Jim Nantz is a celebrated television host who has covered numerous iconic moments in sports history over decades. But by his own admission, it was an unexpected dinner meeting with the late Queen Elizabeth II that led Nantz to term it the “toughest interview of my life”.

How did Jim Nantz meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II?

The longtime-CBS host mentioned every detail of the event in a story that appeared in the Los Angeles Times. The meeting occurred during the Queen’s visit to the United States with the then Prince of Wales, Prince Charles in 2007.

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George W. Bush, then-United States President, had invited 135 esteemed guests to be a part of the celebrations. Having interviewed and developed a close bond with a number of presidents, Nantz was invited to the gala. Golf legend, Arnold Palmer, was also invited to the ceremony.

What did Nantz say about his meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II?

According to Nantz, the events proceeded with a photo op alongside the Queen, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, President Bush, and First Lady Laura. Nantz was second in line and greeted the Queen, after which he was on his way, in the dark of what was planned ahead of him.

For the dinner that happened next, Nantz was seated at Table 11. The Marines then announced the arrival of President Bush and his wife, followed by the royals from the United Kingdom. The Queen walked up and sat on Table 11, across a bewildered Nantz, who wouldn’t have dreamt of sitting face-to-face with the Queen.

“I was looking right into her eyes,” Nantz told the Times. “She had the tiara and the sash, everything you would think it would look like. Right out of central casting.”

Soon enough, Nantz realized the plot. He received a signal from Bush when the latter hushed him while walking towards his seat, saying, “you’re sitting at this table for a reason. Keep the conversation going.” No pressure!

As the dinner passed by, Jim Nantz felt it was difficult to break the ice. To make things easier, Bush highlighted some of the key broadcasting moments from Nantz’s distinguished career but it failed to materialize any conversation.

As more time passed, Bush gave the signal to step up the energy on the table. The below-reported conversation is a word-to-word interpretation of Nantz’s efforts, as told to the Times.

Nantz: “Your Majesty, may I ask you a question?”

She looked up.

Nantz: “You were at the Kentucky Derby. Did you have a nice time?”

Queen Elizabeth II: “It was lovely.”

Nantz: “Did you have the winning horse?”

Queen Elizabeth II: “No, I didn’t.”

Nantz: “Are you a big fan of horse racing?”

Queen Elizabeth II: “I enjoy it.”

Well, looks like the best in business fall short of the Queen! However, it was a unique opportunity for Nantz to meet the Queen, and in the process, be a part of the toughest interview of his life.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll, passed away on Friday at the Balmoral Castle surrounded by family. The United Kingdom and the Commonwealth are currently in mourning and await to bid their last farewell t their Queen soon.

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