LOVE ACTUALLY - NEESON + LINNEY DEFEND THE ROYALS

LOVE ACTUALLY stars LIAM NEESON and LAURA LINNEY were left to defend Britain's royal family on American TV after the hosts of magazine show THE VIEW joked about THE QUEEN's jewellery this morning (20NOV03).

The four female hosts of the show poked fun at pictures of The Queen and US President GEORGE W BUSH, taken during the American leader's state visit to Britain.

But Irishman Neeson and his American pal, appearing on the show to promote Love Actually, quickly hit back at the jibes.

Neeson pointed out, "She (The Queen) was wearing enough diamonds to pay back California's debt but this is a state visit - the first time the queen has ever invited a head of state since 1918. It's a huge deal."

Linney added, "It's also a cultural thing. We wouldn't make fun of an African tribesman being dressed up."