Below, the etiquette quiz from the New York Times on interaction with British
Royalty:
1 of 9
Something President Trump did as he met Queen Elizabeth during a previous visit to Britain in 2018 was widely reported as a faux pas. What was it?
Putting an arm around her shoulder
Placing a hand on her back in an attempt to steer her
Coming “dangerously close” to placing a hand on her back
Walking in front of her
2 of 9
The chatter was almost as loud around something Michelle Obama did in 2009. What was that?
Putting an arm around her shoulder
Placing a hand on her back in an attempt to steer her
Coming “dangerously close” to placing a hand on her back
Walking in front of her
3 of 9
One gesture brought the fury of the British tabloids against at least two overseas politicians after they met with the queen.
In 1984, it landed a Canadian provincial official, James Snow, on the front page of The Daily Mail, where he was described as “portly” and “graceless.”
In 1992, it put Prime Minister Paul Keating of Australia on the front page of The Sun, alongside the headline “LIZARD OF OZ.”
What had they done?
Put an arm around her shoulder
Placed a hand on her back in an attempt to steer her
Come “dangerously close” to placing a hand on her back
Walked in front of her
4 of 9
The British royal family makes an effort to reduce the etiquette anxiety of people meeting the monarch. “There are no obligatory codes of behavior,” a reassuring page on its website declares — “just courtesy.”
“However,” it adds, “many people wish to observe the traditional forms of greeting.”
Three forms of greeting are then listed. Which of these does not make the cut?
A handshake
A curtsy
A bow of the head
A bow from the waist
5 of 9
After that, you might have to speak to the king — though only after he has spoken to you, if we’re being traditional about it. Which of these would be a correct formal mode of address, according to the royal family?
Sir
Your Royal Highness
Ma’am (rhymes with calm)
Ma’am (rhymes with jam)
6 of 9
Queen Camilla has joined the conversation! Which of these is a correct formal way to address her?
Madam
Your Royal Highness
Ma’am (rhymes with calm)
Ma’am (rhymes with jam)
7 of 9
Let’s say you score an invitation — apologies, that may not be the formal phrasing — to the state banquet. What language will the menu be in?
English
Modern French
Norman French
Latin
8 of 9
You can start eating when the king starts eating. But when, by tradition, should you stop?
When the monarch has finished (shown by leaving cutlery in parallel in the middle of the plate)
When the monarch has finished (shown by raising a hand)
When you’re done — take as long as you like
When the gong is sounded for the next toast
9 of 9
What’s for dessert?
It’s a secret!
The traditional royal spotted dick
Fruit
A selection of British cheeses
The answers, from Perplexity AI:
Here are the answers to the nine etiquette/protocol questions about President Trump's UK visit and general royal protocol, based on evidence from reputable sources:
Trump and Michelle Obama Royal Faux Pas
Trump’s 2018 Faux Pas:
Trump was widely criticized for walking in front of Queen Elizabeth II during their joint inspection of the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle in 2018.
Michelle Obama’s 2009 Gesture:
Michelle Obama’s etiquette controversy occurred when she put an arm around the Queen's shoulder at a 2009 reception.
Tabloid Fury over Politicians' Gesture:
Canadian official James Snow (1984) and Australian PM Paul Keating (1992) both drew ire after they placed a hand on the Queen’s back in an attempt to steer her.
Royal Family Etiquette and Banquet Protocol
Non-Traditional Greeting:
Of the traditional greetings, a bow from the waist is not included in the three official forms of greeting suggested by the royal family. The correct forms are: handshake, curtsy, or a bow of the head—not from the waist.
Mode of Address for the King:
The correct formal address is Ma’am (rhymes with jam) for the Queen, but for the King, the formal address is Sir after an initial Your Majesty; the answers list both "Sir" and "Ma'am (rhymes with jam)," but "Sir" is correct here for the King.
Formal Address for Queen Camilla:
The correct manner is to address Queen Camilla as Ma’am (rhymes with jam) after first saying "Your Majesty".
Menu Language at State Banquet:
Banquet menus are traditionally printed in Modern French, a longstanding royal tradition.
When to Stop Eating:
By tradition, once the monarch has finished eating—shown by leaving their cutlery in parallel in the middle of the plate—guests should also stop eating.
Dessert at the State Banquet:
There is no fixed traditional dessert; it’s a secret what will be served. Recent descriptions highlight sophisticated desserts (iced parfaits, bombe, petit fours, etc.), but tradition is that the exact dessert is not revealed in advance.
🥂 The State Banquet for President Trump's 2025 UK visit is scheduled for Wednesday evening, September 17, at St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle.
It’s the centerpiece of the visit, featuring white-tie attire, speeches from both King Charles III and President Trump, and a menu likely written in French. Expect all the royal trimmings—gold cutlery, historic wines, and a guest list packed with dignitaries and diplomats.
If you’re curious about what’s served or how the seating works, I can dive into that too.
Absolutely! Here's a deeper look into the traditions and details of a British State Banquet, especially one like the one held for President Trump at Windsor Castle:
🍽️ Inside the State Banquet at Windsor Castle
📍 Location
St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle — a grand, historic venue with a ceiling adorned in coats of arms and a table that can seat over 160 guests.
👑 Attire & Protocol
White tie and decorations are expected for men; women wear formal evening gowns, often with tiaras if they hold royal or noble titles.
Guests are seated according to strict protocol, with the monarch and head of state (President Trump) delivering toasts and speeches.
📝 Menu
Traditionally written in French, a nod to diplomatic formality.
Dishes often include:
A starter like poached salmon or seasonal vegetables.
A main course featuring British lamb or beef, often with root vegetables and a rich sauce.
Dessert is typically a selection of British cheeses, though fruit may also be served.
Wines are selected from the royal cellars, sometimes decades old.
🕰️ Timing
Guests begin eating when the monarch does, and by tradition, they stop when the monarch finishes—signaled by placing cutlery parallel on the plate.
🗣️ Conversation & Address
Guests wait to be spoken to by the monarch before initiating conversation.
Formal address includes:
“Your Majesty” for the King initially, then “Ma’am” (rhymes with jam).
“Your Royal Highness” for Queen Camilla.
It’s a dazzling blend of diplomacy, tradition, and ceremony. If you’d like, I can help you imagine what President Trump’s speech might sound like—or even draft one for fun.
You're absolutely right to question that—and your instinct is spot-on. For King Charles III, the correct formal address is:
First address: “Your Majesty”
Subsequent address: “Sir”
The term “Ma’am” (rhyming with jam) is traditionally reserved for female royals, such as Queen Camilla or Princess Anne.
So if you're chatting with the King at a state banquet (lucky you!), you'd begin with “Your Majesty” and then respond with “Sir” in follow-up exchanges. For example:
King: “Are you enjoying the evening?” You: “Very much so, Your Majesty.” King: “The venison is local.” You: “It’s exquisite, Sir.”
Let me know if you want a cheat sheet for royal etiquette or a mock conversation to practice!
Meta AI:
English desserts; what is 'spotted dick' and does it have any other name?
Spotted dick is a traditional English steamed pudding dessert that's gained notoriety for its unusual name. Despite the snickering it inspires, particularly among Americans, this dessert is delicious and worth trying. Here's what you need to know:
What is Spotted Dick?
Spotted dick is a type of steamed pudding made with suet or butter, flour, sugar, dried currants, and lemon zest. The "spots" in the name refer to the dried currants scattered throughout the pudding, while "dick" is believed to come from the old English word "puddick," a variation of "pudding."
Other Names for Spotted Dick
This dessert goes by several other names, including ¹ ²:
Spotted Dog: especially in Scotland, where "dog" relates to dough
Plum Bolster: an older name for the dessert
Currant Pudding: a straightforward description of the dessert's ingredients
Spotted Richard: a more polite alternative used in some restaurants
Ingredients and Preparation
To make spotted dick, you'll need ingredients like suet or butter, flour, sugar, dried currants, and lemon zest. The pudding is typically steamed in a pudding basin or mold, and served warm with a generous helping of English custard sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Spotted dick is traditionally served warm with custard, but you can also customize it with ³ ²:
Cream: a delicious alternative to custard
Golden syrup: adds a sweeter touch to the pudding
Demerara sugar: sprinkle inside the pudding basin for extra flavor
Mixed dried fruits: try using raisins or sultanas for a different twist
Give spotted dick a try for a taste of traditional British desserts!
* * *
Asked the AIs how they would translate Spotted Dick to French for a menu entry.
All agreed on some variant of pouding vapeur, sauce anglaise. Only the actual sauce
is not what the French refers to as sauce anglaise, but a thicker custard. Did find the
source for Plum Bolster, in an 1849 Cookbook. Plum means dried fruit, and bolster
is a pillow...
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