Royal blunder: Queen's Russian butler lacked work permit

A Russian butler to Queen Elizabeth II, who served tea to Her Royal Highness, has been fired. Buckingham Palace staff found he had served the Queen for two years without a work permit.

Igor Golovanov worked illegally as a trainee butler and footman in the royal residence for two years before he was found out.

It was only when his visa expired that the work permit issue came to the attention of Palace staff, who admitted not following full procedures.

Golovanov, who has a residence permit, was fired straight away when the discrepancy came to light.