Prince Charles snubs Mike Pence, refuses to shake hands in awkward moment caught on video
The “special relationship” between Prince Charles and Mike Pence hit a new low on Thursday, January 23. At the World Holocaust Forum held in Jerusalem where leaders from around the world came together, Prince Charles appeared to have snubbed US Vice President Mike Pence. Offices of both dignitaries later downplayed the incident but the video that went viral showed how bad things are between the two time-tested allies in the era of Donald Trump.
In the video which is widely circulating on social media, it is seen that the 71-year-old Charles chatting with various dignitaries at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Center in Jerusalem. While talking to other dignitaries, Charles seemingly ignores Pence, who was seemingly waiting for him while standing. However, he did greet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the host; French President Emmanuel Macron and others.
The duo met for several minutes before entering the hall, claims Pence's office
Pence’s office later released a statement saying that the two men met for several minutes just before entering the hall. They apparently even shook hands following the former’s speech on the occasion. Apart from Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is also in Israel for the forum.
Mimicking similar sentiments, The Buckingham Palace dismissed talks that the prince snubbed Pence, saying the two had a “warm and friendly chat” before the beginning of the event. “Shortly before the Yad Vashem memorial event began, the prince and Vice-President Pence had a warm and friendly chat, which is why they did not greet each other again in the room,” a statement from the office of the Prince of Wales said.
The event has already been marked by a controversy over the absence of the president of Poland and now, Charles’ alleged snubbing gives the impression that all is not well with the West.
The relations between the US and UK have taken a hit over the last few years. After Trump’s attack on a British ambassador to London’s doubts over his foreign policy in the wake of the assassination of Qassem Soleimani -- the UK has shown less inclination towards Washington and the latest episode that played out in Jerusalem shows the equation hasn’t improved yet.