Showing physical affection towards members of the royal family is often a sensitive issue.
According to the royal family’s website, there are “no mandatory codes of conduct” when meeting a member of the royal family, but there is an unwritten rule to limit interactions to a handshake – and only if one is offered.
Although the Prince and Princess of Wales and other younger royals are known to be more relaxed, the older generation is following the example of the late Queen Elizabeth, who was not tactile with the public.
Last week, Brigitte Macron made headlines when she tried to hold hands with a reluctant Queen Camilla at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.
This mirrored Tom Cruise’s faux pas when he reached out to help Kate Middleton up a small flight of stairs at the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022.
Similarly, fellow countrywoman Michelle Obama raised eyebrows when she put her arm around Queen Elizabeth at a reception at Buckingham Palace in 2009.
Donald Trump also caused controversy in 2018 by walking in front of the Queen after being greeted by her at Windsor Castle.
Brigitte Macron tried to hold hands with Queen Camilla at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer on June 6, the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. However, the queen seemed reluctant to offer her gloved hand
Donald Trump’s meeting with Queen Elizabeth in 2018 caused a stir. The US president broke royal protocol by walking in front of the monarch as the pair inspected the Guard of Honor at Windsor Castle
First Lady Michelle Obama made headlines when she put her arm around Queen Elizabeth during a reception at Buckingham Palace in 2009. Surprisingly, the monarch reciprocated and put an arm around the First Lady.
Italian jockey Frankie Dettori kissed Queen Camilla on the cheek as he celebrated winning the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot 2023
The jockey then stood in front of Camilla during the official photos
When the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the British premiere of Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise raised eyebrows by reaching out to help Kate Middleton up a small flight of stairs.
Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating broke royal protocol by putting his arm around Queen Elizabeth II during her tour of Australia in 1992
Former Prime Minister John Howard also broke protocol by shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth during an official reception at the Australian Parliament in 2000.
During Prince Charles’ tour of Australia in 2015, Janine Kirk, the chief executive of the then Prince’s Trust Australia, broke protocol by placing her hand on his lower back.