AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENT Andrew Testa for The New York Times1 of 9Something President Trump did as he met Queen Elizabeth during a previous visit to Britain in 2018 was widely reported as a faux pas. What was it?2 of 9The chatter was almost as loud around something Michelle Obama did in 2009. What was that?3 of 9One gesture brought the fury of the British tabloids against at least two overseas politicians after they met with the queen.In 1984, it landed a Canadian provincial official, James Snow, on the front page of The Daily Mail, where he was described as “portly” and “graceless.”In 1992, it put Prime Minister Paul Keating of Australia on the front page of The Sun, alongside the headline “LIZARD OF OZ.”What had they done?4 of 9The British royal family makes an effort to reduce the etiquette anxiety of people meeting the monarch. “There are no obligatory codes of behavior,” a reassuring page on its website declares — “just courtesy.”“However,” it adds, “many people wish to observe the traditional forms of greeting.”Three forms of greeting are then listed. Which of these does not make the cut?5 of 9After that, you might have to speak to the king — though only after he has spoken to you, if we’re being traditional about it. Which of these would be a correct formal mode of address, according to the royal family?6 of 9Queen Camilla has joined the conversation! Which of these is a correct formal way to address her?7 of 9Let’s say you score an invitation — apologies, that may not be the formal phrasing — to the state banquet. What language will the menu be in?8 of 9You can start eating when the king starts eating. But when, by tradition, should you stop?9 of 9What’s for dessert?
Are You Ready to Meet the King? Try Our Quiz on U.K. State Visit Etiquette.
If you were an aide to President Trump during his trip to Britain and wanted to avoid any pitfalls, what would you do?











