[ThomasMannfanny]

09:01 GMT, 25 May 2012

The latest in Chinese counterfeit sees mock British monarch mobbed in Shanghai

A Queen lookalike was mobbed on the streets of Shanghai by thousands of Chinese fans who thought she was
the real thing.

The impersonator sparked a frenzy when she turned up for a surprise tea party designed to give China's biggest
city a Diamond Jubilee celebration of its own.

The stunt saw shoppers served afternoon tea complete with cakes and cucumber sandwiches, all to the sounds
of a Beatles tribute band.



And when Elizabeth Richard stepped out unannounced, decked out in her pearls and turquoise bonnet, the crowd
surged forward to capture a snap on their mobile phones.

As the Metro reports, she has appeared as the Queen in music videos for Sir Elton John and Blur, and was convincing
enough to attract thousands flock into Daning International Plaza for a glimpse.

Actress Ms Richard is the same height as Her Majesty and has travelled the world fooling audiences, appearing in
adverts and making cameos in films.





The biography on her website says she 'portrays the Queen in serious or amusing situations, but would never
intentionally do anything untoward'.

Mark Di-Toro, of VisitBritain, the tourism agency behind the stunt, said: 'The Chinese are enthusiastic about Britain's
heritage and culture anyway. We had anticipated that a few hundred would attend but thousands of people ended up
congregating as word spread about the Queen.'

He told the Metro the tea party was part of the agency's aim to promote draw in visitors from the Far East.

'Chinese tourists are enchanted by the enriched culture and heritage in Britain,' Mr Di-Toro added.