Mario Monti (Italian Prime Minister).

London, 18/01/2012. Mario Monti had his first institutional visit of the UK today, as the new Italian Prime Minister. "Il Professore" arrived at Downing Street at 13:00, where his host David Cameron was waiting, along with a number of prominent Italian and British members of the press. However a series of protocol mishaps ensued. After a friendly first handshake as Mario Monti leaves his car, the British and Italian Prime...
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Mario Monti (Italian Prime Minister).

London, 18/01/2012. Mario Monti had his first institutional visit of the UK today, as the new Italian Prime Minister. "Il Professore" arrived at Downing Street at 13:00, where his host David Cameron was waiting, along with a number of prominent Italian and British members of the press. However a series of protocol mishaps ensued. After a friendly first handshake as Mario Monti leaves his car, the British and Italian Prime Ministers take their position at the door of No.10 for the press photo opportunity. It becomes apparent that no aide has been arranged by Downing Street to take Monti's coat, leaving the Italian Prime Minister fidgeting for an embarrassing while, as Cameron remains frozen, holding out an awkward un-met hand. Later, the famous "UK First Cat" was spotted, waiting outside his house for staff to open the door. Around 14:30, the meeting was seen to end as unconventionally as it had started: Mario Monti walked out of the door of the residence of the British Prime Minister with some of his staff, but without assistance or public send-off by Cameron.
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