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,
I noticed froggie next the the Queen also but don't have
an answer off hand why him, and in that place.
BTW did you see my post 266
Have gone back and read your post thanks for that.
Just keeping your enemy nearer. (To keep an eye on him, perhaps?)