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Just in case you were unaware, you’re not allowed to touch the Queen.
That protocol becomes a little tricky to navigate, however, when you’re afraid the 91-year-old monarch might fall down a set of stairs.
The Queen has today held an audience with the Governor-General of Canada, His Excellency Mr David Johnston. pic.twitter.com/ipbg3tNR1Y
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 18, 2017
That was the case for Canadian Governor-General, David Johnston, on Wednesday as he exited Canada House in London alongside her majesty.
As Queen Elizabeth II started to descend down the stairs, Johnston reached out and put his hand on her elbow to offer a little support.
David Johnston breaks royal etiquette as he touches the Queen Elizabeth II and Her Royal Highness Windsor pic.twitter.com/O8q6zaY0L6
— Leszek Czernek (@LeszekCzernek11) July 19, 2017
According to news sources in the U.K., Johnston is well aware of the protocol, but was worried that the Queen would fall down.
The Queen didn’t seem to mind, nor did anyone really, but the incident was still brought to light because the age old custom was broken.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh met with @GGDavidJohnston at #CanadaHouse in London and unveiled a new Jubilee Walkway panel! #Canada150 pic.twitter.com/wmeRMR0nP1
— Canada (@Canada) July 19, 2017
A similar protocol resulted in the death of the 19-year-old Queen of Siam and her daughter in 1880.
When the royal boat capsized, the many witnesses didn’t dare touch the queen, even to save her, because it was a capital offense.
Fast forward to 2017, it may not have been a matter of life or death, but the headlines about Johnston breaking protocol are a lot nicer than the potential headlines about Queen Elizabeth II falling down a set of stairs.
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