A video of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau singing Bohemian Rhapsody just days before Queen Elizabeth’s funeral kicked off a debate on social media, with some criticizing Trudeau for a lack of decorum.
In a video circulating on social media, Trudeau is seen standing over a piano singing “easy come, easy go, little high little low. Anyway the wind blows,” from the hit song by U.K. rock band Queen.
The serenading occurred on Saturday night in the lobby of a hotel, according to a statement from Trudeau’s office.
A video posted to social media shows Prime Minister Justin Trudeau singing Bohemian Rhapsody in a hotel lobby days before he was set to attend Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral in London, U.K.
Trudeau was joined by other members of the Canadian delegation, including musician and Order of Canada member Gregory Charles, who played on the lobby’s piano.
“Charles, a renowned musician from Quebec and Order of Canada recipient, played piano in the hotel lobby which resulted in some members of the delegation including the prime minister joining,” the statement said.
But some on social media took issue with Trudeau jovially singing while in the U.K. to represent Canada at the Queen’s funeral, which was held Monday.
“He’s there as a representative of Canada to mourn the death of our Head of State and this is what he decides to do? Sorry, this is absolutely irresponsible,” one person posted.
Others compared the situation to former British prime minister Boris Johnson’s for holding a staff party on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral.
But others came to the prime minister’s defence, arguing that the sing-along didn’t take place during an official event.
“Singing at a piano on his down time isn’t a problem,” one commenter said.
“No one has to apologize for showing they are normal human,” another wrote. Some incorrectly claimed that the video wasn’t from this weekend.
Trudeau was part of a delegation that included former prime ministers, governors general and Order of Canada recipients.
Roughly 2,000 people, including U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, attended the service at London’s Westminster Abbey.
A private service was scheduled for the Queen to be buried alongside her husband, Prince Philip, her parents and the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret.