AB
Jimmy Carter, who has died at the age of 99, is remembered for his four-year presidency and his humanitarian efforts. But in Britain, his name will forever be linked to a shocking breach of royal protocol.
During a visit to Buckingham Palace in May 1977, President Carter greeted the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, with an unexpected kiss on the lips, leaving her stunned.
A Kiss That Stunned the Queen Mother
The Queen Mother, who passed away in 2002, was visibly horrified by the bold gesture. As Carter leaned in, she tried to step back but couldn’t avoid the kiss.
“Nobody has done that since my husband died,” she later remarked, referring to King George VI, who passed away in 1952. “I took a sharp step backward – not quite far enough.”
This meant Carter was the first man to kiss her on the lips in 25 years—and likely the last.
Breaking All the Rules of Royal Etiquette
In Britain, royal etiquette dictates that men bow or shake hands when greeting the Queen or other members of the Royal Family. Americans are not required to bow or curtsy, but a kiss on the lips is completely out of bounds.
Carter’s gesture raised eyebrows, not just because it broke protocol but because it occurred in the formal setting of Buckingham Palace.
The Events of the Night
The visit, which coincided with a NATO meeting, saw Carter mingling with world leaders and members of the Royal Family. He was seen walking alongside the Queen Mother into the Blue Drawing Room and helping her meet other guests.
At one point, according to the Associated Press, Carter noticed the Queen Mother entering the room. “Ever the Southern gentleman,” the AP wrote, “he broke away, took her by the hand, and escorted her to the assembled line of guests.”
However, the AP made no mention of the kiss that overshadowed the rest of the evening.
From Faux Pas to Forgiveness
While the incident caused a stir at the time, the controversy surrounding it eventually faded. Carter’s post-presidency years were marked by exceptional humility and charitable work, which redefined his public image.
When Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, Carter released a heartfelt tribute to the late monarch.
“Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the citizens of the United Kingdom. Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader,” he wrote.
Queen Elizabeth’s Bond with U.S. Presidents
During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II met 13 of the 14 U.S. presidents who served during her lifetime. Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president she met, while Joe Biden was the last.
The only president she never met was Lyndon B. Johnson, who focused his diplomatic efforts on Asia and Australasia and made only two visits to Europe during his presidency. Neither included a meeting with the Queen.
A Lasting Anecdote in History
Despite the initial backlash, Carter’s unexpected kiss has become a quirky footnote in history, adding an amusing anecdote to his legacy. While the incident may not have been his finest diplomatic moment, Carter’s lifelong dedication to humanitarian efforts remains his most enduring contribution.
