast or not laugh is the winner, as each song tends to end in laughter.

Many throat songs were created to mimic the sounds of daily life or surrounding natural elements and wildlife. As an example a song called “The Cleaning” mimics the sounds you would hear as the rails of the Qamutik was being cleaned; while another mimics the sound of a saw. These games helped to entertain children and women while the men were out hunting. Throat singing was banned by the Christian clergy for decades but in modern day has been accepted. Since then throat singing has seen resurgence in modern Inuit culture and is being restored to its former place of importance in Inuit culture. Many celebrations within Inuit communities be they northern or southern community events are accompanied by the sounds of throat songs.

Today throat singing is being passed on to the younger generation to be sure that this amazing piece of Inuit culture remains an honored tradition. It was traditionally passed on to daughter but now young boys are also taking their turn trying out the great game.

[justinmiron]

If ever there was an image that captured modern Colonialism, this is it.

[shineboxofiran]

Jesus Christ he looks older than the Queen

[bendaveta]

So rude and disrespectful! Charles started laughing when he saw Camilla laughing. That's why Camilla will be nowhere near the late Princess of Wales, Princess Diana.

[LadyWhinesalot]

They were so rude and so many comments here are also very rude. Throat singing is a cultural tradition and deserves more respect than this.

[caligalalwysun]

Princess Diana would’ve been mesmerized. A true Princess 😔

[NicoleStLouis-ishc]

Amazing there is so much etiquette and rules around them..but okay to dis others??

[lunauniited]

Princess Diana would never be so disrespectful.

[littlemull]

I'm Inuit and fyi it's meant to make people laugh, everybody needs to chill out

[Mini-Kiyomi]

And look at that, finally being called out for their racist behavior. I'm happy vids like this is out here. The palace is real bad man

[sirdanielwatlingsmbe]

This is so disrespectful. Diana would never do something like this!!

[Wolfy-nzvz]

Of course they laughed, who wouldn't!!

[Scanch]

Isn't the point of throat singing that it's a competition to see which singer laughs first? The singer on the right looks like she's going to laugh as well. Indigenous people aren't all stoic you know. They enjoy a fun time.

[RM-cwmo]

Throat singing in Canada is a competition between two throat singers to mimic the sounds of nature and it is the person who laughs first who loses. At common ceremonies people watching do not usually laugh while they throat sing and will laugh and clap once one has lost. I am not entirely sure if it is rude to laugh when watching but I’ve never really seen someone laugh before so I am not sure.

[kedhotkerri]

I wonder how they tried to discribe there days engagements round the dinner table 😂❤

[bober]

It sounds like animal mating more than singing

[wm]

P*ssed myself laughing at this🤣🤣 sounds like two women taking each other...one having an asthma attack as the other tries to finish while having a seizure 😅

[AB_]

I’ve been laughing at this for half an hour 🤣💀