In 1997, the queen's eldest son, Prince Charles, described Chinese leaders as "appalling old waxworks."Ī Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "We do not comment on the queen's private conversations. The incident is unlikely to amuse China's leaders. The incident in question appears to have occurred during Xi's tour of an exhibition at Lancaster House at which he was shown examples of collaboration between British and Chinese companies including a new red bus and a Dalek from an Anglo-Chinese "Doctor Who" theme park. The royal official commented that D'Orsi has been "seriously, seriously undermined by the Chinese but managed to hold her own and remain in command." "It was very rude and undiplomatic I thought," the police commander said. "They were, well yes, Barbara was with me and they walked out on both of us." "They were very rude to the ambassador," the queen interjected. The exchange was captured by a BBC cameraman recording the event on behalf of British media.ĭ'Orsi continued: "It was, I think the point they walked out … and told me that the trip was off that I felt." When the queen was introduced to police Commander Lucy D'Orsi, an aide explained that the officer had been responsible for security during the Chinese visit. The comments reveal tensions between British officials and their Chinese counterparts during president Xi Jinping's first state visit to the U.K.
The monarch was recorded making the candid remark as she was introduced to guests at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. LONDON - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II was overheard on camera describing Chinese officials as "very rude" during a conversation with a senior police officer at an event celebrating her 90th birthday.