In 1977, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter became embroiled in a royal etiquette controversy when he 

was photographed kissing the Queen Mother on the lips during a visit to London. 

This seemingly innocent gesture has sparked ongoing debate and speculation over the years, 

with some critics arguing that Carter’s actions were a breach of royal protocol, while others defended him, suggesting that it was a harmless and affectionate moment.

The incident took place during Carter’s official state visit to the United Kingdom, where he was welcomed by the royal family. 

As is customary for heads of state visiting foreign monarchs, the visit included a series of formal meetings and ceremonies designed to strengthen diplomatic relations. 

During one such event, President Carter was introduced to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s residence, and the two shared a warm greeting that was caught on camera by photographers.

What immediately drew attention was the nature of the greeting itself. Carter leaned forward and kissed the Queen Mother on the lips, an action that was not typical for such an occasion. In British royal circles, public displays of affection, particularly between a head of state and a member of the royal family, are generally considered to be inappropriate. The British royal family is known for maintaining a strict code of conduct when it comes to interactions with outsiders, and there are well-established protocols for how royals should be greeted by foreign dignitaries.

Traditionally, British monarchs and their families are not accustomed to physical displays of affection in public, especially when it comes to kissing. In fact, it is customary for royals to shake hands with visiting dignitaries or exchange formal bows, nods, or curtseys. A kiss on the lips, even between close family members, is highly unusual and would typically be seen as a breach of royal propriety. This is why Carter’s kiss on the lips of the Queen Mother raised eyebrows and led to accusations of a breach in decorum.

The photograph quickly made headlines, and the incident was widely discussed in the media. Critics of Carter’s gesture claimed that it demonstrated a lack of understanding of British royal customs and that it crossed the line of appropriate behavior. Some royal observers even suggested that Carter’s action may have been seen as a sign of disrespect, as it could be interpreted as a violation of the established rules of engagement between world leaders and the royal family.

However, there were also those who defended Carter, arguing that the kiss was simply a moment of warmth and affection. The Queen Mother, known for her cheerful and approachable demeanor, was widely regarded as a beloved figure in Britain. Her interactions with foreign dignitaries were often informal, and she was known to embrace a more relaxed and friendly style compared to other members of the royal family. Supporters of Carter’s kiss argued that it was an expression of goodwill and a reflection of the bond that had developed between the two leaders.

In defense of his actions, Carter later explained that the kiss was not intended to disrespect royal traditions but was rather a spontaneous gesture of affection. He emphasized that he had a great deal of respect for the Queen Mother and that the kiss was a simple act of kindness rather than an overt violation of royal etiquette. In fact, Carter went on to clarify that the kiss was not premeditated and that it was a gesture prompted by the warmth of the moment, suggesting that the Queen Mother had welcomed such a greeting.

For her part, the Queen Mother reportedly appeared to take the kiss in stride, with no apparent discomfort or negative reaction. In many ways, her response to the incident demonstrated the more relaxed attitude she maintained toward public appearances and her personal interactions with others. The Queen Mother was known for her sense of humor and her ability to defuse potentially awkward situations, and it seems that she took Carter’s kiss as a simple expression of friendship rather than an affront to royal protocol.

Over time, the incident became something of a historical footnote rather than a major scandal. The controversy surrounding Carter’s kiss on the lips of the Queen Mother gradually faded as both parties moved on from the event. In the years since, the incident has been the subject of occasional discussion in the media, with some wondering whether such a gesture would be deemed acceptable by modern royal standards. In the context of today’s more informal and globally interconnected world, it is possible that such a gesture would not attract the same level of scrutiny as it did in 1977.

In retrospect, the kiss on the lips of the Queen Mother is seen by many as a curious but harmless moment in history. While it certainly deviated from the established norms of royal etiquette, it also highlighted the personal connection and camaraderie that can develop between world leaders, even in the most formal of settings. For Carter, the kiss was likely a way to express his appreciation for the Queen Mother’s warm welcome and the kindness she had shown him during his visit.

Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that, while royal etiquette is an important aspect of British culture and diplomacy, there are moments when protocol can be set aside in favor of more personal and human connections. Whether or not Carter’s kiss on the lips of the Queen Mother was a breach of royal protocol is still a matter of debate, but it is clear that it did not have a lasting negative impact on the relationship between the United States and the British royal family. Instead, it remains a unique and memorable moment in the history of royal diplomacy, emblematic of the complex and often unpredictable nature of human interactions, even among the highest echelons of power and influence.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.