Silvio Berlusconi: Rare video of Queen Elizabeth 'annoyed' with former Italian leader resurfaces
More under this adFollowing the death of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a video of one of his most famous mishaps has resurfaced.
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi passed away on 12 June after years of battling health issues. Now, while most world leaders praised him following the announcement of his death, Berlusconi was mostly known for his ‘gaffes’.
Discover our latest podcast
Online the announcement of Berlusconi's death triggered a variety of reactions. People have pointed out his many scandals and unfiltered comments:
More under this adMore under this adWhile others mourn him as a great and memorable leader:
More under this adMore under this adBut, as the scandalous man that he was, Berlusconi’s passing has also brought back to the surface an iconic exchange between him and late Queen Elizabeth.
Berlusconi at the Palace
After his death was announced, a video dating back to 2009 resurfaced on Twitter in which Berlusconi is being true to himself. In the video, taken at a G-20 photocall, you see the leaders standing up and start to leave. As they start walking, Silvio Berlusconi exclaims 'Mister Obama' in the loud voice he was known for. The thing is: this happened at Buckingham Palace and a mere meter away from Queen Elizabeth.
More under this adMore under this adRead more : Vladimir Putin has Italian ally? Here's what's been revealed about his relationship with Silvio Berlusconi
A unique look at the Queen’s personality
In the video you can see that the Queen is surprised and obviously taken aback by this sudden outburst. An article from CNN points out that she even appears 'to get annoyed'. Indeed, you can clearly see her turn around and shrug at the Italian world leader in confusion.
More under this adMore under this adQueen Elizabeth, a woman of few but wise words then says:
'What is it? Why does he have to shout?'
Queen Elizabeth, known for her poise and self-control, here also shows her incisive sense of humour as she makes the world leaders laugh. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth rarely let her temper show but thanks to Berlusconi we were allowed this iconic and endearing glimpse into her personality.
More under this adMore under this adAt the time of the event the Palace rebuked the rumors of the Queen being angry saying that the whole exchange and atmosphere was 'warm and friendly'.
Read more: Queen Elizabeth II once hid in plain sight to party on the streets of London
Sources used:
France 24: A ‘fighter’, a ‘true friend’: Global tributes pour in for Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi
CNN:Queen Elizabeth's anger at Berlusconi a YouTube hit