Queen Consort Camilla hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, May 4, alongside her husband King Charles. The event was attended by special guest Lionel Richie, who will be performing at the upcoming Coronation Concert. However, the singer was noticed by some fans for making a royal etiquette faux pas during his meeting with Camilla.
As per royal etiquette, it is customary for the person to wait for the royal to extend their hand for a handshake. Touching a member of the royal family is also considered a breach of protocol. However, reports indicate that Lionel Richie extended his arm to shake Camilla’s hand and then patted her on the arm a couple of times.
Paul Gauger, of Visit Britain, emphasized the importance of following royal etiquette during such events. He said, “You shouldn’t touch a member of the royal family. You should always wait for them to extend their hand to you and with that handshake, just be nice and gentle. If she doesn’t extend her hand, it’s not a sign of disrespect, and that’s where you might enter into conversation.”
Despite Lionel Richie’s minor breach of protocol, he was seen having a friendly chat with Queen Camilla during the garden party at Buckingham Palace. The party was also attended by several other guests, including members of the armed forces and representatives from various charities.
The upcoming Coronation Concert is set to take place on May 6, where King Charles will be formally crowned as the new King of England. Lionel Richie will be among the many performers at the event, which will be held at the Royal Albert Hall.
This is not the first time that royal etiquette has made headlines, as it is a crucial part of any interaction involving members of the royal family. The Queen and other members of the royal family are expected to adhere to strict protocols in all their engagements, from official state visits to private meetings.
In conclusion, Lionel Richie’s breach of royal etiquette during his meeting with Queen Camilla may have been a minor incident, but it highlights the importance of following protocol when interacting with members of the royal family. Despite the faux pas, the garden party at Buckingham Palace was a successful event, bringing together guests from various backgrounds to celebrate the upcoming Coronation Concert.
