UK NEWS

ONE’S PM GETS LORST...

The Queen with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the state banquet

Friday March 28,2008

By Macer Hall, Political Editor

Comment Speech Bubble Have your say(11)

GORDON Brown blundered into his most Mr Bean-style performance so far by getting lost in Windsor Castle it emerged yesterday.

The PM was late for Wednesday’s state banquet for French President Nicolas Sarkozy, leaving the Queen wondering where he was.

Her Majesty was even overheard asking: “Has the Prime Minister got lost?” Apparently Mr Brown had become disoriented in the maze of corridors while seeking a discreet route to the dining hall.

But Number 10 officials curtly blamed Palace staff yesterday, claiming he’d been misdirected. His spokesman said: “The Prime Minister always does what he is told on these occasions. He did not have any orientation problems.”

But the Palace insisted it knew nothing of the incident. The episode is bound to increase Mr Brown’s reputation for being accident-prone.

He has been likened to slapstick character Mr Bean during clashes in the Commons.

His missing minutes in Windsor Castle were revealed in TV footage showing growing discomfort around the dinner table at his absence. Microphones picked up the Queen asking guests about her PM’s whereabouts.

She then checked herself after noting the conversations were going out live.

A flustered Mr Brown was finally spotted arriving at the table by the French President.

“That’s Gordon!” Mr Sarkozy mumbled to his wife Carla.

Speculation intensified yesterday on why Mr Brown chose a low-profile route from the main entry corridor. It was suggested he wanted to keep away from TV cameras as he is known to be sensitive about being pictured in white tie and tails. Downing Street denied that, too.

WELL SAID LIBRA

28.03.08, 8:45pm

take a hike roth,we are fed up with your long winded posts!!
to much time on ones hands is it?

• Posted by: strongbow • Report Comment

SHE LEANED ACROSS A FRENCH MINISTER TO SPEAK TO HER MOTHER

28.03.08, 8:28pm

so what? it was only a frog...

• Posted by: GordonBennett • Report Comment

ROTHAYMERE

28.03.08, 6:24pm

You really do loathe the Royal Family with a passion, don't you? You have absolutely nothing nice to say about any of them - ever. I really do wonder what they have done to you to deserve such vehement dislike on your part. In fact, it gets really tiresome to read your anti-royal posts all the time.

It gets tiresome seeing you post as much as you do so far as I am concerned! You dominate just about every article. Don't you have a life?

Anyway, how many people work day in day out, all their lives, and give such loyalty to a nation as Her Majesty has done? She is devoted to her country and her people and she deserves much better than people like you. Assuming you are one of her people. If not, keep your nose out of it!

• Posted by: Libra • Report Comment

MANNERS KINDA GET LOST ROTHAYMERE

28.03.08, 10:27am

When us Brits are taxed to the tune of 80%
give or take a % or 2.

As for the royals .....they are people too and are probably as fed up of us being fed up as we are !

• Posted by: abuela • Report Comment

GORDON BROWNS BLUNDER

28.03.08, 10:03am

Her Majesty was even overheard asking: “Has the Prime Minister got lost?”

No doubt she was saying that with a stifled air of eager anticipation , just like the rest of us.

• Posted by: EmperorMing • Report Comment