Queen Elizabeth II, known for her grace, occasionally displayed a sharp wit. During a 2002 documentary titled The Queen: A Remarkable Life, she was filmed watching her husband, Prince Philip, carriage driving in Windsor Great Park. When photographers got in her way, she gestured for them to disperse and shouted, 'Do you mind?'
Unofficial Royal Etiquette
According to Hello Magazine, while there is no explicit rule, it is considered custom not to walk in front of the Queen. Etiquette suggests walking slightly behind or alongside her, as she was the highest-ranking person present. Another reason is that turning one's back to the monarch is often regarded as rude.
The Royal Family's official website states, 'there are no obligatory codes of behaviour – just courtesy.' These unofficial rules have led to backlash, as when US President Donald Trump walked in front of both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles on separate occasions, though he broke no official rules.
Another Photographer Incident
In 2007, American photographer Annie Leibovitz was hired to shoot portraits of the Queen at Buckingham Palace for a state visit to the US. The Queen wore her crown and Order of the Garter robes. Leibovitz asked her to remove the crown for a 'less dressy' shot, which she reportedly did not like. When Leibovitz said, 'I think it will look better without the crown. Could we try without the crown? It will look better… less dressy. Because the garter robe is so…' the late Queen cut her off, saying, 'Less dressy? What do you think this is?'
