Showing physical affection towards members of the Royal Family is often a sensitive matter.
According to the Royal Family’s website, there are ‘no obligatory codes of behaviour’ when meeting a member of the Royal Family, but there’s an unwritten rule to limit interactions to a handshake – and only if one is offered.
Although the Prince and Princess of Wales and other younger royals, are known for being more relaxed, the older generation follow the example of the late Queen Elizabeth, who was not tactile with members of the public.
Last week, Brigitte Macron made headlines as she attempted to hold hands with a reluctant Queen Camilla at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer.
This echoed Tom Cruise‘s faux pas when he offered his hand to assist Kate Middleton up a small set of steps at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in May 2022.
Similarly, fellow American Michelle Obama raised eyebrows when she put an arm around Queen Elizabeth during a reception at Buckingham Palace in 2009.
Donald Trump also caused controversy in 2018 by walking in front of the Queen after being greeted by her at Windsor Castle.
Brigitte Macron attempted to hold hands with Queen Camilla at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer on June 6, the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Landings. However, the Queen seemed reluctant to proffer her gloved hand
Donald Trump’s meeting with Queen Elizabeth in 2018 caused quite a stir. The US President broke royal protocol by walking in front of the monarch while the pair inspected the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle
First Lady Michelle Obama made headlines when she put her arm around Queen Elizabeth during a reception at Buckingham Palace in 2009. Surprisingly, the monarch reciprocated and put an arm around the First Lady
Italian jockey Frankie Dettori kissed Queen Camilla on the cheek as he celebrated winning The Gold Cup at Royal Ascot 2023
The jockey then stood in front of Camilla during the official photographs
When the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the UK premiere of Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise raised eyebrows by offering his hand to assist Kate Middleton up a small set of steps
Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating broke royal protocol by placing his arm around Queen Elizabeth II during her tour of Australia in 1992
Former Prime Minister John Howard also breached protocol by lending a guided hand to Queen Elizabeth at an official reception at the Australian Parliament in 2000
During Prince Charles’ tour of Australia in 2015, Janine Kirk – the chief executive of what was then the Prince’s Trust Australia broke protocol by placing her hand on his lower back
