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:
The media is persisting in viewing Berlusconi as a "colourful character" rather than a convicted criminal who used his vast wealth and influence to hold on to power for several decades while doing nothing to materially improve the lives of the majority of Italians. #r4today
— Sam Brook (@SlothBracelet) June 13, 2023
While others mourn him as a great and memorable leader:
Flags at half-staff today at the 🇮🇹 Italian Embassy to mourn the passing of Senator Silvio Berlusconi, former Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, who left an indelible mark on the history of #Italy ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/5XN9qXLpCJ
— Italy in US (@ItalyinUS) June 13, 2023
But, 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.
"MISTER OBAMAAAAAA"
— Crazy Ass Moments in Italian Politics 🇮🇹 (@CrazyItalianPol) June 13, 2022
After the 2009 G20 group photo, PM Silvio Berlusconi calls out loudly to U.S. President Barack Obama, triggering an annoyed comment from Queen Elizabeth ("What is it? Why does he have to shout?!") pic.twitter.com/opgl6Wlmjf
Read 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.
Queen 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.
At 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
