September 16, (THEWILL) – Queen Elizabeth raised eyebrows after expressing her “good wishes” to North Korea on its national day as Kim Jong-un continued to test missiles.
Her Majesty sent the message via the Foreign Office on September 7, in time for the celebrations two days later.
Buckingham Palace and the FCDO confirmed the congratulations were given “as has been done before.“
But the timing confused people as it was just days before North Korea again began flexing its muscles.
In recent days, the country has launched two ballistic missiles and fired a new kind of weapon with possible nuclear capabilities.
Local media said the message read: “As the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea celebrate their national day, I send my good wishes for the future.“
But it was not handed to the British Press or published on the Royal’s social media account as has become standard practice.
North Korea marked the country’s 73rd anniversary with a typical show of military strength in Pyongyang.
Her Majesty is believed to have penned similar missives with the country in the past, with them written on the advice of the Foreign Office.
But experts have been left baffled by the move as it is said to be the first time her message has been published.
Aidan Foster-Carter, a North Korea expert at Leeds University, told the Telegraph: “With North Korea in the doghouse, it’s an interesting time for us to send a gesture of friendship.
“The key thing we need to know is what exactly has changed here. It certainly seems to be the first time North Korean media have published such a greeting from Her Majesty the Queen.“
He added: “We need to know who has changed their policy: the UK, sending for the first time? Or North Korea, publishing for the first time. If the former, further questions arise. Why now? And on whose initiative? “
North Korean media said the message was received on September 7, two days before the communist state celebrated the 73rd anniversary of its founding.
State newspaper Rodong Sinmun ran the message on page two along with those from other foreign leaders such as China’s president Xi Jinping.
North Korea is understood to have sent Her Majesty messages in the past to mark her official birthday.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said, “Her Majesty in all dealings with other Heads of State acts on the advice of the FCDO. “
A Foreign Office spokesman said, “As in previous years, the Queen has sent a message to the people of the DPRK on the occasion of their national day. “
Meanwhile North Korea today test-fired two ballistic missiles days after firing a new kind of cruise missile with possible nuclear capabilities.
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