2 OCTOBER 2003
A Belgian advertising agency has taken a cheeky swipe at the Royal Family, by featuring a Queen lookalike in a Marilyn Monroe pose. The new ads, promoting Eurostar rail links between London and Belgium, recreate the classic image from the movie The Seven Year Itch, in which Marilyn Monroe's skirt billows up as she walks over an air vent.

The picture, in which Her Majesty is shown wearing a pink dress and tights, has ruffled feathers in some traditionalist circles. But Eurostar insists that no offence is intended by the irreverent campaign.

"We're delighted with the new Belgian ad, it shows Eurostar's new edgier, cheekier personality," said company director Paul Charles. The ads have also boosted ticket sales, he said, which is good news for the British economy. "The surge in sales is due to the great affection the Belgians have for our Royal Family, which is great for the British tourist industry."

Buckingham Palace is remaining mute on the royal reaction to the advertisement, however. "We will leave it to the general public and others to judge its taste," said a spokesman.