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Canadian official breaks royal protocol with the Queen

If there’s one thing you should never do when you meet a member of royalty, it’s touch them.

However it appears the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, didn’t get the memo when he greeted the Queen at the steps of Canada House in London yesterday.

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Mr Johnston shook the Queen’s hand as she arrived at the house to mark Canada’s 150th birthday, however he seems to have forgotten who he was inviting inside, as he then touched her arm and ushered her up the steps.

the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, broke royal protocol when he met the Queen. Photo: Getty Images
the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, broke royal protocol when he met the Queen. Photo: Getty Images
Royal protocol stated you must not touch a member of the royal family. Photo: Getty Images
Royal protocol stated you must not touch a member of the royal family. Photo: Getty Images

While the Queen didn’t seem to mind one but, etiquette experts in the UK are up in arms about the faux pas.

Speaking to the Express, historian Dr Kate Williams explained why the protocol is so important.

"From medieval times, monarchs were divinely appointed to rule by God, so they were kind of seen as gods, so they demanded to be treated as gods,” she said.

"They are treated as people set apart from the rest of us, so primarily what it is creating is distance and grandeur.

The Queen didn't seem to mind one bit. Photo: Getty Images
The Queen didn't seem to mind one bit. Photo: Getty Images
Perhaps they're old friends? Photo: Getty Images
Perhaps they're old friends? Photo: Getty Images

“You don't kiss them, you don't touch them, you bow - over and over again."

Back in 2014 there was uproar after photos circulated online showing the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meeting basketball star LeBron James after the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Brooklyn Nets.

Lebron could be seen standing beside Kate Middleton with his arm around her, as the Duchess smiled awkwardly at waiting photographers.

Likewise Michelle Obama broke royal protocol in 2009 when she threw her arm around the Queen in a warm embrace.

LeBron James also broke royal protocol back in 2014 when he put his arm around Kate Middleton's shoulders. Photo: Getty Images
LeBron James also broke royal protocol back in 2014 when he put his arm around Kate Middleton's shoulders. Photo: Getty Images

However all of the royals seem totally fine with it, even though their minders minder don’t.

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