Justin Trudeau’s team defend ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ clip before Queen’s funeral
A spokesperson said the Canadian PM had “taken part in various activities” to pay his respects to Queen Elizabeth
Justin Trudeau’s team have defended the Canadian Prime Minister after a leaked video showed him singing to Queen’s ‘Bohemiam Rhapsody’ two days before Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
A video clip shared on social media, which has now been viewed more than 1.5 million times, shows Trudeau leaning against a piano in London’s Corinthia hotel in a T-shirt, singing along to the famous Queen song.
The Canadian PM was staying at the London hotel before attending Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on Monday (19 September) where around 500 heads of state and foreign dignitaries were in attendance.
In the video, he can be heard singing the lyrics “Easy come, easy go, little high, little low” and “Any way the wind blows” with Canadian pianist Gregory Charles.
The video sparked controversy for appearing disrespectful in the days before the Queen’s funeral, while others saw it as harmless.
However, a spokesperson for the Canadian PM has since defended his actions.
“After dinner on Saturday, [the] prime minister joined a small gathering with members of the Canadian delegation, who have come together to pay tribute to the life and service of Her Majesty,” a spokesperson said, adding that Trudeau had “taken part in various activities” to pay his respects to the late Queen Elizabeth (via The Guardian).
A spokesperson for musician Charles, who is a recipient of the Order of Canada, played songs on the piano “which resulted in some members of the delegation, including the prime minister, joining”.
Charles also told The Globe and Mail newspaper that it reminded him of Caribbean funerals, blending sombre moments with celebration.
“Everyone sang with me for two hours,” he said. “That was the feeling, that was a lot of fun.”
At the Queen’s funeral on Monday, some 2000 guests, including members of the Royal Family and world leaders, were in attendance as the Dean of Westminster led a service that celebrated Her Majesty’s life and 70 years on the throne.
The service came to an end with the traditional bugle calls of the Last Post and the Reveille, before a rendition of the national anthem to honour King Charles III. A lament from the Queen’s piper, a feature of the service she specifically requested, brought the curtain down on proceedings.
Later, the coffin was transferred to the new State Hearse for its final journey to Windsor Castle as thousands of people lined the streets on the route to pay their respects.