Elisabeth Hasselbeck has shared a candid account of her nerve-wracking encounter with the late Queen Elizabeth II, during which she inadvertently breached royal protocol by giving the monarch a hug. The former Survivor contestant and television host recounted the incident on a recent episode of The Weekend View, reflecting on her invitation to a White House state dinner hosted by former President George W. Bush.
A Nervous Guest at the White House
Hasselbeck explained that she was extremely anxious ahead of the prestigious event, even opting to wear her wedding cape for the occasion. "I was so nervous. I wore my wedding cape," she recalled, highlighting the significance she placed on meeting the queen. However, her lack of familiarity with royal etiquette led to an uncomfortable moment.
Unaware of Royal Protocol
The television personality admitted she had no prior knowledge that touching a member of the British royal family was considered a breach of protocol. "I had no idea what to do when I got there. Like, I didn't know [you couldn’t touch her]," Hasselbeck confessed. "I went in for a hug. It didn't go well. It was very awkward." This misstep set the tone for what would become a series of social faux pas throughout the evening.
Further Dining Difficulties
The awkwardness did not end with the hug. As the dinner commenced, Hasselbeck found herself seated with her husband, Tim Hasselbeck, and overwhelmed by the formal place setting. "There were so many things before me, so many forks. I grew up simply, you know?" she explained, noting her humble upbringing. Her confusion peaked when she mistook a finger bowl for a beverage.
"I remember this, like, chalice of something, and I didn't … grow up with many courses," she said. "I’m literally [pretends to bring a bowl to her lips], mid-sip, and Jeb Bush leans over, Condoleezza Rice is [on] my other side, and he's like, ‘You might not want to drink that. That's for your hands.’" This intervention from the former president's brother added to the evening's embarrassing moments.
Other Royal Hug Incidents
Hasselbeck is not alone in accidentally touching a royal figure. Last year, singer Jessie J also hugged Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, at the Royal Variety Performance. The interaction occurred after Jessie J performed at Royal Albert Hall, where the royal couple enjoyed entertainment from the West End cast of Paddington The Musical and singer Laufey.
A Shared Cancer Experience
The hug between Jessie J and Kate Middleton was rooted in their mutual experiences with cancer. In November 2025, the singer revealed that during their embrace, they acknowledged how challenging it is to navigate cancer in the public eye. "It was as simple as that. I didn't see her as the Princess of Wales. I mean, obviously I did, and I was respectful," Jessie J explained in a December 2025 interview on This Morning.
She added, "And I said to her, ‘Can I give you a hug?’ And she received it. I just said, ‘It's inspiring.’ I know the days that she has maybe gone through, and I just wanted to give her a hug, mom to mom, human to human." Despite being briefed not to hug the princess, Jessie J felt compelled by their shared humanity, demonstrating that even well-intentioned gestures can sometimes cross formal boundaries.
These incidents underscore the delicate balance between personal connection and royal decorum, highlighting how even celebrities can find themselves in awkward situations when meeting members of the monarchy.
