Now, here's a story that’s got everyone talking about the fine line between protocol and practicality. During a recent visit to London’s Canada House, a Canadian official made headlines—not for diplomacy, but for a simple act of kindness. Canadian Governor General David Johnston was walking alongside Queen Elizabeth, the 91-year-old monarch, as they descended a flight of steps. To ensure her safety, he gently held her elbow, a gesture that, while polite, broke royal protocol. But hey, can you blame him? Safety first, right?
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Later, Johnston spoke to CBS News about his decision to breach protocol. He explained, "I’m certainly aware of the rules, but I was genuinely concerned about her safety. The steps leading from Canada House to Trafalgar Square are a bit tricky, and the carpet was slippery. It felt like the right thing to do to make sure she didn’t stumble, even if it meant bending the rules just this once.” Can’t argue with that logic, can we?
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A Quick Reminder: What Exactly is Royal Protocol?
The Queen with Johnston on July 19. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Let’s take a moment to break down what royal protocol actually entails. According to the official British Monarchy website, there aren’t any strict codes of behavior when meeting the Queen. However, there are a few traditional forms of greeting. For men, it’s customary to perform a neck bow (just a slight nod of the head), while women are encouraged to do a small curtsy. If you’re not into all that formality, shaking hands is perfectly acceptable. When addressing Her Majesty, the correct formal title is "Your Majesty," followed by "Ma’am" (pronounced like "jam"). Fascinating stuff, isn’t it?
Breaking Protocol: Not the First Time
Now, before we judge Johnston too harshly, let’s remember that he’s not the first person to break royal protocol. Just a few weeks ago, another memorable encounter happened—this time involving a horse! During an outing on July 5, Queen Elizabeth was petting a Shetland pony when the little guy decided to nibble on the flowers she was holding. The Queen playfully tapped the pony on the nose and said, "Go away!" with a chuckle, adding, "They always eat the flowers!" It’s moments like these that remind us that even royalty has a sense of humor.
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