Comment from the person who posted the video on YouTube..
The Queen gives the cold shoulder to President Obama for breaking protocol offering a toast to the Queen while they were playing HER SONG: God Save the Queen, of course.
The band started early but the Queen should not have ignored a sincere offer of a toast by the US president. An insult to all Americans.
This is also about cross-cultures. Two persons were expecting different things from the same event.
In case of the Queen and other lesser royals when you have nothing to do all day protocol and etiquette becomes the only activity they care about.
So when somebody doesn't follow the 'rule' (their rule) they go cold not knowing what to do. The last time they did something trivial and intuitive was when they were born.
In the case of Obama he probably thought the music was a addition to the great words he was uttering. Like in a Hollywood movie. It was his Oscar bid.
In short, they were both thinking a lot about themselves at the time.
Americans should steer clear from Monarchy. It is stupid to pander to it for votes in America. America should feel proud of their history. After all, wasn't the French-speaking French that took American's side during Independence?
The best of America is that we are the Land of the Free and not of elitist royals obsessed with 'etiquette' for a few privileged to separate them from the many underprivileged.
A great Queen would've acted swiftly and toasted. A sad moment for democracy. As usual.
The BBC at first did not make any mention of the gaffe in their main news programmes. ITV did menion it but did not show the president's face after the snub.
LWDLIK- Thank you Ali, it's a very interesting video. I've never actually heard anyone try to talk through a national anthem before. HRH does smile and clearly says, "That's very kind" around 0.43 seconds into the video. Just proves people see what they want to see.
Personally, I thought the biggest faux pas was made by Camilla who was wearing a bigger tiara, with more bling, than HRH's crown.
Interesting comment! Massively disagree though...it's very rude to speak during the national anthem of a country- and especially when you are a state guest. It's not etiquette, it's manners? I know that and I'm not a president? it's not a party - it's 2 countries representing each other, and overall it was a very successful state visit. Bye bye negativity and sing God Save the Queen with us - without interrupting! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's me, Ali. I was in a hurry when I sent you the video and did not write my name and instead I had it as anonymous
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the band should all be sent to the Tower, they insulted the visiting dignitary by putting him in an impossible situation, he was well into his speech and they started playing,that was just RUDE,it was almost like saying " your boring - shut up and listen to us" he did the right thing by continuing what he started. It would have been worse had he stopped mid speech. The band leader should be on brass polishing duty for the
ReplyDeleteforseeable!!!
I agree with LWDLIK wannabe Queen Camilla made the biggest faux pas of the evening with the Blingy Tiara, I
hope she enjoyed it , its the closest she'll ever get to the crown, it's a well known fact - never upstage your mother in law and stay on her good side at all times. Jabriya Babe
Thanks Ali :OD
ReplyDelete@ Anon 1 - Agree! I think the band got their cue and there was no stopping them or Obama :OD
ReplyDelete@ Jabriya Babe- Do I know you? :OD Too true honey, keep on the good side of your MIL especially if she's the queen.
ReplyDeleteThe sad thing is 3 billion people live on 1 meal a day, 1.5 billion or so without electricity, and this makes the news!
ReplyDeleteThe 2 heads of the laregest super powers of the last century (or history) and this is the discussion we are having.
No wonder am depressed.
EB
Oh EB, we're all wading through crap everyday so you're not alone. I know things seem so very trivial when we think about the big stuff. But we have to amuse ourselves to get ourselves through the stormy, rainy days and wait for the sun to shine. And it will shine again.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not feeling so positive myself today after finding my new sandwich maker was used for grilling fish by my maid. My birthday cheese and turkey toastie came out tasting and smelling of fish. It was the last of the turkey. Had to have Alpen instead :O( LOL.
Have got my umbrella up for the rest of the day LOL.
Thanks Kim, sweet of you to take the time to comfort a total stranger.
ReplyDeleteThe 1.5 billion people i referred to, haven't seen electricity, not just live with out it.
rain or shine, we have to cope, the more we think, the more we know, it is a tropical world.
We need a bigger umbrella or learn to dance in the rain :OD
ReplyDeleteneed less to say, #9 EB
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing trivial and non trivial things, which helps me cope.
Now u go dance in the rain with your giant umbrella, i'll keep my feet dry.
EB, we all get like that. For the longest time I felt like I was drowning. But great friends, family, being honest about it, acceptance and appreciation for what wonderful blessings I have - has really helped a lot. Still have moments when I want to cry, shout and scream; thankfully not in the middle of the Sultan Centre LOL.
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