First, and most important, my thoughts and prayers go out to you, and your countrymen during this difficult time.
Just curious what the protocol is about who gets to sit next to the Queen during occasions like this. I understand about the PM, but wonder why Chirac?
I am afraid I am not enough up on protocol to answer your question but I suppose France is our nearest neighbour or it maybe something to do with G8 protocol, maybe Socalpol has an idea she is better informed than me on a lot of these issues