Queen in a Huff Over Berlusconi Boisterousness

Video shows annoyed monarch; palace denies hard feelings
By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 3, 2009 12:21 PM CDT

God save Silvio Berlusconi if he has irked the queen—and that’s just what the Italian premier appears to do in a video that’s become a YouTube sensation, the Telegraph reports. After Queen Elizabeth joined G20 leaders for a class photo, Berlusconi roared, “Mr. Obama!” Bristled Her Majesty: “What is it? Why does he have to shout?”

The British monarch was also none too pleased about being asked to smile for the photograph. “Is this supposed to be a happy event?” she said. Italians aren’t exactly thrilled with their gaffe-prone leader, either. Many have posted messages on YouTube expressing embarrassment, but a spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said the Queen took no offense at Berlusconi’s voce gran. (More Silvio Berlusconi stories.)

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