For the thousands of mourners inside Johannesburg's FNB Stadium it was meant to be a fitting tribute to a 'giant of history'.
But while some reflected on the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela, some world leaders saw it as the perfect opportunity to grab a quick 'selfie' with their peers - prompting a backlash from web users accusing them of undermining the seriousness of the event.
U.S. President Barack Obama, Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish leader Helle Thorning-Schmidt grinned as they cosied up for a quick picture at yesterday's memorial service for the former South African president, prompting an outpouring of criticism.
As the trio posed for the mobile phone snap, Obama's wife Michelle sat alongside her husband looking somewhat stony faced.
Her mood didn't improve as Mr Obama and Ms Thorning-Schmidt talked through the order of service and shared a joke.
And it seems that the frosty faced First Lady was so unimpressed with her husband's behaviour that she eventually put an end to the fun.
A photo sequence which later went viral online appears to show Michelle swapping seats to sit between Barack and Ms Thorning-Schmidt.
Scroll down for video footage of the ceremony
Selfie: David Cameron and Barack Obama took a picture of themselves alongside Denmark's prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt
Get in shot! Ms Thorning-Schmidt, who is Neil Kinnock's daughter-in-law, pulls Mr Cameron into the frame
They then share a joke during the poignant memorial to Nelson Mandela
President Barack Obama and Danish prime minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt chat during the ceremony
Mrs Thorning-Schmidt then points out something of interest in the order of service
Obama and the Danish Prime Minister share a joke during the memorial service as the First Lady looks on unimpressed
Friendly: Mr Obama and Ms Thorning-Schmidt appeared to be getting on well as they sat together throughout the ceremony
No comments:
Post a Comment