Prime Minister of Canada. Justin Trudeau has come under fire after an “embarrassing” video of him singing rock band, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in a piano bar in London before Queen Elizabeth’s funeral service emerged.
Trudeau had been invited to attend the Queen’s private memorial service in Westminster Abbey, London in Monday along with other world leaders. The Queen was the head of state in Canada as it is a Commonwealth country.
While the British public mourned and solemnly waited in the cold for up to 30 hours to pay their respects to their late Queen as she laid in state for four days, Trudeau sparked outrage on social media when a video was uploaded to Twitter of him howling along to Freddie Mercury singing Bohemian Rhapsody just two days before the state funeral.
The Canadian leader can be seen dressed in a red t-shirt, leaning on a piano as Quebec musician and recipient of the Order of Canada, Gregory Charles, plays the famous Queen song in London’s luxurious Corinthia hotel. The Prime Minister looked relaxed and appeared to smile as he enthusiastically sang along to the tune.
Walking to my hotel I bumped into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and wife Sophie taking a walk in the Autumn sunshine down St James, they are in London for the State Funeral of The Late HM Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/AyfPLX5xJj
— Mark Stewart (@RegalEyes) September 17, 2022
In the clip which many Canadians dubbed as “disrespectful” and “embarrassing”, he can be heard wailing the lyrics “easy come, easy go, little high, little low” and “any way the wind blows”.
Apparently clueless as to the mood of the nation he was in, Charles later said that they had been singing songs in the piano bar for around two hours and it was “a lot of fun” while Britain was still in an official period of mourning after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8.
But the video has drawn major backlash from the public around the world and other political leaders.
Former Canadian ambassador to Israel, Vivian Bercovici said:
“He is the Canadian prime minister representing Canada at a week of mourning for the Queen. Our head of state. This isn’t about Justin. But he should grow up.”
Members of the public also pointed out how out-of-touch the Canadian had been. One Twitter user wronte:
“It’s disgusting. Do you honestly think anyone in the UK was at a piano bar with their party in the mood for singing? When in Rome do as the Romans do. Queue for 14 hours by all means but party in a piano bar!”
I actually love a good piano bar. Haven’t gone to one since before COVID, this reminds me I should check one out near me.
PM at the Savoy in London last night singing a little Queen….for the Queen… pic.twitter.com/yyCxIRAbJl— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) September 19, 2022
Another posted:
“A long way from Prime Minster Mulroney and Ronald Reagan singing “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”. This is beyond lame and embarrassing . Showing one more time he has no sense of timing or appropriateness.”
A spokesman for Trudeau defended his actions:
“After dinner on Saturday, Prime Minister joined a small gathering with members of the Canadian delegation, who have come together to pay tribute to the life and service of Her Majesty.
“Gregory Charles, a renowned musician from Quebec and Order of Canada recipient, played piano in the hotel lobby which resulted in some members of the delegation including the prime minister joining.
“Over the past 10 days, the Prime Minister has taken part in various activities to pay his respects to the Queen and today, the entire delegation is taking part in the State Funeral.”
But what’s the use in showing up to a memorial service if you obviously are not really mourning the deceased in question? For the British public and millions around the world, Her Majesty’s funeral and the days leading up to it have been extremely sombre and sad.
The Queen’s funeral was not just another state event or meeting but a tearful goodbye and thank you to a human being who saw herself as a servant to millions of people all over the world for 70 years.
Yet again, Trudeau has shown his immaturity and callous outlook.
This story syndicated with permission from Jo Marney, Author at Trending Politics
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