A Presidential Faux Pas

According to Town and Country magazine, following the news in 2018 that George H.W. Bush passed away at the age of 94, Queen Elizabeth wrote of the former U.S. President, “It was with sadness that I learned of the death of President George H. W. Bush last night. President Bush was a great friend and ally of the United Kingdom. He was also a patriot, serving his country with honour and distinction in Office and during the Second World War,” reads the statement from the Queen, which is addressed to both President Trump and the American people. “Prince Philip and I remember our days in Texas in 1991 with great fondness. My thoughts and prayers are with President Bush’s family and the American people.” The Queen then signs the message, “Elizabeth R,” which stands for Elizabeth Regina (Latin for Queen), and is how the Queen signs official documents. —Photo Source, Pinterest 

Tired President Takes His Seat a Bit Too Soon

LONDON — 

 

President Bush committed a social gaffe Tuesday night by sitting down before Queen Elizabeth II, breaking royal protocol.

Bush, tired after two days of meetings of the Group of Seven major industrialized democracies, relaxed into a chair while Queen Elizabeth chatted with French President Francois Mitterrand before a dazzling dinner at Buckingham Palace.

The queen turned around and Bush, realizing his breach of etiquette, stood up.

The queen then sat down for a photo opportunity with the G-7 leaders, and Bush formally requested permission to take his seat by her side.

— REUTERS, July 17, 1991

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia