Showing physical affection towards members of the Royal Family is often a delicate matter.
According to the Royal Family website, “there are no mandatory codes of conduct” when meeting a member of the Royal Family, but there is an unwritten rule that limits 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 is following the example of the late Queen Elizabeth, who was not tactile with the public.
Last week, Brigitte Macron made headlines when she tried to hold hands with reluctant Queen Camilla at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.
This echoed Tom Cruise’s faux pas when he offered his hand to help Kate Middleton up a small flight of stairs at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in May 2022.
Similarly, fellow American Michelle Obama attracted attention when she put her 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 received by her at Windsor Castle.
Brigitte Macron attempted to hold hands with Queen Camilla at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer on June 6, the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Landings. However, the Queen seemed reluctant to offer her hand gloved
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 as the couple inspected the Honor Guard 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 her arm around the First Lady.
Italian jockey Frankie Dettori kissed Queen Camilla on the cheek as she 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 help Kate Middleton up some small stairs.
Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating broke royal protocol by putting his arm around Queen Elizabeth II during her tour of Australia in 1992.
Former Prime Minister John Howard also breached protocol by assisting Queen Elizabeth at an official reception at the Australian Parliament in 2000.
