Queen quizzed on Castro

Apr 21, 2006, 14:12 GMT

A radio presenter sparked outrage after quizzing Britain's Queen Elizabeth as to why she didn't invite Cuban leader Fidel Castro to her 80th birthday celebrations.

During the monarch's tour of Broadcasting House, the BBC's headquarters, Radio 4 presenter John Humphries put the stunned monarch on the spot, by jokingly asking her why the dictator, who also turns 80 this year, was not among her guests.

He revealed to Scotland's Daily Record newspaper: 'I suggested it was a bit mean not to invite Fidel Castro to the palace. He's 80 as well and she didn't seem to think it was a very good idea.'

During her visit to the BBC offices, the queen also met Radio1's 'Breakfast Show' presenter Chris Moyles, notorious for his foul-mouthed quips.

The outspoken star managed to stop himself from swearing during the visit, but did admit he was afraid he would suffer from a slip of the tongue.

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace sources have revealed Elizabeth, who celebrates her milestone birthday today (21.04.06), enjoys keeping up with popular culture and TV programmes.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: 'The queen is an avid viewer of some of the most popular shows on TV. A week never goes buy without her catching up with what is going on in the nation's best- loved programmes.'

Her son, Prince Andrew, has also said how having a host of grandchildren helps the monarch keep up with the latest TV trends.

The prince was quoted as saying: 'She gets info not only from my children but also from William and Harry - so she's up to the hunt, she knows exactly what's going on.'

Copyright 2006 BANG Media International