Queen's Instincts on Putin in 2003

A recently published biography suggests that the late Queen Elizabeth II found former President Donald Trump to be "very rude." In contrast, her instincts regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom she met in 2003, remain less clear. During a conversation with former Labour minister David Blunkett, the Queen displayed her characteristic wit, responding to an apology about a barking dog by remarking on the intriguing instincts of dogs. In a separate cultural note, former BBC correspondent Jon Sopel highlighted the absence of James Taylor's performance of his classic song "You've Got A Friend" at the Democratic National Convention. This decision, attributed to scheduling conflicts, deprived President Joe Biden of the uplifting lyrics that resonate with themes of support and friendship during challenging times. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been the subject of speculation regarding their recent public appearances, particularly the absence of sound in their videos. Michael Cole, a former BBC royal correspondent, suggested that this might be a strategic choice to prevent any awkward moments, referencing a past incident where Meghan Markle was caught on camera snapping at Prince Harry. In a lighter commentary, ITV's Kaye Adams discussed how Vice President Kamala Harris has reshaped perceptions of age in politics. At 59, Harris is viewed as youthful and dynamic, particularly in the context of the current election cycle. This notion of "framing" one's age has sparked discussions about societal perceptions of aging, especially in light of a recent study indicating that Australians enjoy the longest life expectancy, prompting some playful rivalry with Britons.