There was no handshake from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the youngster accompanying him on stage in the Commonwealth meeting opening ceremony.

A telegenic Mr Trudeau was more engrossed in greeting the packed Mediterranean Conference Centre rather than grabbing the outstretched hand of the youngster.

In stark contrast, Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Bainimarana greeted the youngster accompanying him on stage by bumping his fist with the boy’s in a buddy-like welcome.

Dressed casually, the boys and girls provided a cute touch to the solemnity of the opening ceremony as they first accompanied the leaders down the red carpet and later showed them to their seating on the stage.

Not all leaders engaged in conversation with the accompanying teenagers but some did, including UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

Dressed casually, the boys and girls provided a cute touch to the opening ceremony

Organisers had said the presence of children and teenagers was to convey the message that any decisions taken by Commonwealth leaders had to keep the younger generations in mind. But their job did come in handy on stage.

The teenage girl accompanying the Rwandan representative had to prompt him to take the right seat after he sat down in the one closest to him. The same happened with the boy accompanying the Prime Minister from Antigua and Barbuda.

It was left to the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to ditch the formality of walking to centre stage where two youngsters were waiting.

Instead, Prince Charles greeted the dignitaries from the side lines and headed straight for the seats reserved for him and the Duchess.

His father, the Duke of Edinburgh, did seem to point this out when he whispered something in his son’s ear.