The outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has performed a private piano recital for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
A palace spokeswoman told AFP that Rice “expressed a wish to play at Buckingham Palace and the queen offered her the chance to play in the music room.” Rice is in London for talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. She was accompanied in her performance of music by Brahms by concert pianist Louise Miliband – the wife of the British Foreign Secretary – and three professional musicians from the London Symphony Orchestra. She's been playing piano since childhood and was once considering a full-time career in music. Despite the rigours of high office, she continues to practise and play regularly. Rice said that playing for the Queen was a long-held ambition before leaving office in January. Related links Her Majesty's painter… from Russia