Royal Watch News

Sarkozy snubs Queen Elizabeth

May 27, 2009, 11:00 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is furious she is not invited to French D-day commemorations.

Prince Charles had been expected to accompany Prime Minister Gordon Brown to the 65th anniversary events in Normandy next month, but senior French officials admit they have no plans to invite any senior UK royals.

Instead, President Nicolas Sarkozy is said to be focused on the "main event" of US President Barack Obama's attendance.

A French government source said: "There were never any plans to invite members of the British royal family, although an invitation has been extended to Gordon Brown after he said he wanted to come.

"He will, of course, be concentrating on the British commemorations, away from the American beaches, as is appropriate. This is very much a Franco-American occasion."

Protocol dictates the royals cannot invite themselves to official events but they are said to be furious the British Government failed to request an invitation on the monarchy's behalf.

A royal source told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "We have made it very clear from the start we were keen to support the Normandy veterans in any way we could. No-one is keener to honour their sacrifice.

"There have been several conversations with the Foreign Office but no invitation has been forthcoming.

"We have gone through all the normal channels and had conversation after conversation, but received no feedback. It is very frustrating."

However, a Downing Street official said: "This is an event organised by the French government. It is for them to issue invitations. The Prime Minister is pleased to have been invited and hopes to attend."