Because we do not have a monarchy, most Americans have very little knowledge of “proper behavior” when in contact with a high official or royalty. We are a naturally open, friendly, and informal people.
A person meeting the Queen of England, might walk over and say, “Why, Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you” while holding out his hand for a handshake. The gasp from those who are aware of protocol would by audible and our innocent American would have no idea he had done anything wrong.
Our naivete is balanced by our good intentions, so the “offense” would probably be ignored or looked at with humor.
Protocol is the body of law, customs, and practices governing diplomatic conduct. One of the cardinal rules of protocol has always been: Don’t get too familiar with royalty.
Primary responsibility for protocol lies with the State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol. The first full-time protocol officer was appointed in 1916. The office was established in 1928. Since 1961, the Chief of Protocol has been commissioned an Ambassador, requiring the President’s nominee to be confirmed by the Senate.
The Office of the Chief of Protocol keeps files on the customs of each country. Before a presidential trip, the office sends detailed recommendations on how foreign leaders should be approached, addressed and fed (taking into account dietary taboos) and what kinds of gifts they should be given.
The State department warns diplomats that they need to heed customs on kisses, bows, and handshakes. “Failure to abide by tradition may be interpreted as rudeness or a lack of respect for colleagues”.
Pamela Eyring, of the Protocol School of Washington, says it is not protocol for heads of state to bow to each other. But, American leaders in the past have done so. President Eisenhower bowed to both Pope John XXIII and Charles De Gaulle. President Nixon bowed to Hirohito.
Experts on protocol state that President Obama increased his error by not only bowing to Japanese Emperor Akihito, but also combining it with a handshake - a breach of Japanese custom.
Although the federal government pays a staff of dozens to instruct chief executives on how to deal with foreign leaders, presidents often follow their instincts - sometimes with embarrassing results.
His bowing to the Saudi King was perceived as not only being deferential - but also submissive - and served to increase the ire of the American public.
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