A video of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau singing
Bohemian Rhapsody
, the 1975 hit by British band Queen, is currently causing a stir.
Filmed in the lobby of the five-star Corinthia Hotel late Saturday evening, September 17, while in London for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the head of the Canadian government, in casual dress (a t -purple shirt), is posted with his arms resting on a piano, and devotes himself to some vocalizations.
We recognize the lyrics (“Easy come, easy go, little high, little low”) of the mythical title.
We can also see in the images two people drinking red wine near the piano, visibly delighted with the spectacle.
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A moment of lightness
Filmed two days before the queen's funeral, this video created a small controversy, with some people criticizing the jovial attitude of the statesman on social networks, and his lack of decorum, even respect.
His office had to react with a statement: "After dinner on Saturday, the Prime Minister joined a small gathering with members of the Canadian delegation, who gathered to pay tribute to the life and service of His Majesty.
Gregory Charles, a renowned Quebec musician and recipient of the Order of Canada, played the piano in the lobby of the hotel, which led some members of the delegation, including the Prime Minister, to join.
The spokesperson further clarified: “Over the past 10 days,
Some have come to the rescue of the Justin Trudeau, arguing that the song did not take place at an official event.
Carleton University political science professor Jonathan Malloy said there was time for levity even during a time of mourning.
“Funerals and wakes often have moments of camaraderie and cheerfulness, and this is no different,” he wrote in an email to CBC.
The Prime Minister is entitled to some light social time.
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Musician and member of the Order of Canada Gregory Charles, who accompanied Justin Trudeau on the piano, told the Canadian newspaper
Globe and Mail
that the conduct of the Queen's state funeral reminded him of the rites of the Caribbean, mixing dark moments to others celebrating life: "Everyone sang with me for two hours.
It was very fun."
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The Canadian delegation present at the funeral included Mr. Trudeau, Mr. Charles and 16 others, including former prime ministers, governors general, Olympic swimmer Mark Tewksbury, and comedienne Sandra Oh.
Around 2,000 people, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, attended the service at Westminster Abbey in London.
The Queen was later buried alongside her husband, Prince Philip, her parents and the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret.