Unusual gift for Mexican leader - 01/04/09

An unusual gift has been presented to the president of Mexico by the Queen during an official exchange of gifts at Buckingham Palace.

While the Queen received two gifts from Mexican president Felipe Calderon that are typical of the crafts made in his country, the head of state offered a copy of the classic dystopian novel 1984 during the incoming state visit.

The Royal Household had been advised on the unusual gift - a first edition of George Orwell's nightmarish book - by the VIP's staff.

"Apparently the president really admires George Orwell," said a Palace spokeswoman.

The bindery at Windsor boxed the 1949 book in leather along with a more traditional present given to guests - framed photographs of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The unusual gift tells of a totalitarian regime coining the concept Big Brother.

A small silver box with EIIR inscribed in gold on the lid was presented to the president's wife, Margarita Zavala.

Mr Calderon presented the Queen with a hand-painted Olinala wooden chest and a gold-plated tray made in his home state of Maque in the west of Mexico.

Unusual gift for Mexican leader - 01/04/09

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