Mexico's president given George Orwell's 1984 by the Queen
 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukne...the-Queen.html

The president of Mexico received one of the more unusual gifts given by the Queen during an incoming state visit today - a copy of the classic dystopian novel 1984.

Last Updated: 8:47AM BST 03 Apr 2009

At Buckingham Palace, Felipe Calderon was presented with a first edition of George Orwell's nightmarish book, which tells of a totalitarian regime and coined the concept Big Brother.

The Royal Household seeks guidance from the staff of incoming VIPs when deciding what to offer during the official exchange of gifts.


A Palace spokeswoman said: "Apparently the president really admires George Orwell."

The 1949 book was boxed in leather by the bindery at Windsor.

Mr Calderon also received the traditional present given to guests - framed photographs of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The president's wife Margarita Zavala received a small silver box with EIIR inscribed in gold on the lid.

The Queen received a Maque tray from Michoacan, the Mexican state from which the president comes. Philip received a wooden Olinala chest.

The exchange of gifts between rulers is a long-standing custom. In 1520 Henry VIII and Francis I of France exchanged gifts at the Field of Cloth of Gold in northern France.

During a state visit, the exchange usually happens on the first day and serves as a gesture of goodwill between the two nations.