I didn’t want her to stumble, says envoy who took the Queen’s elbow
IT WAS a breach of royal protocol, but Canada’s outgoing governor general David Johnston had the best of intentions when he touched the Queen during an official engagement — he was making sure she did not slip.
He was seen supporting the Queen, 91, by holding her elbow as she ascended steps at Canada House in London yesterday. Mr Johnston did the same as she walked from the building, where she and Prince Philip yesterday marked the 150th anniversary of the confederation of Canada.
“Well, I’m certainly conscious of the protocol,” Mr Johnston told Canadian broadcaster CBC. “I just was anxious to be sure that there was no stumbling on the steps
“It’s a little bit awkward, that descent from Canada House to Trafalgar Square, and there was a carpet that was a little slippy, and so I thought perhaps it was appropriate to breach protocol just to
‘There was a carpet that was a little slippy, so I thought it was appropriate to breach protocol’
David Johnston, governor general
be sure that there was no stumble.” The Royal Family website says there are “no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting the Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms”.
In 2009, the then First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, briefly put her hand on the Queen’s back as they chatted at a reception.
In 2000, John Howard, then prime minister of Australia, was criticised for apparently putting his arm around the Queen to direct her through a crowd. He denied touching her, but photographs suggest he came close.
Another former Australian PM Paul Keating, an outspoken republican, placed his hand on the Queen in similar circumstances, landing him the nickname “the Lizard of Oz”.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continued their three-day tour of Germany last night at a garden party in Berlin to celebrate the Queen’s birthda
William said Britain and Germany were the “firmest of friends” and that the relationship would continue “despite Britain’s recent decision to leave the European Union”.
y