Camilla breaks royal protocol with TV host

They’re notorious for keeping a stiff upper lip and strictly following royal protocol in public.

But that all went out the window when Prince Charles and his wife Camilla visited the Channel 4 studios in the UK earlier this week.

Visiting the studio to celebrate their 30th anniversary, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall were filmed spending time with presenters and appearing on various segments of the This Morning show.

Members of the public aren't meant to touch royals, but Camilla and Eamonn paid no attention to protocol. Photo: ITV This Morning
Members of the public aren't meant to touch royals, but Camilla and Eamonn paid no attention to protocol. Photo: ITV This Morning

But it was the moment when Camilla met with TV host Eamonn Holmes that has seriously raised eyebrows.

While protocol dictates that the correct way for a male to greet a member of the royal family is with a head bow, or to shake hands, a video clip shows Eamonn and Camilla more than pushing the boundaries with their intimate greeting.

Eamonn was seen getting up close to the Duchess for a kiss on the cheek. Photo: ITV This Morning
Eamonn was seen getting up close to the Duchess for a kiss on the cheek. Photo: ITV This Morning

“My favourite royal, how are you?” the TV host said before leaning in to kiss Camilla on the cheek.

Etiquette expert William Hanson says it’s not customary for members of the public to touch royals, let alone kiss them – however claims it looks like Camilla was the one who instigated the contact.

Charles and Camilla were seen tasting food and chatting with presenters during the visit. Photo: Getty
Charles and Camilla were seen tasting food and chatting with presenters during the visit. Photo: Getty

“He is clearly on friendlier terms with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall than many of the other ITV presenters and if the footage is correct we see Her Royal Highness initiate the social kiss," William told the Daily Mail.

“In this instance it would have been rude for Eamonn Holmes OBE to back away and withdraw from the royal personage.”

It seems the Twitterverse were left a little shocked and confused by the encounter as well.

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