Royal commentator reveals details of Queen’s meeting with Biden

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

President Biden and his Russian counterpart have met today in Geneva, Switzerland, for a highly-anticipated summit. Both sides have described their nations’ relationship as being at rock bottom following US allegations of Russian cyber-attacks and disagreements over arms controls. Russia recently included the US on its official list of “unfriendly states”, while the new US President has previously declared Mr Putin a “killer” with no soul.

But Mr Biden is hoping to find “stability and predictability” between their nations, while Mr Putin has admitted there are “issues where we can work together”.

The visit comes towards the end of the US President’s first overseas tour since his inauguration, which also saw him visit the Queen.

Although she is completely apolitical and all conversations with her are expected to be held in complete confidence, Mr Biden did let slip that the monarch had enquired about his upcoming meetings.

He said she had asked him about his meetings with Xi Jinping, China’s President, and with Mr Putin during their 45-minute talk over tea at Windsor Castle.

Mr Biden was also very complimentary towards the Queen, telling reporters: “We had a long talk, she was very generous.

“I don’t think she’d be insulted, but she reminded me of my mother.

“In terms of the look of her and just the generosity.”

He has invited the Queen to the White House, too, after their very successful meeting.

However, some accounts suggest the Queen did not have such a good bond with Mr Putin when they met back in 2003.

It was the first state visit to the UK by a Russian leader in more than 125 years.

Then Home Secretary David Blunkett claimed the Queen made a particularly revealing comment to him during Mr Putin’s visit.

Speaking on the BBC’s Any Questions, Lord Blunkett said: “The only time I met Vladimir Putin was back in 2003 on an official visit and my then [guide] dog barked very loudly.

“I did apologise to the Queen who was obviously hosting.

“I don’t think I am giving anything away when I said, ‘Sorry, Your Majesty, about the dog barking.’

“She said, ‘Dogs have interesting instincts don’t they?’”

Then in 2014, Mr Putin was accused of completely ignoring the Queen at the 70th anniversary D-Day events in Normandy, France.

The Queen was navigating her way to her front row position in the photo opportunity among the other world leaders, and received a helping hand from then US President Barack Obama and then New Zealand’s Governor General Jerry Mateparae.

Canadian outlet Macleans claimed: “He [Putin] ignored her completely.”

It speculated: “He didn’t even try to hide his boredom and disdain for those around him.”

DON’T MISS
Sturgeon dubbed ‘Queen of Scotland’ by French newspaper in royal snub [EXPLAINED]
Charles admitted William ‘reduced me to tears’ over succession debate [EXPOSED]
Queen’s ‘real resentment’ for First Lady Jackie Kennedy during UK trip [INSIGHT]

However, Mr Putin did extend his condolences when Prince Philip’s death was announced in April.

In a message, the Russian President said: “The name of His Royal Highness is associated with numerous milestone events in the recent history of your country.

“He was rightly respected among the British people and enjoyed international prestige.”

He also wished the Queen “courage and mental fortitude in the face of a grievous and irreparable loss”.

However, even if Mr Biden and Mr Putin now share respect for the Queen, political pundits are still on edge over what may come of the discussions between the two Presidents in Switzerland.

Political analyst Lilia Shevtsova told the BBC: “Putin definitely wants to be equal to the US President.

“He wants to be respected on his terms.

“Putin wants to demonstrate macho muscle and to be a member of the club.”

There is hope that a truce after the “diplomatic wars” could be reached.

Washington expelled Russian diplomats in recent years, while US missions in Russia are about to face dramatic cuts in their services which could see their visas restricted.

Source: Read Full Article