Putin didn't get invited to Queen's funeral -Russian official says its "blasphemous"

Today world leaders and royalty from around the world will attend Elizabeth II's funeral. From American President Joe Biden to Brazil's President, Jair Bolsonaro, it is an event not to be missed.

Everyone wants to pay their respects to history's second-longest reigning monarch. However, the President of the largest country in the world, Vladimir Putin will not be there.

According to CNN, the British Foreign Office informed the Russian embassy in London that it would "refrain from sending invitations to the Russian party, including to the leadership of the Russian embassy, to the funeral events on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II."

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made a statement to the media about the matter in which she said, "The British cited the ongoing Russian special military operation in Ukraine as a pretext for this step."

Zakharova (pictured) then continued, "We view this British attempt to use a national tragedy that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world for geopolitical purposes to settle scores with our country during the days of mourning as profoundly immoral." Zakharova also added that the snub was "blasphemous to the memory of Elizabeth II."

To be excluded from the most extensive diplomatic gathering, which includes almost 500 foreign dignitaries, surely must be a blow to Mr. Putin's ego.

Particularly after President Putin extended the proverbial olive branch by giving his condolences to King Charles III upon his mother's passing.

Despite relations between the UK and Russia being at an all-time low, Vladimir Putin  extended his condolences to the grieving new King and his family.

After news of Queen Elizabeth II's passing broke, the Russian president sent a surprisingly touching message to King Charles III in a letter released by the Kremlin.

The letter described the late Queen as a respected and worthy leader.

Putin wrote, "Your Majesty, Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II."

The Russian president then continued, "The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty."

Putin also acknowledged how loved the Queen was, saying, "For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage."

Vladimir Putin, who may be the least popular leader in Europe at the moment, then offered his best wishes to the King: "I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss."

The Russian leader then concluded his letter: "I ask you to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain. Sincerely, Vladimir Putin."

Queen Elizabeth II and Vladimir Putin only met a few times over the years; however, it seems clear that the Queen left quite the impression on Mr. Putin.

It would be interesting to know what the Queen thought of Putin. Various media outlets reported that in 2003, Putin made a faux pas when he kept Her Majesty waiting for 14 minutes.

And to be a fly on the wall when King Charles III read Putin's condolences would also be fascinating, particularly since the King allegedly likened Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler in 2014.

CNN and other media reported that the remark was made in a conversation with a Jewish museum volunteer about the Holocaust in Halifax, Canada, in 2014.

King Charles III reportedly said: "And now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler," referring to Russia's disputed annexation of Crimea. However, it should be noted that the conversation was never independently confirmed.

Vladimir Putin's gesture indeed came as a surprise. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused significant tensions between the two countries.

The United Kingdom made it clear that it condemns the war and supports Ukraine, having given the country financial aid to fight the Russians to the tune of £3.8 billion ($4.42 billion US) since the fighting began.

The UK is one of many western countries to subject Russian to heavy economic sanctions in response to the conflict. And in exchange Russia has created gas restrictions causing the prices of fuel and electricity to soar.

In addition, days before the Queen's passing, the Kremlin expressed that it did not foresee that relations would improve with the new Prime Minister Liz Truss.

According to the Russian news agency Tass, Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, said, "Judging by the announcements about our country Mrs. Truss made as Foreign Minister and as a candidate for the post, it is quite safe to suggest that no improvement for the better may be expected."