British Prime Minister Dave Cameron has privately asked the Danish prime minister to auction off the selfie she took of them with President Barack Obama at Nelson Mandela's memorial service, suggesting it could raise significant amounts of money for charity.

Cameron had a conversation with Helle Thorning-Schmidt last week, British newspapers The Daily Mail and The Sunday Times are reporting, after the world leaders faced a barrage of criticism for taking the smiling photo as thousands of mourners gathered to pay tribute to the 95-year-old former South African leader.

Thorning-Schmidt has so-far refused to release the picture, which was taken shortly after Obama's tribute to Mandela. She reportedly told a Danish newspaper that it was not "particularly good," and sources say she wanted to delete it, according to the Mail.

Cameron was grilled about the picture in Parliament during Prime Minister's Questions last week, explaining he obliged to be photographed because he "was being polite."

Cameron's office has refused to confirm if the conversation took place, or if it did, what was discussed, according to the Mail.

Thorning-Schmidt previously defended the shot, saying the trio was "just having a bit of fun." The White House, meanwhile, has not commented on the photo.

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