30 Times Celebs Broke Royal Protocol

1. Former First Lady Michelle Obama - put her arm around the Queen

Image source PeopleIn 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama made headlines news when meeting the Queen for the very first time.  She appeared to put her arm around the monarch.  The First Lay's comment was , 'Forget that she sometimes wore a diamond crown and that I'd flown to London on a presidential jet; we were two tired ladies oppressed by our shoes.'

2. Actress Allison Janney - told Kate to take her shoes off!

Image source HarpersBazaar.comAllison Janney attempted to bond with the duchess over high heels while backstage but she  put her foot in it  She said, 'I just told her that I was in bare feet and I felt — I told her she should take her shoes off  because she's pregnant. It was an awkward moment.' As if that wasn't enough in breaking royal protocol, she also called Kate 'honey'!

3. Ed Sheeran - double handshake (and a touch) with Charles

Image source Vanity FairEd Sheeran made waves when he greeted Prince Charles at an award ceremony.  Rather than pumping the Prince's hand, he touched Charles' forearm with his second hand.  The Press made a lot about it but the future King didn't seem to mind at all.  He just shook it off.

4. Emilia Clarke - forgot who Prince William was!

Image source Harper's BazaarEmilia Clarke thought she was prepared to meet Prince William at Kensington Palace but nerves took a hold of her and she couldn't remember how to address him as he approached her.  She became flustered but did manage an awkward courtesy and gathered her composure.

5. Lewis Hamilton - spoke the wrong way to the Queen

Image source Daily ExpressFormula 1 star Lewis Hamilton was unaware of the rules as he sat on the queen's left hand side during a royal celebration.  He tried to speak to Her Majesty during the first course of dinner and she reminded him that there was an etiquette that you speak to the person on your right and she would get round to him when it was his turn!

6. Beyonce - referred to Meghan Markle as 'her princess'

Image source Getty ImagesWhen Beyoncé met Meghan Markle at the premiere of 'The Lion King', there was a familiarity which some may say over-stepped the mark.  She hugged the Duchess of Sussex and called her 'my princess'.  This led many to believe this wasn't their first encounter.

7. Sophia Loren - told off for wearing a tiara

Image source Getty ImagesThe beautiful Sophia Loren wore a tiara to meet the Queen and was only told at the last minute that it was inappropriate.  However, the Queen did not appear concerned in the slightest.  When Miss Loren was presented to Princess Margaret, she did remember the correct etiquette and wore a small hat with flowers instead.

8. Serena Williams - shares snapchat with Royal

Image source Serena Williams via SnapchatNot everyone knows the royal protocol regarding selfies.  Even if she did, Serena Williams, queen of the tennis court, broke the rules by posing with Kate Middleton for a snapchat selfie. though, and sometimes celebs break that royal protocol.  ’Im in the ‘in-crowd’ now – I’m with royalty!' she joked in a Snapchat video.

9. Marilyn Monroe - revealed too much

Image source Getty ImagesMarilyn Monroe chose to wear one of her trademark revealing dresses when she was presented to Her Royal Highness in 1956. Both royals and guests have been known to break that particular rule frequently.  Princess Diana wore her 'revenge dress' once it leaked out that there were three people in her marriage.

10. Helen Mirren - The Queen turns down the Queen

Image source Getty ImagesSometimes, even a legitimate conflict isn't seen as a good enough excuse as was the case with Helen Mirren.  She had to turn down an invitation to Buckingham Palace in 2007 because of her filming schedule and her rejection became big new with headlines. 'too busy' to meet the Queen,' The Guardian reported.

11. Anna Wintour - a shady meeting with Her Majesty

Anna Wintour, head of Vogue, received major flack when she sat next to Queen Elizabeth II at London Fashion Week back in 2018 as she kept on her sunglasses.  Royal expert Grant Harrold remarked that no one should wear shades when speaking to another person and she should have removed them in the presence of the Queen.

12. President Barack Obama - spoke during National Anthem

Image source Getty ImagesFormer President Barack Obama broke protocol during a State dinner in 2011.  He was criticised for toasting the queen and then delivering his speech while 'God Save The Queen' was being played.  He should have stopped after the toast and have known about this rule.

13. Sam Smith - wrong bow in front of Prince William

Image source Getty ImagesSam Smith wasn't sure how to bow when he met Prince William and on the back of 'Downton Abbey' thought a very low bow, with one arm behind the back, was the way to go.  When he saw video footage of his attempt, he realised how over-exaggerated he had done it - he properly went for it!

14. Joe Biden - kept his glare away from the Queen

Image source New York TimesThe Queen welcomed Joe and Jill Biden to the Palace and the President forgot to remove his sunglasses.  He only remembered, half way through the National Anthem, that he was still wearing them and quickly took them off and put them in his pocket.  Unfortunately for him, photographic evidence circled the globe.

15. Donald Trump - overtakes the Queen

Image source Poole PhotosWhilst it's not necessary to bow or courtesy when greeting a Royal, most choose to do so out of respect.   That definitely went out of the window when 'The Donald' chose to shake Her Majesty's hand and then walk directly in front of her - very naughty and rude, a big breech of Royal protocol.

16. LeBron James - too familiar with Kate

Image source Getty ImagesJames broke the cardinal royal rule which is DON'T TOUCH THEM.  The Duchess didn't return the gesture but it was taken in good humour, apparently.  Kate has been known to hug herself to an odd one, maybe a child, in the waiting crowds and it does give a human aspect to the Royal.,

17. Tom Hiddleston - went too far with Camilla

Image source Daily Mail

'Loki' star Tom Hiddleston broke protocol after images emerged of him with his arm around Camilla. The suggestion that he did wrong was quashed by Clarence House, whose spokesperson told the Press,  ‘I think she quite enjoyed it!’  It was confirmed there was no breach of protocol, merely a ‘warm moment’ between two people who ‘got on very well and had a very nice chat together’.

18. Hollywood Legend Mickey Rooney- big kiss for the Queen

Image source Getty Images

During the Queen’s visit to America, back in 2007, Hollywood Gold of the past, Mickey Rooney, was invited to a garden party in Washington.  He swept up the Queen's hand and planted a kiss on the back of her white glove.  As is the Queen's nature, she was unperturbed by this.

19. Ginger Spice, Gerry - pats Prince Charles on the bum!

Image source Getty Images

In a moment that has already gone down in pop culture and Royal Family infamy, Ginger Spice (Gerry Horner) revealed that she had patted the future King on his bottom, at the Royal Variety Performance.  She did clear up the matter of pinching his bum which she vehemently denied.

20. Cara Delevingne and Margot Robbie - pranked Harry

Image source Daily MailThe cheeky duo definitely broke royal protocol and maybe the law when Margot admitted that she coerced her friend Cara to prank call Prince Harry.  The Royal was 'quite cool with it' and saw the funny side although, afterwards, they wondered if they had gone too far!

21 Brendan Cole - too clos to Camilla for comfort

Image source Evening StandardThe Duchess of Cornwall looks like she's having a wonderful time, quickstepping with former 'Strictly' star, Brendon Cole.  The photos were taken at a royal event to highlight the benefits of older people staying active.  It had been intimated that Cole's familiarity with Camilla was the reason for his sacking from the show.

22. Liam Payne - touched the Queen

Image source The GuardianThe ex One Direction heart throb, forgot about the 'no touching' protocol when he met the Queen.  It was he who initiated the handshake, a big no no, but in his defence, he had met the Royal several times before and felt a sense of familiarity.  The Queen was not at all bothered by it but not to be recommended.

23. Lady Gaga - overdressed for Her Royal Highness

Image source The SunAtsuko Kudo designed this red latex outfit for Lady Gaga for the Royal Command Performance.  It was unusual in that it was tailored, as well as being very hot to wear!  When it was her turn to meet the Queen, as she stood in the line up, Her Majesty looked the singer up and down before being very complimentary, unconcerned that Lady Gaga did not change into something a bit more low key, as is protocol.

24. David Beckham - sent suspicious emails to the palace?

Image source Getty ImagesDrop dead gorgeous David Beckham didn't technically break any royal protocols but he's been accused of sucking up to Queen Elizabeth in the hope of getting a knighthood.  Some emails were leaked where he discussed his charitable connections and it did, to be honest, look a bit suspect emails David wrote - which proved the knighthood suspicions - didn't help.

25. Angelina Jolie - partially clothed at Palace

Image source Getty ImagesAngelina Jolie received an Honorary Dame Grand Cross award at the Palace in 2014. She looked extremely smart as she greeted Her Majesty but, on closer inspection, it was clear Miss Jolie had broken the rules by having bare legs and not wearing tights, showing her bare toes through her peep toe shoes.

26. Icon Actress, Elizabeth Taylor - ditches Princess Margaret

Image source Getty ImagesElizabeth Taylor, acting royal in her own right, had a complicated relationship with Princess Margaret. The late actress reportedly broke royal protocol on more than one occasion.  She left an event before the Princess arrived even arrived and fell asleep at another event hosted by the Queen's sister.

27. Ben Affleck - Didn't recognise royals

Image source Getty ImagesBen Affleck may not have violated official protocols but he certainly didn't follow any either!  The actor once didn't even realize he was in the presence of royals! The whole encounter happened at an indoor play centre in London where his kids were playing along with some others - one of whom was a future King, Prince George!  It wasn't until Prince William picked them up that the penny dropped.

28. Vladimir Putin - arrived too late for Queen

Image source The GuardianThe leader of Russia is renowned for being late to events.  Back in 2003, he kept the Queen waiting for almost 15 minutes and he should have known you do not keep Royalty waiting.  Her Majesty repaid the favour by running 15 minutes late herself, at their next planned meeting.

29. Power House Barbra Streisand - questioned the Queen

Image source Getty Images

Barbra Streisand met the Queen at a Royal Film Performance of 'Funny Lady' back in 1975, where she wore a lilac velvet cape. The actress had asked the monarch, ‘Your Majesty, why is it that women have to wear white gloves to meet you and men don’t?’ The Queen replied, 'I’ll have to think about that one. I suppose it’s tradition.’

30 Liz Truss - held on to KING CHARLES

Image source The SunWe couldn't finish without mentioning Liz Truss's meeting with the newly appointed King Charles, following the passing of our Queen and his beloved mother.  The rules are that you leave it to the King to do the arm touching but it was human nature that took over from royal protocol.