Poised for Success by Jacqueline Whitmore

02 Apr

Royal Etiquette? Michelle Obama Hugs The Queen

When Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II said to the President and Mrs. Obama, “Let’s keep in touch,” no one suspected that she meant it quite literally. When one thinks of the queen, “touchy feely” usually doesn’t enter one’s mind. Until now.

Her Royal Highness made it crystal clear yesterday at Buckingham Palace in London that she likes the first lady very much as she gently put her arm around her waist. In general, it is a breach in protocol if someone embraces the queen first. However, in this case, it was the queen who made the first move. Michelle simply reciprocated with a hug that looked like something you would see a daughter give to her mother. This bold move both shocked and warmed the hearts of all who witnessed the warm embrace.

Historically, the queen is not known for showing affection in public, or in private for that matter. It’s been said that her son, Prince Charles, complained on one occasion that he wasn’t given enough affection as a child.

This “touching” moment sparks the question, “Could it be that the queen is starting to mellow as she ages or does she simply admire qualities in Michelle that she sees in herself?” After all, if you mix brilliance, strength and confidence with a little bit of kindness the two women make the perfect pair!

April 2, 2009 | Filed Under Body Language, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment 

Royalty Etiquette: The President Meets the Queen



President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama looked both nervous and excited as they greeted Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip today at Buckingham Palace. As the couple entered the room, the queen eagerly extended her right hand. Both the President and Mrs. Obama gave the royal couple the “glove” or the two-handed handshake, (a handshake generally reserved for people you know very well). However, this most likely was their way of showing respect to Her Royal Highness. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the royal photographer asked the foursome to strike a pose. It was no surprise that President and Mrs. Obama towered over the diminutive, 5’4” queen. As both couples stood side by side, everyone was careful not to touch each other, even by accident. This greeting have been terribly uncomfortable for President Obama as he is known for giving warm and fuzzy pats on the back when he meets a person. Dressed in a conservative black and white dress, Mrs. Obama played it safe and maintained the girlish “fig leaf” position with her hands crossed in front of her body, a position that it not commonly used by confident women. This could also have been a case of nerves. After all, who wouldn’t be nervous meeting the queen?

April 1, 2009 | Filed Under International Etiquette, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment