The royalty in question was Laurine Catélion, the current ‘Reine D’Aubergenville’. Reine is a French girl’s name which translates as ‘Queen’, and 18-year-old Laurine’s regal role is to be the ambassadrice de charme – charming ambassador – for the town.
It was the first time the Aubergenville party had brought the reigning Queen to Horndean for its annual visit, and it was also Laurine’s first visit to England.
Born and brought up in Aubergenville, she started a languages degree at the University of Nanterre but a few months later changed paths and is now studying to become a veterinary assistant.
Arriving on September 20, the visitors and their hosts attended a concert to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Horndean Band, enjoyed a sausage and cider evening at The Victoria Inn in West Marden, marvelled at the mosaic floors of Fishbourne Roman Palace, tucked into a barbecue and visited Butser Ancient Farm before returning to France on September 23.
A Horndean Parish Twinning Association party will make a return visit to Aubergenville from May 29 to June 1 next year.