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Queen's G20 jibe becomes a YouTube sensation
Nick Pisa and Martin Bentham3 Apr 2009
THE QUEEN today became a worldwide hit on YouTube after she was caught on film reprimanding Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for being too noisy.
The footage shows the Queen gesturing in mild irritation at the Italian leader as she posed with President Barack Obama and other world leaders in the traditional "family" photograph at Buckingham Palace to mark the G20 summit.
As the photoshoot ends, Mr Berlusconi is heard shouting: "Mr Obama, Mr Obama," prompting the Queen to turn round, sigh and raise her arms in mock frustration, before saying: "What is it? Why does he have to shout?"
Within minutes, the Queen's burst of annoyance - which came despite an attempt by Mr Obama to quieten Mr Berlusconi by responding in a low voice - had become a worldwide hit after being posted on Italy's YouTube site and published on newspaper websites.
Visitors to Buckingham Palace are banned from filming on their mobile phones or cameras. A British and foreign TV crew were using a roving camera to capture the G20 leaders, although it was unclear if they were the source of the footage. Buckingham Palace today insisted that the diplomatic gaffe by Mr Berlusconi, who is renowned for his often inappropriate behaviour, had not caused any offence.
Last year he caused outrage by describing Mr Obama as "suntanned" then last week his response to the global economic crisis was different from that of the American president because: "I'm paler".
The White House said today that Mr Obama was so thrilled about meeting the Queen he telephoned his two daughters to tell them. Spokesman Robert Gibbs said: "I think it was a real treat to call back and tell his kids that he'd met the Queen."
He said the President told him the Queen reminded him of his grandmother - only that the British monarch lived in a "bigger house".
YouTube viewers seized with glee on the Queen's rebuke. One comment said: "Oh my goodness, where are his manners. The Queen should lock him in the Tower." Another said: "It's what the world has come to expect from Silvio - and he now wants to be President of Italy. God help us."
Mr Berlusconi once referred to a German MEP as a "concentration camp guard" and also said that companies should set up in Italy because "the secretaries are pretty". He boasted that he had used all his "playboy charms" to win over Finland's female prime minister to convince her to set up the EU Food Safety Authority in Parma, Italy. Today the Queen's disapproval was on the front pages of all the Italian newspapers. Corriere Della Sera had a cartoon showing the Queen with her fingers in her ears and the other G20 leaders looking startled as Mr Berlusconi shouted out. The caption read: "The Voice of Italy."
In a La Repubblica cartoon one person says: "Berlusconi's capacity for making a spectacle is unreachable." Their companion replies: "Here in Italy we call it charisma."
Reader views (52)
Christopher, Mumbai ,India - bad manners are bad manners, wherever found. Gauche behaviour is just as unacceptable in high or low society. Your dislike of the monarchy doesn't change that simple reality.
- Rogan, Irving, 29/04/2009 15:06
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I'm afraid the attitude of many Europeans is that Italy has become an economic and political basket case. It's almost like a national case of gross immaturity. A refusal to grow up and behave like adults. And I think it extends from the top to the bottom of that society. Doesn't help having TV networks that are all under the control or influence of Berlusconi who pumps out a diet of rubbish to television all over the country. Spoilt, sulky and pampered, that's what most people in Europe think of Italy.
- Tony Mcmahon, London, UK, 06/04/2009 09:36
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I just don't know how an english person can say Berlusconi is harmful for the democracy,he's been elected by the italian people with a big majority,hasn't got the powers that an unelected Gordon Brown has got and to me seems to be doing a good job,much better than Gordon Brown that's for sure.
- Linda, italy, 06/04/2009 07:33
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It is Free world now not a dictatorial selfish indulgent monarchial world of the past.
- Christopher, Mumbai ,India, 05/04/2009 23:30
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Where's the article on an American President bowing like a servant to the King of Saudi Arabia?
No one else was bowing in the room -- ?
Why is the media protecting Obama?
- Anon, USA, 05/04/2009 15:00
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I laughed when I saw Berlusconi had fought his way through the various celebrities to stand proudly next to President Obama (oh how Crash must have been peeved)
HM has put service over self from the beginning (over FIFTY YEARS for the cynics out there) and has always behaved impeccably - how many people out there would REALLY want all the constant attention and scrutiny?
Hat off to you, Ma'am ......
- Marianne, Eqully British Subject And Tax Payer!, SW France, 05/04/2009 11:57
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Also on YouTube you can see president Barack Hussein Obama BOWING very very deeply to king Abdullah of Saudi Arabia at G20. Now why hasn't that been mentioned by the UK media? See it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JGK-xbXxMw
- Ben Adamson, New York, NY, 05/04/2009 07:35
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While Her Majesty is at it, I'd love to hear what she really thinks about the party that have formed "Her Government" for the past 10 years.
- Tim, London, 04/04/2009 23:30
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Yes and the Queen is much much richer than all of us put together!
- Mariza, london, 04/04/2009 22:36
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"Not democratically I would say. UN inspectors have been checking on Italian elections for the last few years.
- Sabrina Riso, Milan, ITALY"
That is NOT true. As nuch as I dislike Berlusconi, there have been no UN inspectors monitoring Italian elections.
And yes, he was elected. By the people of Italy, in democratic elections.
Weird, but true.
As opposed to Gordon Brown, who hasn't actually been elected.
- Juma, london, uk, 04/04/2009 13:00
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Reading some of the immature and thoughtless comments here posted, one might wonder why anyone would want to be the monarch of this country. Gladly, the Queen is made of sterner stuff.
Just who might do the job of Head of State better than a monarch? And the last two hundred years shows that we have had little scandal, by world standards, in our monarchical system.
God Bless Our Gracious Queen!
- Lester May, London, 04/04/2009 11:45
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The Queen is representing everything that is great and rotten about the English class system. She doesn't live in the real world but in a cloud of cotton wool well insulated against the foulness of much of the country of which she is monarch. She and her ilk are an anachronism, tolerated as long as they don't say too much at the wrong time. In her world people don't shout they whisper. In the real world people have to shout to make themselves heard otherwise they drown.
- Cyrjames, Auckland NZ, 04/04/2009 06:10
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Ridiculous mountain out of a molehill stuff, no doubt massively amplified by those with a left wing political agenda who therefore hate both Berlusconi and the Queen.
- Matt, London, UK, 03/04/2009 23:49
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Not democratically I would say. UN inspectors have been checking on Italian elections for the last few years.
- Sabrina Riso, Milan, ITALY, 03/04/2009 23:32
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Gee.....some times It's so embarassing to be Italian 
- Fausto, San Diego - Italian Citizen, 03/04/2009 23:03
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I thought it was all funny and notice all the other leaders had a chuckle too. People do take things a little to seriously in life!
- Steve, Medway,England, 03/04/2009 17:51
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That clip doesn't tell us anything...could anyone actually hear what she apparently said? Media hype if you ask me.
- Dani, Surrey, 03/04/2009 17:37
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Was not he democratically elected by the people of Italy ?
- Bernard Parke, GUILDFORD, 03/04/2009 17:09
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Well I don't care much for the whole bunch of them, however, berlosconi is a dreadful little man isn't he?
He runs italy like a fascist dictator, but without mussolini's charm!!!
- Kerry, Purley, 03/04/2009 17:00
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Andy - Are you suggesting that we turn Buckingham Palace into a Theme Park? BTW - parking fines also generate more income than the queen as do illegal drugs. I am not sure how you are basing your logic - some kind of NPV study in national investment strategy? Perhaps having a cultural legacy accompanied by a modern manifestation of it cannot be quantified easily on your balance sheet but how in that case can you dismiss it?
I suggest that without the Monarchy there would be a little less interest in our little island and we would become more anonymous an less attractive in many respects. Or perhaps a gaudy theme park is a better idea, because they bring exactly the right kind of people with whom we can build on our great heritage.
- Jon, london,England, 03/04/2009 15:32
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That you want, the Italian temperament has revealed in so emotional conditions. HM certainly looks as mother of all political children who have gathered here. One of them has decided to play pranks.
- Sasha Suederich, Newcastle upon Tyne, 03/04/2009 15:27
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That's our Liz, you tell him girl! Silly man.
- Geraldine, London, 03/04/2009 15:15
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The queen is acting like a spoilt child.
The Italian PM is just being friendly. Maybe she could learn a thing or two.
- William Jenkins, london, 03/04/2009 14:55
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It is sad that the queen is a queen; why is she any different then other grandmother?
Because she requires millions of pounds to finance her life?
and her children and their children are spoiled, pampered favored just because of their "bloodline"-for christs' sakes get rid of this archaic thing called the royal family.
- C Lucas, earth, 03/04/2009 14:53
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I'm a 'Steve from London' too, and I repudiate my namesake's nonsense (earlier). In the world of today, only people like HMQ have the experience to handle the 'political' kindergarten. When you think about it (nationally and elsewhere), that's what she's 'for'.
- Steve, London, England, 03/04/2009 14:40
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Prime Minister Berlusconi is harmless.
- Danila Bertoni, Milan Italy
No he isn't harmless. He is a grave threat to democracy and the rule of law in his own country as well as a darkening stain on European politics.
- Robert C, London UK, 03/04/2009 14:34
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I am British and have great respect for and take pride in the Queen. Having said that, I don't feel the same about the rest of the family and am not sure I would want the insitutition to continue after her reign. So let's hope her reign goes on for a lot longer yet!
- Alan, London, 03/04/2009 14:12
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The Monarchy tradition is a rich asset to the UK. It brings clout and gravitas to the country. The Queen as a Head of State has a lot of presence and has shown a lot of wisdom over the years. I believe she would have done very well even with more executive power as of a President. And as many are aware, she also brings a lot of wealth and respect for the Country...
- Nabil H, London, UK, 03/04/2009 14:07
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As an Italian, I am rather annoyed at how Mr. Berlusconi behaved, and too often now he is like that. He reminds me actually of Mr. Bean as he tries to appear in pictures and, with a merry stupid smile, signaling to everybody (at home?): "Hey, I am here too!" (among "the powerful of the Earth")! This does not mean I approve the constant reviling of Mr. Berlusconi which goes on in the leftist media, not only in Italy. I think that the Italian government is doing on the whole a good job. Perhaps we need someone to watch Mr. Berlusconi closely and try to moderate his character, or sending prudentially someone else as our representative on the international scene. Mr. Gianfranco Fini could be better. Perhaps he would be even too serious for the Italian character...
- Paolo Castellina, London, UK, 03/04/2009 14:01
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HM is very good at keeping things together. Maybe she should stick at being a Commonwealth President with ambassadoral powers (she looks happier in this role)and let the UK run itself and redistribute some of the elites massive wealth to the genuine poor?
- Gordon, UK, 03/04/2009 13:37
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Good for the Queen. Telling of the non stop yapping Italian PM was simply excellent.
- Sally Soames, London, UK, 03/04/2009 13:33
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I think that everybody there should have been grateful that they were spared the ordeal of Mr. Berlusconi subjecting them to his singing.
- Martin Fielding, London, England, 03/04/2009 13:30
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Disneyworld is a beter moneyspinner for the USA than royalty is for us. The days of inherited privilege should be obsolete.
- Andy, London, 03/04/2009 13:30
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The Italians might be occasionally embarrassed by Berlusconi, but at least they get to choose their Prime Minister and accept the consequences. We just get some clueless Labour apparatchik forced upon us instead of a democratically-elected Prime Minister.(and before anyone trots out the old "people vote for a party not a PM" line, I think that only applies to people who slavishly vote Labour every time – the rest of us give our votes to the person we think will lead the country most effectively)
- St, London, 03/04/2009 13:24
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Lets hope she deals with Browns incompetence.
- Ed, london, 03/04/2009 13:22
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GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
- Daniel Bromley, london, 03/04/2009 13:19
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Roz your Queen is definitely held in the highest esteem on this side of the pond as well; good luck finding an elected official who even comes close to her standard of integrity and commitment to her country
- Pam, Michigan, USA, 03/04/2009 13:17
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Wouldn't it be great if our wonderful Queen would demand that McMitty pull his finger out and call an immediate General Election.
- Ted, London, 03/04/2009 13:16
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By no measure or means am I a Royalist, far from it, but what I would say in reply to Steve from London, is she is a source of income to Britain therefore making up for some of her costs.
Marcus - I think you'll find she is more aware of what goes on around her than you think.
Berlusconi was behaving like an undiscipined child, and thank goodness someone had the guts to put him in his place,
- E Sullivan, London, 03/04/2009 12:54
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Roz - well said
- Anne, London, 03/04/2009 12:00
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Everyone I have ever met abroad holds the Queen in the highest esteem and awe - and in Africa total reverence - and is a little envious that she is not their own Head of State: put her next to the likes of Berlusconi and Sarkozy and you see why. You can't out-class the Queen!
The ONLY PEOPLE who carp about her are, sadly, British - and it always stems from that great British institution of Inverted Snobbery (ie, envy). They refuse to see how hard-working she is, spout lies about her cost to the public (if you look at the stats on the monarchy website, in real terms, she pays us to be Queen - all she recovers is her carefully-audited expenses), and deliberately pretend that public buildings she uses for a working base are her personal houses used for partying. I predict that there will be loads of comments here - as in the past - masquerading as 'the ordinary person in the street demanding a republic' in fact posted by people who are directors of the PRIVATE COMPANY 'Republic', which is massively over-subscribed to by former and current members of the Communist Party.
- Roz, British Subject And Tax Payer, Chamonix, France, 03/04/2009 11:52
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"Now if only she'd say something to the French PM.
- S-M Hearmon, London, UK"
At least she could look him in the eye while doing so.
- Escobar-Alop-Lop, Camden County, 03/04/2009 11:50
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"She's only a wealthy wrinkly little old woman living in a big house courtesy of the taxpayer.She has no power or sway whatsoever and is merely a puppet for the rest of the world to ridicule.
I wish she would shut it on Christmas Day but you can't have everything.
- Steve, London"
Steve, "Dover" is the sign for Way Out if you don't like our country and its traditions.
- Tony, Twickenham, 03/04/2009 11:40
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Glad something good came of this junket!
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland, 03/04/2009 11:32
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I don't think the rest of the world ridicules our queen. It's mainly the brits with battleship sized chips on their shoulders that do that.
- Isabel, Woking, 03/04/2009 11:26
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Enuff of the ageist stereotyping, thanks, Steve!
- Sally P, England, 03/04/2009 11:20
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Italy's Prime Minister has always made a few mistakes,just like Prince Philip.
The press always exaggerates.
Prime Minister Berlusconi is harmless.
- Danila Bertoni, Milan Italy, 03/04/2009 11:10
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At least there is always someone we can feel proud of,God bless the Queen
- David, london, 03/04/2009 10:58
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I am Italian although definitely not represented by Berlusconi.
I must admit the guy is just an idiot and most of us italians think the same of him. Having said that I believe that in this circumstance it was not such a case of making it a drama, as the Queen did.
I live in Spain, surrounded by very loud Spanish people and also loads of British people who are much louder after they had a drink. Perhaps the Queen should come over and have a look at the "real World" before complaining about some loud voice.
This is part of our southern european way of speaking and I don't think the Queen realizes there is more out there than her own butlers.
- Marco, Alicante, Spain, 03/04/2009 10:51
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HM showed restraint and patience. Now if she'd clocked him with her handbag then fireman-lifted him to the window and defenestrated him, that would have been a great vid. Perhaps that happened after the cameras stopped rolling.
- Neil M., london uk,, 03/04/2009 10:51
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She's only a wealthy wrinkly little old woman living in a big house courtesy of the taxpayer.She has no power or sway whatsoever and is merely a puppet for the rest of the world to ridicule.
I wish she would shut it on Christmas Day but you can't have evertything.
- Steve, London, 03/04/2009 10:39
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You just have to love that woman. She's probably the only person who can say these things.
Now if only she'd say something to the French PM.
- S-M Hearmon, London, UK, 03/04/2009 10:36
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