Originally Posted By Hans Reinhardt Apparently our First Lady touched the Queen today, something that could be considered a protocol breach. <a href="http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1888962,00.html" target="_blank">http://www.time.com/time/world...,00.html</a> Is this a big deal?
Originally Posted By BlueDevilSF I've got three letters: B. F. D. The Queen needs to get the stick out of her...well, you get the idea.
Originally Posted By Mr X So, the Queen put her hand on the First Lady's back (which is okay), and when the First Lady did the same that's no good? Whateva. Anyway, considering the Queen's own grandson can be found on YouTube mocking the old lady, I'd say protocol ain't what it used to be.
Originally Posted By -em seriously?!? I'm with the above- it was a gesture that was already received plus it was a VERY mundane, almost automatic response Now if it was a giant bear hug, smack down or a "noogie" I would say no... -em
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Now if it was a giant bear hug, smack down or a "noogie" I would say no...*** I was hoping for a terrorist fist jab.
Originally Posted By RockyMtnMinnie If the first lady had initiated the touch I think it could be considered awkward, but the queen was the first to make physical contact with Michelle and her move was an act of reciprocity. Plus they were touches between two women which are seen as more matronly than touchs (or winks) from men directed at the queen, That action presents itself as power over the crown.
Originally Posted By SpokkerJones Michelle Obama could have socked her in the mouth and it wouldn't be enough for me to care.
Originally Posted By disneydad109 Quick queston for any UK LP'ers. Is the Queen still a really big deal to folks ovet there or just an old fasion idea who most folks do not pay atttention too ? I mean no disrepect to her or her family but to folks in the US she is not that a big deal.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad <<<In 2007 John Howard, then Prime Minister of Australia, got plenty of criticism for apparently putting his arm around the Queen to direct her through a crowd. He denied actually touching her, but photographs suggest that he came quite close. (Another former Australian Prime Minister did put his hand on the Queen in a similar circumstance and was later branded "the Lizard of Oz.")>>> Please. I'm sure she was told not to. But alas, they are both human beings. I've often wondered if the Queen (and I say this as a huge fan of the Royals in the UK) really lives in the same reality that the rest of us occupy. I watched a show on TV not long ago, on the food network. It was about preparing and serving a dinner to a few hundred people at Buckingham. In part of the show there were some very candid shots of the Queen giving advice and critique to the head chef. She seemed sort of "out there." But I know better than to base judgment on one tiny excerpt. Maybe she is as normal as anyone in Cleveland. Touching the queen? Wow. Well at least she isn't the first. Put me down for thinking "Who cares?" on this one.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper The fact that this was news at all is yet another example of why the media (and those who support it by watching) blows today. Why should any of the national network news shows or the cable news show give a flying leap about what the First Lady is wearing or who she is touching? We've got realy problems in the world. Her stylist isn't one of them.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad Hold that thought a second disneydad... <<<but to folks in the US she is not that a big deal>>> I'll bet you would be surprised just how many publications, magazines, newspapers, and tabloids the Royal Family is in each and every year here in the US. I love following them myself. This news being every where and this post here on LP are one good example. I AGREE that for MOST people, no, they don't care, but it's still big news to enough people here.
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 Hey, the queen shouldn't be too upset, after all, Obama gave her an iPod! I think he should have just given her a signed picture of himself, to match the signed photo she gave him...
Originally Posted By WorldDisney Naaah an Ipod is cooler! I havent heard about this and here in Australia the Obama's visit to England is being covered like they were in charge here lol. I finally started realizing that when Kevin Rudd isnt a focal point on the world stage on a particular day Obama seems to be the default guy . GMA will be on here soon though, so I'm guessing I will hear about it there.
Originally Posted By Rsey103 I doubt the moment was awkward for either woman. What looks really awkward to me is when people walk backwards when leaving the Queen. Do they do that in real life as it's portrayed in the movies?
Originally Posted By piperlynne Apparently not as big of a deal as we thought - as least in the "wrong" sense <a href="http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-world/20090402/G20.Michelle.Obama/" target="_blank">http://www.comcast.net/article...e.Obama/</a>
Originally Posted By alexbook >>The fact that this was news at all is yet another example of why the media (and those who support it by watching) blows today.<< It's hardly new. You can go back centuries and find stories about Americans not following proper protocol around the British royals. It's almost a tradition in itself.
Originally Posted By Hans Reinhardt "Apparently not as big of a deal as we thought - as least in the "wrong" sense " >>"It was a mutual and spontaneous display of affection," he said. "We don't issue instructions on not touching the queen."<< Sounds like there are conflicting reports.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>> I mean no disrepect to her or her family but to folks in the US she is not that a big deal.<<< She is a far bigger deal in the US than the UK in the main. Though the elderly still rate her, I have had pleasant exchanges with her majesty over the years, and we do toast her at official banquets. LArgely though, she is a tourist attraction.
