UK's 'golden era' with China in balance after Queen comments | TheNews Linzer

Monarch heard accusing Chinese officials of being rude to ambassador in connection with President Xi’s state visit last year



China has refused to say whether a “golden era” of relations with Britain still exists, after the Queen was caught on camera accusing Beijing officials of being rude.

In a discussion with a senior Metropolitan police officer, the Queen was heard accusing unnamed Chinese representatives of being “very rude” to the British ambassador in connection with President Xi Jinping’s first state visit to Britain last year.

The Queen was apparently unaware that the camera had picked up her comments to Metropolitan police commander Lucy D’Orsi, filmed by a pool cameraman working on behalf of British broadcasters during a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

When D’Orsi was introduced as the officer responsible for security during the visit, the Queen was heard to say: “Oh, bad luck.” Continue reading...





Published By - Theguardian.com- Tech News, Politics news, UK and world political comment and analysis: Wednesday 11 May 2016 11.10 BST

The Obamas and the royals: bond with monarchy covers up political cracks

As America’s first couple joins in the Queen’s birthday celebrations, the visit contrasts with Obama’s stiff relationship with British government leaders

When Michelle Obama flies in to join her husband for birthday lunch with the Queen on Friday it will also mark an annual ritual for White House schedulers: when in doubt, reach for the royals. Throughout a presidency known for cordial but somewhat stiff relations with Britain’s political rulers, the monarchy has provided a flexible sticking plaster to cover up any sign of cracks in the special relationship.

Ever since the first lady and the Queen famously put their arms around each other during the Obamas’ first official visit to the UK, a series of surprisingly relaxed encounters have delighted diplomats on both sides of the pond.

Princes Harry, Charles and William have all paraded through the Oval Office in the last 18 months, receiving levels of presidential access and bonhomie usually reserved for current heads of state rather than those in the waiting room.

Published By - Theguardian.com - Sports New, LifeStyle News, Politics news, UK and world political comment and analysis: Thursday 21 April 2016 18.00 BST