US President who snubbed Queen to be a tourist and taste Indian food in London
While a number of famous figures have admitted to turning down honours and awards from the late Queen, very few can say they rejected her invitation to Buckingham Palace.
Well, it seems that former US President Bill Clinton did just that in 1997 in favour of exploring London and sampling Indian food alongside Prime Minister Tony Blair and their respective wives.
The Queen's diplomatic efforts in maintaining the special relationship between the UK and the US have been spoken about many times.
Speaking about the monarch's close relationship with the States, one expert noted: "In almost every instance, the Queen inspired admiration and respect. These are the qualities that underpin her unofficial title as her government's 'secret weapon.'"
Bill Clinton turned down the monarch's invite (Associated Press)While the late Sovereign famously met 13 out of the last 14 US Presidents, there was one invitation that was snubbed in favour of some cultural firsts.
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Previously classified documents held at the UK National Archives reveal how the 42nd US President Bill Clinton once rejected an offer from Buckingham Palace during a 1997 visit to London.
Upon receiving the invite from the Queen, the reports reveal how Clinton wished "to decline politely" as he had "said that he [wanted] to be a tourist" and had "expressed an interest in trying Indian food".
Bill Clinton turned down the Queen's invitation in 1997 (PA Wire)Love the royals? Sign up for the Mirror's daily newsletter to get all the latest news on the Queen, Charles, Kate, Wills, Meghan, Harry and the rest of The Firm. Click here to sign up .
President Clinton was in London for one day to visit the new Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair who had come to power four weeks earlier.
The dinner went ahead but Clinton decided against Indian food, in favour of sampling some French cuisine at Le Pont de la Tour near London Bridge.
According to the Press Association, the President and the Prime Minister, as well as their wives, Hillary Clinton and Cherie Blair, ordered items including wild salmon, grilled sole and halibut.
The quartet paid an eye-watering £298.86 for their meal and were said to have written to the restaurant to thank them for the “magnificent food”.
The Clintons previously met with the Queen in 1994 and 1995 and later paid tribute to her life and legacy following her passing in September last year.
The quartet went out together in London (PA)The former President issued a statement which read: "Hillary and I mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and we join with people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and all around the world, in giving thanks for her extraordinary life.
"Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people. In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity, and strength.
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"We will always be grateful for the kindness she showed us through the years, particularly during our visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000, and for all she did to deepen the Special Relationship."
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