America’s First Lady Michelle Obama broke royal protocol during a reception at Buckingham Palace when she placed her arm around the Queen of England. Her Majesty returned the gesture by putting her arm round Mrs. Obama’s waist, way out of the normal. Here’s the question, did Michelle breached protocol, by placing her hand on Her Majesty’s back? Yes, regardless of on air comments, touching the Queen of England is a definite no no, under most circumstances.
This started when Queen Elizabeth told the first lady, said she hoped they could stay in touch. The Queen broke royal etiquette herself by touching Michelle on the back. Michelle in return gave the Queen a back pat. Again, touching the Queen of England is a definite no no, under most circumstances.
The Obamas presented the Queen with an ipod loaded with about forty Broadway show tunes. I know the Queen has an ipod, its the thought that counts. Now this breech of protocol. So what’s the big deal, Touching the Queen of England is a definite no no, under most circumstances. What do you think about this?
April 3, 2009 at 2:03 am |
trends watch : Michelle Obama Touches Queen Elizabeth « Emptysuit…
…America’s First Lady Michelle Obama broke royal protocol during a reception at Buckingham Palace when she placed her arm around the Queen of England……
April 3, 2009 at 1:57 pm |
Honestly, i refuse to believe that in the 21st century,someone will call it an abomination to touch the Queen. The Queen is no doubt the most respected and revered monarch today, but that does not place her beyond touch by fellow human being. This tradition is anti civilization. It should be dispelled with.
April 3, 2009 at 2:00 pm |
THE QUEEN SHOULD BE AMENABLE TO TOUCH
April 3, 2009 at 3:18 pm |
E M B A R R A S S I N G! Let me count the ways!!!! Apparently the Obama’s feel that they are above Royal Protocol. It was tasteless and showed great disrespect for Her Majesty.
Ugh!!!
BAMiller-Stacey
New Jersey
April 3, 2009 at 5:45 pm |
Barbara, you are I G N O R A N C E! Let me explains why: the Queen is not a frigging Ming vase, she can be touch, just because it’s a protocol does not means that we all have to obey it. Your comment show that you are not open to new ideas and experience.
Ugh!!!
April 3, 2009 at 8:06 pm |
It is clear that you believe that some people are so above others, that a kind touch should be an abomination.
olala!! the Queen can touch others but these”others” can’t touch her, because she is a superior being. Honestly, I do not think the Queen was offended by this touch, BTW she initiated herself. Get a life and learn that all human beings are created equal no matter “their status”. ahahahahahahah! what a joke.A gesture of kindness is welcome no matter who you are.
April 3, 2009 at 3:50 pm |
I mean really? This is what is making headline news? Michelle Obama “touched” the Queen…So what. Doesn’t the world have bigger problems to be concerned with?
April 3, 2009 at 4:14 pm |
I just think it’s a freindly gesture, and the media is over exagerrating.
April 3, 2009 at 4:29 pm |
Oh wow. Michele Obama acted like a human being.
I agree that she did broke protocol but i would rather have a warm reception than one where they could not stand each other.
April 3, 2009 at 4:54 pm |
They both broke protocol…so what. It really looks more like they were comfortable with each other and Michelle forgot it was a no no. I DIDN’T vote for the Obama’s, but we need to be fair, the Queen was gracious enough not to make an issue of the mistake and things went along famously. Who wouldn’t want to touch the Queen…she looks so cuddly
April 3, 2009 at 4:54 pm |
If Michelle Obama was pre-told not to touch she should not have done so. Not everyone meeting the President and First Lady/USA are into their habits of hugging or touching, and regardless of the Obama’s intelligence and stature, they still have the midwestern/Illinois ways (I am from Indiana and I probably would have done the same thing as Michelle had I not been told-its our way). What also exists is if the Obamas “were” told not to touch and elected to poo-poo the idea and touch anyway then shame on them for disgracing the USA (ME!).
April 3, 2009 at 5:18 pm |
Nothing wrong with the Queen of England and the King of ameria’s Wife Michalle Obama, AKA Queen of America.
April 3, 2009 at 5:25 pm |
Well, the Queen did initiate it. I don’t see what’s wrong with it, but I’m not from England so I don’t see it from their point of view.
April 3, 2009 at 5:29 pm |
Did they give her an iPod Touch as well? If so, then the touch is likely acceptable. If they gave her a Nano then it’s questionable, but a Shuffle would be completely inappropriate.
April 3, 2009 at 5:33 pm |
The Queen is the shitt!
April 3, 2009 at 5:34 pm |
Get OVER it people. Like somebody already said, this is the 21st century. I respect her of course, but I would hope that by now we we are past the belief that a figure like herself is so far above us that nobody is worthy of touching her.
Obviously the Queen didn’t care, so why should anybody else?
April 3, 2009 at 5:34 pm |
Where did you get your information that it was a “breech of protocol” (sic)? Buckingham Palace says it was not, and I think they should know.
April 3, 2009 at 5:40 pm |
Good Aquaintence,
The Queen of England. Interesting Topic.
I would like to illuminate this mundane topic.
Queens and Kings have been replaced in modern society, by presidents and prime ministers…
The wife of President Obama, should have imperative status as a Queen. She is not what previous societies would expect. However, simple mannerisms and gestures have modernised to be afforded to exaggerated expressions. The main point is that this position of Queen and first lady is temporary. Death doesnt discriminate, you see. As they say, whether King, or beggar “You come into this world naked, and you leave this world naked” . So the Point is that one should not become bewildered by such power. We too, can occupy such positions. But No matter what state of power, you are never satisfied. Think carefully. When you were in primary school, you thought that when you reach high school, you would be happy. Then when high school came, you thought when you in tertiary school you would be happy. Still not satisfied, you desired a partner, thinking they would make you happy eternally. But the problems come, and you think when you have a child you would be happy. But this child comes wih its own…..Hence you can never be happy in this mundane world. You need to be spiritual and content from within to be happy. FAME DOESNT LAST. Dont be fooled. Take this energy and worship Krsna (all atractive/ God). Only the Lord almighty should be worshiped because only he, only he is the Supreme Lord of all Lords. Thank You.
April 3, 2009 at 5:42 pm |
This is the first time that I’ve read about such protocol and I think it is ridiculous. Michelle is a new first lady so may be she still getting use to the proper etiquette for a first lady, but I think her mistake makes her human. I like the fact that she is not a typical first lady, she’s more human and personable. So she broke a protocol but protocols are meant to be challenge, touching brought people closer.
April 3, 2009 at 5:45 pm |
I thought it was sweet. The Queen didn’t appear to be uncomfortable or offended by the gesture so I have no problem with it. Honestly, the Queen is a human being, perhaps she wishes more people like Michelle would break Royal Protocol.
April 3, 2009 at 5:59 pm |
How embarrassing indeed! God forbid our leaders show any warmth to each other. I much prefer when Bush Sr. vomited on the Japanese Prime Minister.
April 3, 2009 at 6:08 pm |
I agree. Can you say CLUELESS? And her white tank top wasn’t exactly an example of modesty.
April 3, 2009 at 6:58 pm |
This is just stupid. If you don’t want to be touched you should never invite people to visit you. Why is it such a big deal. Don’t touch the Queen, curtsey when you meet the Queen, Don’t look at her to look. this is 2009, come-on people get real.
April 3, 2009 at 7:05 pm |
Checking out the video, Mrs. Obama not only put her arm around the Queen, but as she was removing it, she slowly rubbed her open hand across the Queens back. I’m not even royalty and this type of touching from someone I have just met, regardless of who I am and who they are, would feel odd and a bit out of line.
April 3, 2009 at 8:09 pm |
I am half British, and I am proud that The First Lady was so welcomed by the Monarch. Enough, there was not one bit of disrespect. We are in the 21st century.
April 3, 2009 at 8:14 pm |
We have problems far greater than Michelle touching the Queen. Yes, there’s protocol, we have them ourselves, not to such extreme, but we do have them. I just don’t think we should make such a big deal over Michelle touching the Queen!
April 3, 2009 at 8:24 pm |
How else are you going to prove the queen is really there or not?
April 3, 2009 at 9:12 pm |
It was PERFECT! We have a First Lady who is acting like a FIRST lady. She showed respect while being warm and inviting, and yes….The Queen put her arm around Michelle as well.
April 3, 2009 at 9:42 pm |
If anything, this indicates a lack on the part of the preparation people that are supposed to prepare and present our U.S. dignitaries in the highest level of cultured and dignified manner.
April 3, 2009 at 10:02 pm |
There are certain protocols to follow even here in Washington and other countries esp.meeting the Queen. No matter how weird it is, 21st century now and what not, visiting leaders have to respect that. It’s their country w/ certain protocols and as visiting leaders, they need to respect it as when other leaders visit Washington vice versa. The First Lady being new to protocols in meeting world leaders and esp. the Queen forgot it, simple as that. The RH initiated it yes, but FL forgot she should have just stand and acknowledge the gesture by not patting/rubbing her back. The way I see it,it wasn’t a hug but should have been a quick tap on the shoulder but the Queen was way shorter than the FL. Notice, she removed herself right away w/out embarassing the FL but too late, the FL lingered her hand too long. Being a mistake, what can the palace do. Certainly there were more incidents of breaking the protocols in the past. It’s part of being a human not used to these kind of life everyday, it’s understandable. I’m sure the Queen and the palace accepted that also and moved on w/ their next agenda for the day.
April 3, 2009 at 10:04 pm |
Okay, so the Obamas don’t know anything about protocol. That’s apparent in many, many areas. You learn that stuff at home and these two didn’t come from homes that know these upper class rules. Furthermore, the bigger glitch for BO is bowing to a king. Honest to God, does he not even know that we had a revolution so Americans wouldn’t have to do that nonsense? How dare he insult his own countrymen with this disgusting, foreign behavior! Act like the President of the greatest country on earth, not because of its power, but because of its liberty, for crying out loud. This is affirmative action for you.
April 4, 2009 at 2:39 pm |
I’m with you, LCPowers. The Obamas should have advisors to help them with protocol; but regardless, they should have read up on this sort of thing themselves, as most upper class people would have. They should have been studying protocol from the moment he thought about becoming president. And this won’t be the last incidence of their lack of savoir faire. They had better not leave their daughters out of the social schooling, either. In their posture, their dress, in all sorts of things, the Obamas are way out of their depth, socially. Maybe they should put John T. Molloy on retainer.
April 3, 2009 at 10:14 pm |
Touching the Queen, so what?
April 3, 2009 at 10:20 pm |
[...] Dictates Protocol in Queen Elizabeth Touching Jump to Comments Emptysuit posted this blog about Michelle Obama breaking “royal protocol” by touching Queen Elizabeth. I [...]
April 3, 2009 at 10:31 pm |
One would think/hope that with the attention this post is getting that it could be reviewed for grammar/spelling problems.
April 3, 2009 at 10:55 pm |
I’M CERTAIN THAT THE QUEEN THINKS THE SPOUSE OF ‘THE ANOINTED ONE” IS “TOUCHED.”
April 4, 2009 at 12:06 am |
[...] Michelle Obama Touches Queen Elizabeth America’s First Lady Michelle Obama broke royal protocol during a reception at Buckingham Palace when she placed [...] [...]
April 4, 2009 at 12:13 am |
I think what people are forgetting is that while it may be the 21st century, protocol is protocol. If protocol states you do not touch the queen than you do not touch the quees, its that simple. You cannot just brush aside the rules because you think they shouldn’t be there anymore becuase that is not for you to decide.
April 4, 2009 at 12:21 am |
Brit here.
Who’s saying it was a problem? A very few hard-line conservatives – that’s all. Most of us are not offended, we’re intrigued. It breached custom, and we’re interested that the Queen didn’t mind. If you actually spoke to real Brits, I doubt you’d find many of us spitting feathers about it.
Obama is even more popular here than in the States – we have masses of respect for him and applaud your ability to elect a competent leader this time.
April 4, 2009 at 12:41 am |
Does anyone know what the exact protocol is? It may be protocol to not touch the Queen first, but if the Queen initiates then it may be protocol to reciprocate. If Mrs. Obama had not reciprocated the Queen’s gesture, I would think that to be worse than breaking protocol.
April 4, 2009 at 2:01 am |
1> The queen is not queen of planet Earth, some people of planet Earth are not subject to royal protocol of the UK, the Obama’s are not subjects of the queen, therefore the Obama’s are not subject to royal protocol no more than is she subject to the formal protocol of the office of the USA president.
2> The queen did in fact make the intial contact of “touching” as shown in camera.
3> The spokes person of the queen has not noted any problem or concern with the touching between Ms Obama and the Queen
April 4, 2009 at 4:00 am |
Did she say: “Tag, you’re it!”
Now that would have been a problem. For one thing, then the Queen would have then had to chase her around.
April 4, 2009 at 4:57 am |
When I read the title to this post, I thought maybe Michelle had metaphorically touched the Queen.
April 4, 2009 at 6:24 am |
Quite frankly I think the Queen probably appreciated First Lady Michele Obama breaking protocol. The Queen is probably sick of people always making a big fuss over her and just – for once, wants to feel like a regular person like everyone else. Forget all these formalities; the Queen wants to let loose and have some fun for a change. I’ll even bet that while no one was looking she slipped a little shot of brandy in with her tea. ‘Long live the Queen’ – now let’s live a little.
April 4, 2009 at 6:31 am |
The Queen need a touch maybe…
April 4, 2009 at 7:04 am |
[...] Michelle Obama Touches Queen Elizabeth [...]
April 4, 2009 at 7:33 am |
Bueno, la reina es la reina, y si el protocolo lo establece así deben ser las cosas, no fue una visita familiar o de amigos, fue una visita OFICIAL!!! ¿Por qué no fueron en pantalones cortos, o en camiseta? Porque el protocolo así lo exige. No creo que la reina sea intocable, solo creo que el protocolo hay que respetarlo.
April 4, 2009 at 8:07 am |
If the Queen breaks the protocol first, all is good. If you run up out of nowhere and slap her with a ‘good game’ or a high-five or even a hug, you’re definetly in the wrong.
Honestly, the Obama’s just ooze charm and warmth; hell I’d probably want to touch them too.
PS Please check out my blog at ericethridge.wordpress.com and feel free to comment/pingback.
April 4, 2009 at 8:09 am |
Another Brit here. No-one’s remotely offended apart from a few up-tight, far-right stuffed shirts. Witnesses are quite specific that it was HM who ‘broke protocol’ by commenting on the difference in their heights, then putting an arm around the First Lady’s waist. Michele Obama merely reciprocated. It was lovely to see … the two ladies were obviously very comfortable with each other.
If the Queen had objected … believe me, everyone would have known. The ‘Windsor freeze’ is unmistakable.
Incidentally, the reason for the ‘no touch’ protocol is simple. With the number of people HM meets in the course of a week, she’d end up mauled …
April 4, 2009 at 8:11 am |
oh. em. gee.
hahaha..
i can’t believe this has gotten so much media. I mean, if the queen was offended, i’d understand. but! she’s not!
please carry on with life. (:
April 4, 2009 at 8:13 am |
I think the Queen of England is cool. I would be disappointed if our Queen froze up to First Lady Michelle Obama’s warm gesture. The Queen’s reciprocation shows that she is a warm and human afterall.
April 4, 2009 at 8:31 am |
Personally, I like the fact that you refer to her as the Queen of England – not as the Queen of the United Kingdom or Great Britain – and that none of your commenters pick up on the fact. Nice to see that there are still some people in the world for whom the word ‘England’ still refers to something, even if these people are mostly not from the UK and even if it is being used as a synonym for the United Kingdom.
As for Michelle Obama’s gesture, she’s new in the job; she’ll learn. I’m sure that’s what the Queen thought, too. Not worth blowing apart the Special Relationship over!
April 4, 2009 at 9:09 am |
Ah… media…
I don’t think it’s wrong…
Everybody could show their unconditional positive regards for everyone.
Nice post
April 4, 2009 at 9:33 am |
As a brit, I can tell you that there are no real hardline rules in royal protocol; most are simply tradition which change over time. If one of these traditions is the allowance (or non-allowance) of physical contact, just let it change with the times. Much of the way the UK works is based on tradition. We have no constitution, no official language, etc.
April 4, 2009 at 9:53 am |
This is ridiculous and hardly worth a blog! I’m British… nobody gives two hoots about royal protocal. I’m starting to think she is actually Queen of the US and, frankly, you can have her!
April 4, 2009 at 10:54 am |
David, I know and I’m sure many of the posters know she’s Queen of The UK.
April 4, 2009 at 11:31 am |
One very good reason why the Queen should not be touched, groped or otherwise manhandled is that foreign politicians and business people may seek to gain advantage by being photographed cosying up to the Queen. Publicly she is an apolitical person and, as such, deserves not to be used as a prop.
It’s nothing to do with her feeling superior to others, as the republicans (in the truest sense) would have you believe.
Would you want Berlusconi all over you?!
Tom
P.S. There’s more here if you’re interested:
http://funista.com/2009/04/04/obama-michelle-queen-touch-g20-brown-idiot-berlusconi-hug/
NB. Feel free to delete the link if you think I’m being cheeky, Empty Suit
April 4, 2009 at 12:30 pm |
trends watch, Thanks, don’t be a stranger
FRED AKINSEYE, great point, you said it tradition. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Barbara Miller-Stacey, start counting, there are 3 years and 9 months left. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Vinh Tran, just because it’s a protocol does not means that we all have to obey it. hum…? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Joe D’addario, the Queen can touch others but these”others” can’t touch her. that’s what I’m reading. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
R U Serious, yes, bigger problems. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
gcannon4, you might be right. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
miriam, I’m confused with the ‘acted like a human being’ what is Michelle? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Tam, great points. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Pat, that is true. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
asianjade, Michalle Obama, AKA Queen of America. Ha! Thanks, don’t be a stranger
alicesama, no touch like that. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
fragmintz, iPod Touch, funny. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
david, O.K.! Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Victoria, those that pay attention to these matters care. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
thelegacylawyer, Buckingham Palace does know. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Knight Blue, great point. Where does worshiping Krsna fit in here? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
daltomonte, what if she played it off? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Melissa Roth, that’s funny. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Jacob Webb, somewhere she is suppose to have tone arms, I haven’t seen any. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Jean Thompson, If you don’t want to be touched you should never invite people to visit you. I Like That!! Thanks, don’t be a stranger
citizen, this was a little weird, Thanks, don’t be a stranger
shandells, question, does it matter what century were in? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
candelyn, It’s not just here, it’s everywhere. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Dekonstruct, touch to see if it’s real? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
briancraig, hum…good point. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
cultured, you’re right about preparation. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
leo, great points. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
LCPowers, your preaching now!! Thanks, don’t be a stranger
carokann, Thanks, don’t be a stranger
31. iPod Dictates Protocol in Queen Elizabeth Touching « Mintz’s Words Says: Ok, who did this?
roniweiss, reviewed for grammar/spelling problems. I’ll remember this next time. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
llabesab, I’m lost here, fill me in? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Joseph, they have forgotten. When rules and traditions are factored many refer to the ‘thats the old fashion attitude’ Traditions are the foundation of style and honor. Question, during a funeral we follow certin traditions that has been around for ages, what if we just start trashing bodies, take them to a dumpster and throw the body in? Will the 21 century protocol of disposing bodies be broken, will we say ‘this is the 21 century’ no! We follow the rules, traditions and keep honor. Great point. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Clare, It breached custom is right. Would you accept him as PM? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
elcigarro, Thanks, don’t be a stranger
JACK, so I can go to the white house and french kiss Michelle and rub her butt if she rubs mine? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
jamesacooley, “Tag, you’re it!”? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
iheartfilm, sorry about that. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
chillbill, she probably did need that back message. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Fahmi, yes. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
sumpah laper gila « Agungkrisnamurti’s Blog, Thanks, don’t be a stranger
chanchamito, OK!!! I have to get back with you on this. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Eric Ethridge, the Obama’s are known for the fist bump. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
Moira, I did mention this. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
orangestrings, I’m surprised too. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
lanceress, Thanks, don’t be a stranger
David, I know and I’m sure many of the posters know she’s Queen of The UK. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
djengwidz, Thanks, don’t be a stranger
champdefrene, will this keep the honor of the position. Does this mean the next king should be treated like the common man? Thanks, don’t be a stranger
psypressuk, I like your view of this. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
April 4, 2009 at 12:44 pm |
Tom, thanks for sharing this. Don’t be a stranger.
April 4, 2009 at 5:38 pm |
it’s not like she put the Queen in a headlock.
April 4, 2009 at 8:33 pm |
“David, I know and I’m sure many of the posters know she’s Queen of The UK”.
emptysuit, I know we English are famed for our irony, but I actually meant it when I said I was glad the Queen was being referred to as the Queen of England in your post and in the comments, despite the technical inaccuracy of doing so. So she is. And long live both she and England!
April 4, 2009 at 9:13 pm |
[...] irreparably damaged. After all the furore over Giftgate and the unforgivable sight of seeing our Queen molested by a black woman[!], it can now be exclusively revealed that Obama did not even make a detour north to sleep with [...]
April 4, 2009 at 11:42 pm |
Red, we have this frail lady and Michelle with those toned arms…(yeah right)? patting and rubbing the Queens back, that could do some damage. The headlock wouldn’t be necessary. Thanks for your comment, don’t be a stranger.
David, oh…we’re fine David. I didn’t take that as being offensive and I hope none of the posters didn’t as well. Thanks.
Obama’s In Shocking Breach of Protocol « Laughter In The Dark, ok —>lets stay focus and stay south. Thanks, don’t be a stranger
August 10, 2009 at 2:35 am |
Is the museum open on Sunday?
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October 2, 2009 at 8:15 pm |
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