Archive · 15 Sep 2025
US Presidents' Royal Gaffes: A History of Protocol Breaches
Sometimes, when US presidents meet British royalty, things don't go quite as planned!
Like, President Carter might have given the Queen Mother a kiss on the lips (or cheek!).
President Bush made the Queen seem older than she was in a speech.
Even First Ladies, like Michelle Obama, broke the rules by touching the Queen first, and Obama talked through the national anthem.
Trump once walked in front of the Queen.
These moments are funny because they show how different cultures have different rules for how to act.
Jimmy Carter possibly kissed the Queen Mother, causing a media stir.
George W. Bush made a gaffe in a speech, misstating the Queen's age.
Michelle Obama touched Queen Elizabeth II, breaking protocol.
Barack Obama continued speaking during the playing of 'God Save the Queen'.
Donald Trump walked in front of Queen Elizabeth II during a visit.
- Who
- US Presidents and British Royal Family
- What
- Various protocol breaches and gaffes during official visits.
- When
- Over the years, during official visits.
- Where
- Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
- Why
- Highlight instances of protocol violations and awkward moments.
US Presidential Behaviors
British Royal Protocol
Physical Contact
US Presidential Behaviors
US Presidents and First Ladies' informal greetings
British Royal Protocol
Strict rules against initiating physical contact with the monarch
Speech Decorum
US Presidential Behaviors
Normal speech patterns for US Presidents
British Royal Protocol
Interruptions of the national anthem are not allowed.
Hierarchical Positioning
US Presidential Behaviors
Less strict approach to order of procession
British Royal Protocol
The monarch always leads.
- Figures Involved
- US Presidents and British Royal Family
- Incident Types
- Protocol breaches, verbal gaffes, and physical missteps
- Notable Names
- Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth II
- Location
- Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle
- Key Breaches
- Touching the Queen, interrupting the anthem, and stepping in front of the monarch
