In a departure from royal custom, Prince George of Wales, the son of Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton, made an unscheduled appearance at a 2016 dinner hosted by the royal couple for former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama. According to Hello Magazine, royal children are generally not permitted to interact with heads of state. However, Prince George had previously met both Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada.
On this particular occasion, it was not the young prince’s presence that broke protocol, but his attire. Unconventionally, Prince George greeted President Obama in a dressing gown, a deviation from the customary formalwear expected at such events. It is unknown how President Obama reacted to this breach of etiquette, although he later expressed his disapproval by referring to it as a “slap in the face.”
According to Hello Magazine, the royal family adheres to three levels of formality, each with its own distinct dress code. White tie is the most formal, reserved for royal events and state banquets. Women are expected to wear long, formal evening gowns on these occasions. Black-tie events fall into the second category, where men don shorter dinner jackets and black ties or bow ties. Women can opt for cocktail dresses or trouser suits. The third level, smart casuals, allows for more relaxed attire such as jumpers paired with collared shirts.
Etiquette expert Lucy Hume advises royals to exercise caution when selecting their attire for official events. “A royal event is not necessarily a time to go too unconventional or too alternative. It’s just one of those occasions where it makes sense to stick with tradition,” she remarked.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to established dress codes and diplomatic etiquette in royal settings. The choice of attire for such occasions is not merely a matter of personal preference but also a reflection of respect for tradition and the significance of the event.
