Pippa's on Time's list – but where's the Prime Minister?

David Cameron lapped up the pomp and circumstance on his official visit to Washington. He even let Barack Obama "tuck him up in bed" aboard Air Force One. But in the eyes of America, the British PM appears to carry less global influence than Pippa Middleton, and her perky derriere.

So says Time magazine, at least. Yesterday, the news title dealt what may be interpreted as a blow to the historic "special relationship" by failing to include Mr Cameron on its annual list of the "100 most influential" people.

Instead, the run-down of people whose "ideas, innovations and actions" are considered to be "most shaping the world" includes Brits such as Adele, along with the Queen, film director Danny Boyle, and actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Craig.

There is space for the Duchess of Cambridge and Sarah Burton, the designer who created her wedding dress, on the list. There is also space for Pippa, who is described in the citation as "a Mona Lisa, familiar yet unreadable".

The magazine sings the praises of Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, and also endorses his leading lady, Dame Maggie Smith.

Of Cameron, however, there is no mention. The snub may be all the harder to take since he appeared in lights on the run-down last year. The Time 100, published each April, is largely compiled by a panel of editorial staff. Over the years, it has caused heated debate. In 2004, Tony Blair was excluded; in 2010, Hillary Clinton found herself overlooked.

In an effort to counter criticism, Time has in recent years allowed the public to vote for candidates, but the procedure is open to abuse. This year, for example, the hacking collective Anonymous won first place in the online poll. It has since been accused of hijacking the selection procedure.