It's all in good fun
Click to view'We are NOT offended': Palace tries to smooth over Queen's 'Why does he have to shout' jibe at Berlusconi
By Mail Foreign Service and Nick Pisa
Last updated at 3:23 PM on 03rd April 2009
The Queen today played down claims she had become annoyed with gaffe-prone Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi at the official G20 photocall.
Footage shows Mr Berlusconi being reprimanded by the Queen for being too noisy during the traditional 'family' photo of world leaders.
He nearly took Barack Obama down with him when at the end of the session he shouted out: 'Mr Obama!'. The U.S. President replied, more quietly: 'Mr Berlusconi.'
The Queen, on hearing Mr Berlusconi's strident tones, turned - seemingly to Mr Obama - and exclaimed about Mr Berlusconi: 'What is it? Why does he have to shout!'
The clip has already become a web sensation, but today Buckingham Palace insisted there had been no irritation or any 'gaffes'.
Enlarge The photograph that G20 leaders were posing for yesterday - taken just seconds before Mr Berlusconi made his gaffe
The photograph that G20 leaders were posing for yesterday - taken just seconds before Mr Berlusconi made his gaffe.
A Palace spokeswoman described the reception as 'warm and friendly' and said everyone involved was good-natured.
She added: 'It was loud and jolly and very jovial, there were no gaffes and no offence taken.'
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