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President Trump made some major missteps when meeting the queen
President Trump met with the queen of England today and committed several protocol gaffes that left many feeling that his behavior was an insult to Britain and lacked the respect that should be shown the monarch — and if not a monarch, a 92-year-old woman.
The president was soundly condemned on social media for walking in front of Queen Elizabeth as they inspected a guard of honor of the Coldstream Guards. The queen was forced to bob and weave as she caught up to walk alongside him.
Trump did appear to notice, and in the video below you’ll see that as she catches up with him, she gives the tiniest gesture with her hand, signaling to him to continue walking.
I’m not a monarchist by any stretch of the imagination but this is such an insult to Britain. Absolutely clueless, classless, thoughtless, lacking in any dignity and without a shred of respect. pic.twitter.com/RBFXe4yZ9H
— Matthew McGregor (@mcgregormt) July 13, 2018
Did he walk in front of the Queen? 👸😱
— 💫Moonshadow💫 🌙 (@fit4guys) July 13, 2018
Well #Trump should be ashamed of how he behaved in front of the queen. No respect for protocol or even decent manners. She’s an elderly lady and the way you behaved is arrogant and disgusting. #TrumpVisitsUK
— Sarah Jane Roots (@sarahrellyboo) July 13, 2018
Earlier, the president and first lady Melania Trump defied protocol when they greeted the queen: They did not bow or curtsy, but instead opted to simply shake hands. It is not obligatory to bow, as Americans are not her subjects, but doing so is widely considered good manners.
Her Majesty welcomes the President @POTUS and Mrs Trump @FLOTUS in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/Gc5LqMV55s
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 13, 2018
They also were late when meeting Queen Elizabeth, causing her to check her watch, on camera, several times. Overall, a certain deference to the queen is expected. Arrive before her, don’t speak unless spoken to or sit or eat until she has, and never turn your back or leave before she does. Trump managed to publicly flout a few of these rules of protocol.
And, as one person pointed out, his overall behavior was disrespectful and thoughtless toward an elderly woman, queen or not.
Even if she wasn’t the Queen, what a way to treat a 92 year old woman acting at your host. He acts like he was raised by the son of a bordello owner.
— Sandra (@seb4466) July 13, 2018
Or just general politeness being with an elderly lady and making sure she goes first and is ok.
— Hutchsky71 (@Hutchsky71) July 13, 2018
And a very old lady also. No class, no decorum, no integrity.
— france pedersen 🦋 (@francepedersen) July 13, 2018
Commenters on Twitter were hard-pressed not to see his behavior with the queen and Prime Minister Theresa May as misogynistic.
It’s also misogynistic AF, because there is no way that his complete lack of respect is unrelated to her being a woman. The extra disrespect he shows to people like her and Angela Merkel is infuriating.
— Kendally Brown (@kendallybrown) July 13, 2018
He’s vile to Theresa may too. At the end of the day he’s exactly who we thought he was.
— Matthew McGregor (@mcgregormt) July 13, 2018
The lack of respect especially for female foreign leaders & officials is pretty consistent
— nahS (@Le_nahS) July 13, 2018
Even though the royal family’s approach to royal protocol is reportedly much more relaxed than it used to be, these gaffes — intentional or not — are causing a bit of a backlash.
Trump will be the latest in a very long line of American presidents who have met Queen Elizabeth. HM has met with every sitting president since ascending to the throne in 1952, with the exception of Lyndon Johnson.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
‘Tremendous fan’ Melania Trump meets Queen Elizabeth in shell-pink Dior
Melania Trump wears classic $1,995 Burberry trench for European arrival
Melania Trump Played This British Sport in 4-Inch Louboutin Heels
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