VIDEO: Justin Trudeau sparks debate with 'Bohemian Rhapsody' rendition while in UK for Queen's funeral

A video of Justin Trudeau aping Freddie Mercury days before the Queen’s funeral has sparked debate online.

The prime minister was recorded singing Queen song Bohemian Rhapsody as Quebec musician Gregory Charles – a member of the Canadian delegation to London for Elizabeth II’s funeral – played piano.

The video’s authenticity has been confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office, who said the “small gathering” at a London hotel consisted of members of the national delegation “who have come together to pay tribute to the life and service of Her Majesty.”

It was recorded on Saturday night, according to the PMO.

Last night at the Savoy. Our PM in the UK representing Canada for the Queen’s funeral. 🤦🏻‍♀️
How do you say you were a drama teacher without saying you were a drama teacher. pic.twitter.com/kfRlve7pmV

— Lisa Power (@LisaPow33260238) September 19, 2022

According to the Twitter user who uploaded the video, the prime minister was singing in the lobby of the luxury Savoy Hotel in central London; but he was actually in the Corinthia Hotel, another luxury hotel near the Canadian High Commission.

That user added: “How do you say you were a drama teacher without saying you were a drama teacher.”

The video has already ignited fierce debate today, and has been picked up by media outlets around the world.

Hyper-royalist British tabloid The Daily Mail quickly panned the PM in a story that asks “does nothing really matter to him?”

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embraced her role as Queen of Canada, and we came of age under her reign. Watch as PM Justin Trudeau pays tribute to one of his favourite people in the world, Her Majesty, thanking her for her counsel, thoughtfulness, curiosity, and sense of humour: pic.twitter.com/qLJ58Qa4dW

— CanadianPM (@CanadianPM) September 18, 2022

Some social media users have sought to defend Trudeau, however, including by praising the quality of his singing voice.

The prime minister attended the funeral service for Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey in London today.

In a video uploaded on Sunday, he said the late Queen's presence in his life was "inspiring" and "graceful."

He also thanked her for her "counsel, thoughtfulness, curiosity and sense of humour."