There has been a trend of teenagers taking funeral selfies but now it appears that the same trend is extending to world leaders who were keen to take photos of themselves attending a memorial oversees.

“While some reflected on the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela, some world leaders saw it as the perfect opportunity to grab a quick ‘selfie’ with their peers,” The Daily Mail wrote on Wednesday’s front page. “Perhaps not in keeping with the tone of a memorial service, US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish leader Helle Thorning-Schmidt grinned as they cosied up for a quick picture at today’s memorial service for the former South African president, prompting an outpouring of criticism.”

The image of the US president, British Prime Minister and Danish leader taking the photo led to a backlash from Twitter users who said it was inappropriate behavior at an event to remember the life of the anti-apartheid hero, the paper notes.

“What selfish morons take a ‘selfie’ at a memorial service? Oh yeah that’s right, Barack Obama and David Cameron,” Twitter user James Armitage wrote.

“You have precisely zero class or decorum,” UK citizen Sarah McDermott tweeted at Mr Cameron.

“Shocking behavior from 2 of the most important men in the world lets see when it comes to their memorial services,” Cassandra Brightwell wrote.

The Telegraphs’ Iain Martin let Mr Cameron have it for taking part in the selfie.

“What on earth is going on? Why do world leaders now behave like this? And at a memorial service?” he said. “I saw that selfie picture and my response was simple and from the gut: what the hell do you think you’re doing man? Whatever it is stop it.”

“In all manner of jobs and professions are people who would not behave like Obama and Cameron did today on work time, partly because they just wouldn’t. And partly because they know that they might get fired for tweeting a grinning selfie from inside the recently-departed CEO’s memorial service,” he wrote.

Downing Street refused to comment when asked if they thought the Prime Minister should have acted with more decorum.

But Mr Cameron said the event was more of a “celebration” than a memorial service, according to The Daily Mirror. “It was more of a celebration than a commemoration, and perhaps that’s a good thing, because I think what matters now is that Mandela’s legacy for the future is secured,” he said.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)