Trump Places Hand On Queen Elizabeth’s Back At State Banquet, Sparks Robust Debate On Royal Protocol

Jun 05, 2019 by apost team

The public has been in debate since Monday when Donald Trump put his hand on the Queen’s back at a state dinner at Buckingham Palace. Some say it was a breach of the royal protocol while others on Twitter believe it does not bend any rules.

During the state dinner, Trump made a speech about the US-UK relationship and praised Queen Elizabeth for her role in World War II, People reports.

“From the Second World War to today, her majesty has stood as a constant symbol of these priceless traditions,” Trump said, according to People. “She has embodied the spirit of dignity, duty, and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart.”

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He went on to call her “a great, great woman,” and after his speech placed her hand on her back. The Queen seemed unfazed at the moment and continued on to stand with the crowd as “God Save the Queen” played.

The official royal family website notes that “There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.”

It goes on to say, “For those who wish to observe the traditional forms, it is advised that men perform a “neck bow (from the head only)” while women do a “small curtsy” when they meet the Queen.

It is reminiscent of the time first lady Michelle Obama put her arm around the Queen in 2009, as reported by The Guardian. In a surprising turn of events, the Queen responded by placing her arm around Obama’s waist.

In Michelle Obama’s recent memoir “Becoming,” she acknowledged the moment and said, “If I hadn’t done the proper thing at Buckingham Palace, I had at least done the human thing," she wrote. "I daresay that the Queen was okay with it, too, because when I touched her, she only pulled closer, resting a gloved hand lightly on the small of my back.”

In the case of Donald Trump, it seems that the Queen did not reciprocate the gesture. Donald and Melania are due to be in Ireland today, with a stop in southern England for a D-Day commemoration, reports the New York Times. He then goes on to France for the D-Day anniversary itself.

Well, what do you think? Did Donald Trump breach the royal protocol or not? Let us know in the comments and be sure to spread the word about this article to have more people join the discussion.