Joe Biden's royal gaffe: Prez breaks protocol before meeting a 'beaming' Queen
At the G7 reception held at Eden Project on Friday, June 11, 2021, US President Joe Biden had a memorable encounter with the Queen. The President and first lady Jill Biden were spotted to be gracefully interacting with the monarch, who was reportedly 'beaming' during their brief conversation. Biden happens to be the 13th sitting US President to meet with Queen Elizabeth II, on the 69th year of her reign.
Biden, known for his infamous gaffes at major public events, did appear to violate a royal protocol at the reception in Cornwall. His 18-car convoy pulled up at the venue more than five minutes after the Queen. The established norm mandates all guests being present before the Queen's arrival. However, it appears that Biden's royal gaffe was happily forgiven by the Queen who shared a hearty conversation with the POTUS and FLOTUS.
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Did Biden break royal protocol?
According to Debrett's, a leading authority on royal etiquette at different events, "It is correct for everyone to arrive before the royal personage and protocol rules that no guest should leave an event before a member of the Royal Family."
However, at the G7 reception, the Queen had already arrived with Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, when the Bidens were yet to reach. Reportedly, the President and the first lady had to attend a photocall on the beach and a series of meetings with other world leaders, before they headed for the reception venue. Flanked by eight police outriders, his 18-car convoy entered the venue over five minutes after the royal family's arrival.
But, it seems that no offenses were taken for his delay, as the Queen graciously went to greet the Bidens. Interestingly, just a few months before, Joe Biden had lauded Meghan Markle's 'courage' to speak up against the royal family's discrimination during her tell-all interview with Oprah. Though Prince Harry and Meghan's relationship with the royals has soured considerably post the interview, Biden did not face any awkwardness with the Queen or royal family members regarding the same.
The POTUS and FLOTUS would be meeting the Queen once again on Sunday, June 13, 2021, for tea at Windsor Castle. There is some ongoing speculation about whether the Bidens will help mitigate the rift between the royals and Harry and Meghan, by acting as the mediators. The G7 summit, attended by world leaders from different nations, marked the Queen's first meeting with any foreign leader since the start of the pandemic. This is also her first official engagement since the death of her husband, Prince Philip.