Tired President Takes His Seat a Bit Too Soon
LONDON — President Bush committed a social gaffe Tuesday night by sitting down before Queen Elizabeth II, breaking royal protocol.
Bush, tired after two days of meetings of the Group of Seven major industrialized democracies, relaxed into a chair while Queen Elizabeth chatted with French President Francois Mitterrand before a dazzling dinner at Buckingham Palace.
The queen turned around and Bush, realizing his breach of etiquette, stood up.
The queen then sat down for a photo opportunity with the G-7 leaders, and Bush formally requested permission to take his seat by her side.
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