Sunday, June 13, 2021

Could've been worse

He might have drunk water out of his fingerbowl, or eaten peas with a knife. "Joe And Jill Biden Caught Breaking Royal Protocol During Visit With The Queen".

I understand that a distant relative of mine, Cuthbert Pendragon Paco, 12th Marquess of Nether Wallop, advised Her Majesty to count the silverware. Wise counsel.

7 comments:

Veeshir said...

I'm torn on that one.
On the one hand, you know they didn't do it on purpose. Joe probably had his shoes on the wrong feet but was sure they were his feet.
On the other hand... We fought two wars to not give a crap about Brit rules of etiquette.
Now if Ike or Patton had done it...

bruce said...

I agree V, and yeah I'd prefer if Ike or Patton had done it too.

Anyway Sundowner Joe says he's having such a ball he doesn't want to come home, but Dr Jill won't give up that easily.

Deborah said...

The protocols are not meant for those of equal station. The Queen would never curtsy to a head of state. Plus, as Veeshir pointed out, we fought a war and gained our independece. I think the Queen would approve.

Deborah said...

Another thing: But Joe shouldn't have worn the aviator sunglasses.

RebeccaH said...

Come on, man. We're just lucky Good Ol' Joe didn't pick his nose or scratch his butt while at the meet.

JeffS said...

From my reading, I'm pretty sure Generals Eisenhower and Patton would have followed this royal protocol -- they were of the "an officer and gentlemen" generation. Ike would have been gracious about it. Patton, probably polite but stiff necked.

That said, the POTUS (regardless of whom sits in the Oval Office) should respect the protocols of other nations while on their soil. QEII is the nominal head of state (she reigns, not rules), and the de facto hostess of the event; Mr. and Dr. Turnip should have respected those protocols.

Was it deliberate, a slip up on the part of their staff, or caused by unavoidable delays (say, traffic, or Joe spilling pudding on his jacket)? I don't know, but do recall that Obama went out of his way to disrespect the British.

JeffS said...

Come on, man. We're just lucky Good Ol' Joe didn't pick his nose or scratch his butt while at the meet.

True dat, Rebecca. True dat.