: the day when the head of American protocol came close to the incident
In his book Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You, the former head of the American protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall recalls his meetings with Elizabeth II.Events subject to ultra-strict rules.
We do not touch the bag of Queen Elizabeth II. Never.Under any circumstances.This was learned by Capricia Penavic Marshall, former chief of protocol for the US government, in 2011. In a book published Tuesday, May 23, Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You (Protocol: the power of diplomacy and how to use it for yourself, editor's note, published by Ecco editions, she tells this time where she accompanied Barack and Michelle Obama on an official visit to Buckingham Palace.
Used to holding the bags of first ladies, presidents and other high-ranking female personalities during summit meetings, she is about to take that of Elizabeth II when the latter advances towards the presidential couple. "When I saw Her Majesty arrive," she tells People magazine, "I made a quick comment to my British counterpart," Oh my God, the Queen is carrying her bag. " And I barely had time to sketch a movement of the left foot when he pressed me against a wall with his two hands, and warned: "We don't touch the queen's bag". ”
Confused, Capricia Penavic Marshall apologizes. The English protocol officer repeated to him: "We don't touch the queen's bag". "I replied" Ok, I will never do it again. But do we at least know what is in it? "" Response from the person concerned: "We do not know what is in this bag. But you never touch that bag. ”
Recognized for her sense of color, her impressive hats and impeccable outfits, Elizabeth II masters the strict rules of royal dress code as much as style.
Coded signals and small gifts
Message received. It was only later that the diplomat expert understood the capital issues at stake around the Queen's favorite accessory: “I learned that it was possible that she was using the bag as a signal.If he is on the top of her arm, that means that the event in which she is participating is going well, and that we must leave her alone. But if it lowers it, it means "let's finish it, I want to leave". It is also said that inside, there would be a cell phone with which she calls her grandchildren: an idea that I love. ”
Lipstick ? Smartphone?Nuclear codes? What is in Elizabeth's bag will remain a mystery. But Capricia Penavic Marshall reveals, in her book, the few privileged moments that she was able to spend with the sovereign. In her capacity as chief of protocol (a position she held for twelve years at the White House), she is the one who oversees the exchange of small gifts between great people of this world. Still in 2011, she must find an idea of present for the Queen of England - who, according to Capricia Penavic Marshall, does not need anyone. "She acts like she is the head of her own protocol.It must be said that she has been doing this for a long time. ” After long discussions with the Obama couple (who will also offer him an iPod), the choice is made on a leather-bound portfolio, in which will be gathered notes, photos or other invitations related to the visit of George V, the father of the Queen, in the United States: “President Obama and his wife have a great affection for Elizabeth II. By doing research, we learned that she cherished her relationship with her father, and that she collected everything related to him. ”
When the moment comes to offer the portfolio to the queen, Capricia Penavic Marshall holds her breath: “While she was turning the pages, I looked at her hoping that she liked it. And I want to say that I saw a little tear in his eyes. She turned to the president and said "Thank you very much for all this."
The Obamas also gave the Queen a flower brooch, which she wore during Donald Trump's official visit to Buckingham in 2019: "I like to think that she was proud to wear this presidential gift and that it thus underlined the unity between the two nations, believes Capricia Penavic Marshall. (…) But only she knows. ” Just as she alone knows the secrets of her handbag
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