YouTube video shows Queen scolding Italian PM

The Queen joined the leaders of the G20 nations,where Italian Prime Minister is heard to bellow: “Mr Obama!” at the US President,who is standing behind him.

Barack Obama politely replied: “Mr Berlusconi,” in a far quieter voice. The Queen appeared to bristle at Berlusconi’s booming voice and said: “What is it? Why does he have to shout?” the Telegraph reported.

The Queen also appeared somewhat unamused by a request to smile for the photograph. “Is this supposed to be a happy event?” she was quoted as saying.

The clip became an instant hit on You Tube after it was shown on Italian television. Italians posted messages on the site expressing their embarrassment. “Oh my goodness,where are his manners? The Queen should lock him in the Tower,” said one.

Another wrote: “It’s what the world has come to expect from Silvio – and he now wants to be President of Italy. God help us.”

But the claims that the Queen was irritated by the antics of Berlusconi were dismissed by Buckingham Palace.

A Palace spokeswoman described the reception as “warm and friendly” and said everyone involved was good-natured,the paper said.

She added “It was loud and jolly and very jovial,there were no gaffes and no offence taken.”

Italian media have been widely reporting the incident as a gaffe by Berlusconi.