Outcry over royal lunch guests

18 May 2012, 3:05 am   -   Source: AAP

Human rights activists say "royal tyrants" are on the guest list for a Diamond Jubilee lunch with foreign monarchs at Windsor Palace.

Britain's Foreign Office has been accused of putting the Queen in the position of having to dine with despots as the row over a royal lunch with foreign monarchs intensified.

Denis MacShane, a former foreign office minister, criticised the guest list for apparently including the king of Bahrain, Hamad Al-Khalifa, whose regime brutally suppressed pro-democracy protests last year.

The Labour MP said many would regret Foreign Secretary William Hague's decision to approve the inclusion of the Middle East ruler.

His comments come after it emerged Queen Sophia of Spain was ordered by her government to turn down an invitation for Friday's event at Windsor Castle to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The last minute snub was in response to a reported trip the Prince Edward will make to Gibraltar, a UK overseas territory which Spain wants returned to its sovereignty.

Another controversial guest expected to attend is Swaziland's King Mswati III, who is accused of having a lavish lifestyle while his people starve.

Protests were held on Wednesday outside the African ruler's exclusive London hotel where he is said to be staying with an entourage of more than 30 people.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on the guest list for the Windsor Palace lunch.

But the royal family have close links with many Middle East monarchs who are likely to attend and whose regimes have faced criticisms about human rights abuses.

Members of the British monarchy attending include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Duke of York and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

It is thought the Foreign Office has assisted with logistical matters for the lunch and has not advised on who should be invited.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell accused eight countries, whose leaders may be on the guest list, of human rights abuses.

He said: "It is outrageous that the Queen has invited royal tyrants to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee."

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "The sovereigns lunch is a matter for Buckingham Palace, but we understand all reigning sovereigns have been invited.

"The jubilee celebrations are about marking 60 years of the Queen's reign, they are not a political event.

"The palace is not releasing further details, including details of the guest list, until the day of the engagement."

  • Follow us: 
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Youtube