PresidentDonald Trumpand his family are heading to the U.K. next weekfor his first state visitafter multiple delays, again putting a spotlight on the matter of royal protocol — what is and is not acceptable when he meetsQueen Elizabeth.
Last summer, during a working visit to the U.K., Trump made headlineswhen he shook hands with the 93-year-old monarchinstead of bowing.
“There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family,” according to theroyal family’s official website, “but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.”
For men, this means “a neck bow (from the head only).” For women, “a small curtsy.”
However, the website notes, “Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”
A handshake is not unusual for a president or first lady:Barack ObamaandMichelle Obamaalso opted to shake the Queen’s hand over bowing to herwhile visitingWindsor Castle back in 2016.
Chris Jackson/Getty
Amongother controversies in his relationshipwith Britain, Trump sparked intense backlash in June 2017 after he attacked London’s mayor in the wake of a terror attack there.
In Julyhe met with the Queen Elizabethat Windsor Castle amid the expected protests about his working trip. A “Stop Trump March” in London drew tens of thousands of people.
The state visit next week while be three days, Monday-Wednesday, and include a private lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, tea withPrince Charlesand his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The Queen will also host a state banquet for the president.
In an interview ahead of his meeting with the Queen last year, Trump said, “She is a tremendous woman. I really look forward to meeting her. I think she represents her country so well.”
source: people.com
