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April 2, 2009

Royal Etiquette: OK to Hug the Queen?

First Lady Michelle Obama returned an embrace from Queen Elizabeth II during their meeting in London yesterday, causing the public to wonder -- is it okay to touch the queen?

0402obamaqueen.jpg

"There's no such protocol saying you can't touch the queen," a Buckingham spokesperson reveals to "Extra," adding, "It was a mutual display of affection -- there's no offense. It's an informal event. There's certainly no breach of protocol."

"It looked like the Queen touched Michelle first -- and because she initiated that gesture of kindness Michelle went ahead and put her arm around the queen," etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore tells "Extra." Whitmore also dished on Michelle's much talked-about outfit. "I thought Mrs. Obama's outfit was quite appropriate -- it was conservative -- it wasn't her traditional sleeveless dress that we ordinarily see her wear."

Famed fashion designer Valentino agrees! He told "Extra" that he's a fan of the First Lady, saying, "I like her very, very much."

Anne Hathaway, who attended the premiere of "Valentino: The Last Emperor" with the fashion guru, chimed in, "I think she looks strong and sophisticated and refined. I think she's definitely showing what a smart, elegant woman looks like."

According to reports out of the U.K., Michelle not only didn't break any palace rules, she was a hit across the pond! Various London papers praised the First Lady's grace, power, and most of all -- her fashion choices!


NEXT: 'New Moon' is Rising!

 

I think the Obamas need Charm School, and throw in the two daughters, too. Manners and respect and HUMILITY are essential.


- heather
Posted 04/15/09 08:44 AM
 

Isn’t someone advising the Obamas on etiquette and protocol? What kinds of blunders will they make when they greet heads of state from Islamic countries! You are responsible to read up on customs and deportment for “other” cultures and not decide to implement “your” own interpretation of it! You represent the U.S., and we RESPECT others and their practices, NOT try to change them..enuff said.


- heather
Posted 04/15/09 08:40 AM
 

At least, someone has shown Michelle how to smile. Notice, these days, Michelle is not sporting her bottom berth of teeth. I speculate that she has braces on them now to straigten them. Pity, she had some great photo shots in the beginning of this fabulous adventure but those bottom teeth were the worst scramble of dentistry! Suffice to say now that I believe she did not have an affluent background—any caring parent within means would have had enough money for this dental repair—and to think she had to go through law school like that! It can only get better for her..


- heather
Posted 04/15/09 08:36 AM
 

I am a Republican and no big fan of the Obama folks. Here is how I see the Queen issue…would have topped Michelle’s dress with a smart jacket; the cardigan is too tailored to greet a head of state; yes, the Queen reached out and put her arm around Mrs. Obama, but Michelle should not have returned the gesture—if you look a the tape, it is but a moment when the Queen realizes that Michelle is holding her—read the Queen’s body language, the Queen recoils. Michelle will make a nice, but not a refined First Lady.


- heather
Posted 04/15/09 08:24 AM
 

The queen looks very hugable, she reminds me of a small teddy bear. I like the all.


- Anonymous
Posted 04/11/09 05:53 AM
 

Hey, everybody: Watch the TWILIGHT ZONE episode, ‘To Serve Man’. Then, tell me there’s not a part of you that says, “UH-OH”…..


- rod
Posted 04/06/09 09:11 AM
 

Still wondering why these two (the Obamas) think and act like they are God’s gift?

ooooh that’s right, to “his people” HE IS! God Bless the “Obama Lamas”. They truely need your light dear lord.

“thou shalt put no other Gods before me”


- just wondering
Posted 04/05/09 06:44 PM
 

Did anyone notice the queen’s purse? It is darling, it is small, not huge. I love it.
It’s probably one of a kind.


- purse lover
Posted 04/05/09 10:47 AM
 

Anonymous, we’re not hating - just have a very, very different opinion of your so-called heroes, or whatever they’re being called this week. Many of us see through the facade, the B.S., if you will. Don’t be angry because you haven’t caught on yet - you will. SALLY-JO: You are exactly right - except it’s an unfortunately contagious attitude, this walking on eggs, for no reason lest we be labeled ‘racist’. I’m not worried. NAUSEATING.


- Anonymous
Posted 04/04/09 09:27 PM
 

Michele did indeed break palace rules! They are obviously bending over backwards in order to avoid being labled as racist if they were to hold these two clueless idiots to the same standards as everyone else!!


- SallyJo
Posted 04/03/09 02:49 PM
 

Mrs Obama, is out for one person, herself. She and that husband of hers have already begun to spend more money than that pervert Clinton. Just open your eyes and ears and watch you democrates. I know that will be hard for ya’ll because of your ignorance but you will begin to see how little he knows and cares about this country before too long.


- Mary Ellen
Posted 04/02/09 10:25 PM
 

Love them all,

The haters have responded to her on another website. It is amazing how jealous people can be.


- Anonymous
Posted 04/02/09 06:18 PM
 

This is so neat……..the Queen wants to stay in contact with Mr. And Mrs. President. Apparently…….she liked them alot. Dana


- poud american 2
Posted 04/02/09 12:47 PM
 

I am waiting for the Michelle hater to commment, she makes her rounds like clockwork.

Just love the entire bunch. I see nothing wrong with the queen giving Michelle a hug. I love it. It just shows that the Queen is emotional, real and it makes her more lovable, more relatable. The Queen is not a cold woman as she has been portrayed in the news. I loved it, and the queen is tiny and she just looked so adorable.

They all looked good together.


- Love them all
Posted 04/02/09 11:25 AM
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