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“Minor Royal”: Australian Broadcasters Fail to Recognize UK PM Liz Truss

September 20, 2022
Sezarr

Liz Truss became the Prime Minister of Britain on 6 September.

An Australian media channel failed to recognize British Prime Minister Liz Truss as she arrived at Westminster Abbey Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on Monday. The mix-up happened on Channel 9 while it was covering the funeral, which was attended by prime ministers and presidents from around the world.

During the broadcast, when Australian TV presenters Tracy Grimshaw and Peter Overton were informed that an “important motorcycle” was approaching Westminster Abbey, they struggled to identify who they were watching.

“Who is this?” Ms Grimshaw asked when Ms Truss arrived with her husband Hugh O’Leary. “Hard to recognize, maybe the minor royals. I can’t recognize them,” replied Mr. Overton.

Check out the video below:

Ms. Grimshaw then continued, “Unfortunately, we can’t see everyone. It looks like they might be local dignitaries, it’s hard to see.”

The pair then realized their mistake, as after a brief pause Mr Overton told the audience that the mystery guest was actually UK Prime Minister Liz Truss. “I’ve just been told that Liz Truss, the new prime minister, was the only thing we could see getting out of that car,” he said.

Read also | Prince Harry accused of not singing ‘God Save the King’ at Queen’s funeral

This on-air mistake was quickly picked up by internet users who reacted in entertainment. One user wrote, “Calling Liz Truss and her husband “minor royals” in Australian funeral comments because they didn’t know who they were.”

“The Australian media trying to identify Liz Truss when entering Westminster and trying my best with ‘probably minor royals’ or ‘local dignitaries’ caused me unnecessary laughter,” wrote another. “Peter Overton and Tracy Grimshaw had no idea Liz Truss – the new British prime minister – was so awkward during the live coverage of the Queen’s funeral,” commented a third.

Liz Truss became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 6 September – two days before the death of Queen Elizabeth II. He replaced Boris Johnson after a long summer leadership contest.