Palace breaks silence on Biden’s ‘protocol breach’ with King Charles
It was a meeting of two brotherly countries when the United States and England’s leaders came together on July 10.
King Charles and President Joe Biden had a conversation at Windsor Castle on Monday and many fans were wondering if the 80-year-old politician breached royal protocol.
When Biden’s vehicle first approached the residence, Charles, 74, came out to welcome him with a handshake.
As they both walked together up some steps, Biden gently placed his hand on Charles.
Sometime later, when the men went to ceremoniously inspect the Guard of Honor, Biden was several paces in front of the sovereign.
A Buckingham Palace source relayed to People that Charles was “entirely comfortable” with Biden’s decorum.
“What a wonderful symbol of warmth and affection it was between both the individuals and their nations,” the insider continued, adding that it was fine for the Commander-in-Chief to stroll in front of Charles.
The source then told CNN: “Contrary to some reports that is, in fact, the correct protocol.”
The president’s meeting with Charles is the first official visit of the monarch’s reign.
Before chatting with the former Prince of Wales, Biden had stopped by the garden of 10 Downing Street to have tea with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Charles became king in September 2022 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth passed on. Biden and his wife, Jill, attended her state funeral that same month.
Biden and Charles previously met back in 2015 at the White House’s Oval Office with former President Barack Obama.
The pair also crossed paths at the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Scotland back in 2021.
Royal experts have often warned others to not physically touch the rulers unless they initiate it, when they encounter each other.
Lucy Hume is the associate director at the British professional coaching company Debrett’s.
She explained to Reuters back in 2018 the strict protocol for engaging with the royals.
“Best not to initiate personal physical contact with a member of the royal family. Again, it may be that they offered to give you a hug or to put their arm around you, but usually wait and see what’s expected or what’s appropriate for the event,” Hume said.
She then reassured fans that the members of the royal family will not execute them or imprison them in the Tower of London if they make a mistake when greeting them!
“You’re not going to be in trouble,” she quipped if one makes a mistake. “There are no official legal rules in place. Apologize if you feel you may have caused offense, but try not to panic, and stay calm.”
The Post has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
