David Cameron blunders on Letterman’s US TV show

The PM pokes fun at his ‘career’ being ‘ended’ on an American TV programme after answering questions wrongly

The Prime Minister David Cameron has appeared to have a lack of general knowledge when it comes to ’Rule Britannia’ and the Magna Carta as he displayed on popular US chat show ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ on Wednesday.

The PM, who was in America to promote London 2012’s success and British business, appeared in front of an estimated daily audience of 3million viewers. He was challenged by host Letterman regarding British culture and history.

Two questions stumped the Eton-educated political leader leading Mr. Cameron to exclaim, as quoted by website The Week: "I have ended my career on your show tonight."

When asked what Magna Carta meant - which means ’Great Charter’ – it is understood he answered with a location and a date that relate to the Magna Carta. When quizzed over who was the composer of patriotic song ‘Rule Britannia’, reportedly he claimed Edward Elgar with Letterman stating it was in fact Thomas Arne.

The prime minister represented the country well in other areas however, getting many questions correct and he also explained GB’s differening nations as well as population sizes.

It is understood that the show has previously had other high-profile guests on the show, including Barack Obama.

Mr. Cameron’s plans include visiting Brazil, which is thought to be his first visit to the country as Prime Minister, as part of a bid to improve the UK’s trade contacts. 

Before appearing on Letterman’s show Mr. Cameron gave a speech at the United Nations assembly and held talks with the presidents of certain foreign countries, including Pakistani and Afghanistan.