There is a firestorm of press tossing around whether Michelle Obama violated protocol in touching the queen.
Protocol, don't touch the queen, Ever. ok well there is exceptions, handshakes, etc.
But apparently the queen had put her hand on Michelle Obama's hand, and Michelle in return put her hand on the back by the shoulder of the queen.
I think there is room for 'interpretation in this', from what I read the queen backed up away a bit, but not sure.
I really liked the outfit Michelle Obama chose, I for one would have gone for something without such a low neckline, but I thought her choice of dress was tasteful.
I remember when Nancy Reagan created such a controversy about Not bowing when she met the queen, I don't know what the protocol was back then, but I do know that U.S dignitaries are not required to bow or curtsy before the queen.
I think there is a lot of room for interpretation in what Michelle Obama did and what the protocol calls for, or the rules that are written in stone.
Mooch
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Comments: 27 ( 3 removed by Mooch -. )
This is why we had a revolution against the monarchy, but now we have our own monarchy. So, can one queen touch another??? Gee, I don't know, I'll have to go ask the Obamatron sheep.
I am sure she didnt mean to break protocal but you are told before you meet the queen how to act so you would think she would be on best behavior.
I've seen some bloggers from England talking about this. They say that our First Lady "felt up the queen", so I'm guessing they didn't like it much.
Marilyn, I haven't watched the videos of it happening however I have read both sides, and not on sights like WorldNet Daily, I've seen them on Yahoo, CNN, etc, and the like where mention was made of some of what you are saying.
I don't know but I think because the queen touched her first Michelle might have thought it would be ok.
There is a huge difference than 'feeling up the queen' and a one armed hug.....
Mooch
I'm not royalty, but, the only hands I want on me are my wife's. It's the Queen, after all, not some sorority sister.
Anyway, as to the question, since the Queen touched Michelle first, I can see why Michelle thought it would be okay. In America, we don't really think someone is going to expect one-way intimacy while the other person maintains awe. Maybe if we get rid of all the protocol, politicians and monarchs will start making decisions that benefit their constituents rather than the other rich kids.
The Queen got over it, seems like everyone else should.
As to the iPod, it seems QEII likes the musical, "Oklahoma"; that was one of the things on the iPod. The news story I watched said the music, etc. on the iPod was the kind of thing an octogenarian would like. Any gift that takes the recipient's tastes into consideration is a suitable one -- put your little noses back into joint.
This was about how people were interpreting what Michelle Obama did, if you will Note I did not really agree nor disagree with the article and that there was a lot of room for interpritation on what she did.
According to the report that I saw on Yahoo, the Queen stiffened and backed away while there were gasps of shock in the room, however, i am sure that the intention was well meant.
Of course there are going to be people who interprit it very differently...........
Mooch
I did see the pictures of the bow, and it was a full waisted bow, where Obama's head was down around his waist line. The king had outstretched his hand, and Obama bowed........I think it made the king of Saudi feel a little awkward at the moment, as no one else bowed.
mooch
We were briefed on protocol before visiting Saudi Arabia.
Borneo Islanders are offended if you eat all the food on your plate. Go figure! lol
We must not forget that the Obamas are representing the United States. Every move, every word is being recorded for posterity. I understand it is quite a strain to be under the spot light, but the representatives of the United States cannot forget for one second that all eyes are upon them.