Left Out of D-Day Rites, Queen Elizabeth Fumes

[Telmar]

Left Out of D-Day Rites, Queen Elizabeth Fumes

LONDON — Queen Elizabeth is not amused.

Indeed, she is decidedly displeased, angry even, that she was not invited to join President Obama (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/index.html?inline=nyt-per) and France’s president, Nicolas Sarkozy (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/s/nicolas_sarkozy/index.html?inline=nyt-per), next week at commemorations of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, according to reports published in Britain’s mass-circulation tabloid newspapers on Wednesday. Pointedly, the reports were not denied by Buckingham Palace.

The queen, who is 83, is the only living head of state who served in uniform during World War II. As Elizabeth Windsor, service number 230873, she volunteered as a subaltern in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a driver and a mechanic. Eventually, she drove military trucks, though in support roles in England, not on the battlefield.

While serving, she met the supreme allied commander for the D-Day landings, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/e/dwight_david_eisenhower/index.html?inline=nyt-per), and developed a fondness for him, according to several biographies. This prompted her to say in later years that he was the American president she felt most at ease with among the 11 presidents of her 57-year reign.

But on June 6, when Mr. Obama and Mr. Sarkozy attend commemorations at the iconic locations associated with the American D-Day assault — Utah Beach, the town of St.-Mere-Eglise, where the first United States paratroopers landed, and the American war cemetery at Colleville sur Mer — the highest-ranking British representative will be Prime Minister Gordon Brown (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/gordon_brown/index.html?inline=nyt-per). Although he will join the American and French leaders during the day, his main role will be at ceremonies at the town of Arromanches, near the beaches where British troops landed.

How the queen came to be excluded has become entangled in a thicket of diplomatic missteps, or misunderstandings, depending on whether the account is given in London or Paris. The French have said officially that they regard the commemorations in the American sector of the landings as “primarily a Franco-American ceremony,” and that it was up to the British, not the French, to decide who should represent Britain — in other words, that Mr. Brown was at fault for not seeking an invitation for the queen.
The French have also said the Brown government was slow to accept that the ceremonies merited more than a modest British involvement, since British policy, changed late in the planning for this year’s occasion, had been to give full-scale government backing only to commemorations at decade-long intervals.

The last such occasion was on the 60th anniversary, when the queen joined President George W. Bush (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/george_w_bush/index.html?inline=nyt-per) in the Normandy observances. British veterans’ groups demanded more backing for this year’s ceremonies on the grounds that only a handful of soldiers who fought in Normandy are likely to be alive at the 70th anniversary in 2014.

In Britain, commentators have suggested that Mr. Sarkozy, who has declared himself ardently pro-American, did not want to share the telegenic moment when he hosts Mr. Obama, who remains hugely popular in Europe. This was all the more so, the British commentators have said, because the queen’s presence might risk turning the occasion into a celebration of the Anglo-American alliance, whose troops carried out the landings, losing about 37,000 men in the battle for Normandy. French troops played no part in the June 6 landings.

When accounts of the dispute made the headlines of the British tabloids on Wednesday, the diplomatic gloves came off, at least somewhat. “Palace fury at D-Day snub to the Queen,” roared the Daily Mail, the first time in days that its front-page splash has been on something other than the furor over British parliamentarians’ expenses. A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment beyond a terse, one sentence statement that “no invitation has been issued as yet to any member of the royal family.”

The tabloids quoted anonymous palace officials as saying it was the Brown government that dropped the ball, possibly because of reported strains between Mr. Brown and the queen. Among other issues, the queen is said to have cooled on Mr. Brown because of his habit of appearing late for their weekly audiences. The Daily Mail quoted one “senior palace official” as saying that the palace had made clear to the government that the queen would have liked to go to Normandy.

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




Seems solved as it has been confirmed that the Queen is in fact very welcome.

However, mega "faux pas" from Sarkozy and his aides IMHO. Even if diplomatically, it was up to the UK to present its list of attendees.

As someone who owes much to the Allies, I feel ashamed that this has happened. My apologies to the UK and Canada for forgetting about the Queen.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/world/europe/28queen.html?ref=global-home

[SirGene]

no one respects royalty any longer ... nytimes the holiest of holy newspapers calling "Queen Elizabeth Fumes" ... Michelle Obama patting her back ... what is the world coming to?

[LineDoggie]

Thats ridiculous, she should be there. It was Her Troops that Landed on Gold Sword and Juno. It was Her Airborne which took Pegasus Bridge, and as stated she is the only leader who was in service then.

[USMCRTop]

I take affront at the line " no french troops involved ..." --what about Cmdt. Kiefer at Ouisteram ?

[dave81]

she volunteered as a subaltern in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a driver and a mechanic. Eventually, she drove military trucksHm. I always thought her entire life had been nothing but tea parties and pompous ceremonies. Was she born royalty or did she marry into it?

[LineDoggie]

Hm. I always thought her entire life had been nothing but tea parties and pompous ceremonies. Was she born royalty or did she marry into it?
She was King George VI's Daughter, He was the Monarch during the war.

Her Husband(Phil the Greek) was a RN Officer on Destroyers and was at the Battle of Crete, and recieved a Mention in Despatches at the Battle of Cape Matapan , the Sicily Invasion, and Served in the Pacific. He was Present at the Japanese Surrender

[mas-36]

I take affront at the line " no french troops involved ..." --what about Cmdt. Kiefer at Ouisteram ?

No need to let facts get in the way. p-)

[Panchito12]

I take affront at the line " no french troops involved ..." --what about Cmdt. Kiefer at Ouisteram ?

Not taking anything away from the fine Cmdt., but let's face it it was an Anglo-American-Canadian operation.

I can't believe that M. Sarkozy did not invite the Queen, the Canadian PM, and the Polish President - as John Keegan always says when speaking of Normandy: Never forget the Poles.

[budgie]

Firstly the OP states the report comes from Britain's tabloid press - known for rumour-mongering and jumping the gun. Secondly the charge that there has been no denial from teh palace is preposterous: the Royal family don't usually respond to the Daily Mirror et al. If the Queen and/or Duke don't attend it's because they're getting on a bit and could do with a rest.

[Panchito12]

Firstly the OP states the report comes from Britain's tabloid press - known for rumour-mongering and jumping the gun.


The folks who brought us Page 3 can't be that wrong!!!p-)

[XShipRider]

It's clear our current leadership does not believe in the Royals, as it's coined, unless you're talking about the Kansas City Royals baseball team.

[oldsoak]

Unlikely that the French would commit such a faux-pas if it were true. If they wished to make a point, they'd make it with our PM, not the Queen. They'd invite her and not him. The French are far more subtle and would not be that clumsy.

[Geezah]

Unlikely that the French would commit such a faux-pas if it were true. If they wished to make a point, they'd make it with our PM, not the Queen. They'd invite her and not him. The French are far more subtle and would not be that clumsy.

I agree, with the current admin over here, having no class to begin with, I would not put it past them to not give a crap.

[RxOnco]

Well, he did say his uncle liberated Auschwitz. Maybe he doesn't understand that the Brits played a major role on D-Day.

[Arfah]

Entente cordiale, mes amis !


We just won't liberate them next time ! p-)

[Bitogno]

In fact Sarkosy wanted to be alone with Obama that's why he didn't invite the Queen. Because he wants to get some Obama's prestige. If there are too many people around him no one will see him.

[Telmar]

I agree that Sarkozy wants to surf on the "my friend Obama" image, and I don't like it.

The Queen should have been personally invited by him. In the name of the Brits and Canadians who deserve this celebration as much as the Americans.

I'm convinced that no disrespect was meant, but there was a bad blunder.

Edit: as a Frenchman, you could try to spell out his name correctly, unless it is a code for those for those who do not like his politics, or the man himself, (and I would'nt be a part of it). Take care.

[Bitogno]

Oups !!! My bad.
I don't like the guy but it is not a reason to misspell his name.
Take care too.

[Ordie]

What's up with the UK lately?

[B_706K]

What's up with the UK lately?
Lately? We've never been popular! :lol:

[Eoin666]

Hm. I always thought her entire life had been nothing but tea parties and pompous ceremonies. Was she born royalty or did she marry into it?

Yeah that's all she does, not like meeting politicians, greeting visiting dignitaries, opening ceremonies all at home and all over the world, you try doing that all your life in the public eye, she works harder than any government politician ever will

"Was she born royalty" :roll: no she won it in a xmas cracker, if she married into it then we'd have had King Phil I, heaven forbid

[Fade]

Queen not invited to D-Day ceremony in France
By Danica Kirka, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON - Indignant British veterans and outraged commentators complained Wednesday over the omission of the Queen from the guest list for next week's ceremonies to mark the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.

Britain played a key role in the Normandy naval landings, which accelerated the liberation of Europe from Germany.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown will be there for the anniversary ceremonies, as will U.S. President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

But the Queen, Britain's head of state, apparently won't be.

Neither she, nor any member of the Royal Family was invited to attend the ceremony at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach on June 6, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said while speaking on condition of anonymity in line with policy.

The dispute seems to have taken French officials somewhat by surprise. They insist the monarch was welcome at the ceremony and blamed the British government for mistakes in the handling of what they called a "Franco-American" ceremony.

"It is not up to France to determine the British representation," French government spokesman Luc Chatel said. "There will be other 6ths of June." Article continued at http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2009/05/27/9590836-ap.html

[mas-36]

It would seem the French made the assumption that the Queen would come as she always has for past D-Day celebrations, thus no invitation is required. If anything, it would appear that PM Brown's staff or whoever it is who is in charge of these things, forgot to send the official invite to the Queen. So naturally, eveyone blames France as a result?

[B_706K]

It would seem the French made the assumption that the Queen would come as she always has for past D-Day celebrations, thus no invitation is required. If anything, it would appear that PM Brown's staff or whoever it is who is in charge of these things, forgot to send the official invite to the Queen.

Ahha the old 'I didnt invite you cos I thought you'd come anyway.' Excuse, nice. If only I had a penny for every time...


So naturally, eveyone blames France as a result?
Well not be rude but the french are c*nts.

Disclamer: The preceding post by B_706K in no way reflects the opinions of B_706K. He likes many things that are French, like brie, and camembert, and calvados, and overpriced ski resorts.

But not much else.

[PUG]

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/5264/chaps.jpg (http://img37.imageshack.us/my.php?image=chaps.jpg)


Here's a funny Daily Mail article about said shenanigans: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1189071/Stephen-Glover-A-diminutive-egomaniac-stain-Nazi-collaboration-French-forgive-saving-War.html

[B_706K]

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/5264/chaps.jpg (http://img37.imageshack.us/my.php?image=chaps.jpg)
Word. But historically there's only ever one winner.

[mas-36]

Ahha the old 'I didnt invite you cos I thought you'd come anyway.' Excuse, nice. If only I had a penny for every time...

The welcome mat has always been out for the queen. I'm thinking the Daily Hate has lost subscription so they invent it as they sh*t it out.



Well not be rude but the french are c*nts.

Disclamer: The preceding post by B_706K in no way reflects the opinions of B_706K. He likes many things that are French, like brie, and camembert, and calvados, and overpriced ski resorts.

But not much else.

I've always liked things that are British too, like.............like...

like.....um.........


......errr....
..uh......


.....hmmm...

....let me get back with you on that.

[Violet Fashion by Mindy]

Meh Liz should just lay claim to France again like Edward the III

[PUG]

I've always liked things that are British too, like.............like...

like.....um.........


......errr....
..uh......


.....hmmm...

....let me get back with you on that.

Beef?......

[B_706K]

Beef?......
Roast beef.

[PeterRJG]

I would've went with beans on toast.

[Panchito12]

Lately? We've never been popular! :lol:


So that whole "Cool Britannia" was just a scam??

DAMN YOU TONY BLAIR!! YOU USED ME!! YOU USED MEEEEEE!!!!

[Britboy]

Hm. I always thought her entire life had been nothing but tea parties and pompous ceremonies. Was she born royalty or did she marry into it?

European royalty has most often not been scared to get stuck in, which is more than I can say for your average politician.

Google Louis Mountbatten for an example. Or the bloke who flew helos in the Falklands and acted as a radar-blip-enhanced decoy to try and seduce some ASMs away from the CVSs - Andrew?? Oh and Hazza in Afg a little while back.

Whilst we all have our differing views on how a country should be run, theres one thing you absolutely cannot fault the royals

They will put their money (i.e. their lives and offsprings lives etc) where their mouth is, and go off to these places, fight and lead there. Its not empty rhetoric when you or your family are out there. And they have a close bond with the rest of the Forces as a result.

Which is a lot more than you can say for Tony Blair, or indeed the overwhelming majority of pollies, including those only to keen to commit others to war. I can't see Euan Blair signing up for his dads wars anytime soon, can you?

[B_706K]

So that whole "Cool Britannia" was just a scam??

DAMN YOU TONY BLAIR!! YOU USED ME!! YOU USED MEEEEEE!!!!
Nah its kinda of true, our un-mainstream-ness makes us edgey, unpopular is cool.

[Telmar]

The welcome mat has always been out for the queen. I'm thinking the Daily Hate has lost subscription so they invent it as they sh*t it out.




I've always liked things that are British too, like.............like...

like.....um.........


......errr....
..uh......


.....hmmm...

....let me get back with you on that.

LOL

I used to like Samantha Fox, but what's left now? :)

[Telmar]

Here's a funny Daily Mail article about said shenanigans: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1189071/Stephen-Glover-A-diminutive-egomaniac-stain-Nazi-collaboration-French-forgive-saving-War.html

Funny, as a provocative editorial should be.

It is true that French consider the Americans as a bigger part of their liberation. But all French troops were under US command if I am not mistaken. And they had US uniforms.

As for the British, IMO their role is not overlooked. But a little shadowed by Mers el Kebir, and maybe by a little lack of recognition of the French troops that stayed behind in Dunkerque to try to slow the German advance, and who played their part in allowing British armies to get out.

[Arfah]

Funny, as a provocative editorial should be.

It is true that French consider the Americans as a bigger part of their liberation. But all French troops were under US command if I am not mistaken. And they had US uniforms.

As for the British, IMO their role is not overlooked. But a little shadowed by Mers el Kebir, and maybe by a little lack of recognition of the French troops that stayed behind in Dunkerque to try to slow the German advance, and who played their part in allowing British armies to get out.

The BEF was under French Command in 1940.

Over 100,000 French troops were evacuated too ! The British also had their own rearguard who were also evacuated. After France surrendered, their soldiers in Angleterre were asked to carry on fighting as 'Free French.' An overwhelming majority decided to return home and ended up as enforced labour for the Nazis or in the Vichy forces.

Mers el Kebir: The French Admiral was asked to hand over his fleet. He was angered by the request and refused. The RN sailors weren't happy about the outcome either but when the future of democracy was at stake, there wasn't exactly alot of choice. If the Vichy regime had these ships, the Vichy/Italian forces would have dominated the mediterreanean, North Africa, Suez Canal and the Middle East. Leaving the Nazis to dominate the Atlantic.

Additionally, French troops were not under US command, they were under ALLIED command. All decisions of the Supreme Allied Commander and 'COSSAC' were influenced by politicians. AKA: 'The Big Three.'

Vichy soldiers were always given the option to join the Free French Forces. Sometimes they didn't want to. War is Hell.

[Telmar]

The BEF was under French Command in 1940.

Over 100,000 French troops were evacuated too ! The British also had their own rearguard who were also evacuated. After France surrendered, their soldiers in Angleterre were asked to carry on fighting as 'Free French.' An overwhelming majority decided to return home and ended up as enforced labour for the Nazis or in the Vichy forces.



I think most French troops evacuated on Dunkerque were resent in the following days or even hours to Brest or Cherbourg to rejoin the defensive line of the Aisne/Somme.

It turned out to be another disaster.

As for Mers el Kebir, it was necessary. It's the shame of the French collaborationist government not having taken the fight from the colonies.

[oldsoak]

I think it has been shown that the French were not at fault in this instance of the D-Day rites - but our mob. Highly unlikely that the French would be behind that.
The French did indeed hold the perimeter around Dunkerque enabling the bulk of the BEF to get away, so it could be argued that they helped ensure that the war could be carried on. Without them, the BEF would have not got away with very serious repercussions for carrying on the war, so in their defeat they made victory a possibility. We should give them that credit, for they deserve it.

[Britboy]

I think it has been shown that the French were not at fault in this instance of the D-Day rites - but our mob. Highly unlikely that the French would be behind that.
The French did indeed hold the perimeter around Dunkerque enabling the bulk of the BEF to get away, so it could be argued that they helped ensure that the war could be carried on. Without them, the BEF would have not got away with very serious repercussions for carrying on the war, so in their defeat they made victory a possibility. We should give them that credit, for they deserve it.

Absolutely agree.

I've got to say it does annoy me how generally people tend to put down the French forces as surrender-monkeys all the time. I'm up for jesting as much as the next man, but they really have not been squeamish.

Just look at the mortality rates for the generation that grew up to be Napoleon's army - 38%. Just look at the casualties taken in WWI, where another generation was bled white. While there was the Vichy government, there was also a very active resistance movement, and what occupied country has never had its Quislings in all of its history? The campaigns in Indochina and Algeria, whilst losses, also took their toll on the forces. France maintained conscription far longer than either the UK or US after WWII - we did away with it in the Sixties, whereas they have only done away with it comparatively recently (late 90s?). Britain obviously thought enough of them to consider them our principal rival for much of history too - if they were such a pushover, why the imperial and security competition? And of course you have them in Afghan and Africa today.

In the current day, France is the next biggest player that we need cooperate with - the US is obviously a different order of military power, but the UK and France are very similar in their outlooks (post-imperialist powers with desire for global reach) and their capabilities. Other countries are hamstrung by their political issues (Germany ref deployments, US ref objectionability in PSOs) or capabilities (rest of NATO/EU) when compared to what ourselves and the French can do. We really need to be working with them.

Sorry, I know this has got v offtopic, just laying out that they may not all be as many portray them, and I wish the fractious outlook that this misreported story typifies was replaced by something a bit more productive.

TTFN
BB

[WKD]

Hm. I always thought her entire life had been nothing but tea parties and pompous ceremonies. Was she born royalty or did she marry into it?

Yeah, she spends all her time walking around with her nose in the air and doesn't talk to common muck. She won the 'Who wants to be a Royal' show back in the 50s and her favourite passtime is watching peasants get whipped.

[LineDoggie]

Funny, as a provocative editorial should be.

It is true that French consider the Americans as a bigger part of their liberation. But all French troops were under US command if I am not mistaken. And they had US uniforms.



French Troops werent under US Command, Degaulle wouldnt think of such a thing. They did serve alongside US forces after the Landings. However IIRC the Only Free French Forces of Liberation to land at Normandy that day were Phillipe Kieffers Commandos at Ouisterham.

In 1943 the US assumed responsibility to re arm & re equip the Free French forces. US Pattern Uniforms were provided along with Std. US Vehicles.

[filochard]

French Troops werent under US Command, Degaulle wouldnt think of such a thing. They did serve alongside US forces after the Landings. However IIRC the Only Free French Forces of Liberation to land at Normandy that day were Phillipe Kieffers Commandos at Ouisterham.

In 1943 the US assumed responsibility to re arm & re equip the Free French forces. US Pattern Uniforms were provided along with Std. US Vehicles.

the french 1st army was part of the US 6th army group.

[Telmar]

I think it has been shown that the French were not at fault in this instance of the D-Day rites - but our mob. Highly unlikely that the French would be behind that.
The French did indeed hold the perimeter around Dunkerque enabling the bulk of the BEF to get away, so it could be argued that they helped ensure that the war could be carried on. Without them, the BEF would have not got away with very serious repercussions for carrying on the war, so in their defeat they made victory a possibility. We should give them that credit, for they deserve it.


Absolutely agree.

I've got to say it does annoy me how generally people tend to put down the French forces as surrender-monkeys all the time. I'm up for jesting as much as the next man, but they really have not been squeamish.

...


Thank you Gentlemen.

Let's hope the celebrations get under way with no more polemics, and we can pay tribute to the sacrifice and courage of the many great soldiers on D-Day and beyond.

[Holycrusader]

LOL

I used to like Samantha Fox, but what's left now? :)

Games Workshop...

Now I will hide, till people forget how nerdy I am...