Queen Elizabeth 'Scolded' Princess Anne Over 'Awkward' Donald Trump Snub Heard Around the Palace: Watch
In December 2019, the late Queen Elizabeth II once 'scolded' Anne, Princess Royal, for seeming to find a meeting with President Donald Trump as 'awkward.'
In December 2019, an event at Buckingham Palace involving Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Anne, and then-President Donald Trump became a focal point of media attention, spurring discussions about royal protocol and public perception.
During a meet and greet where invited guests shook hands and chatted with Her Majesty, the princess appeared "awkward" when beckoned to meet the 45th American president.
The meeting, part of a NATO summit reception, was intended as a formal gathering where Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by other senior royals, greeted world leaders.
A brief exchange, however, between the Queen and Princess Anne — captured on camera — won all the event's headlines.
The scene unfolded as the late Queen greeted President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. After the greetings, the Queen turned to the Princess Royal, who was standing off to the side, resulting in a moment of what appeared to be light-hearted confusion.
Anne’s shrug and bemused expression quickly sparked headlines and internet commentary, as viewers speculated the Queen was either chastising Anne for not joining the receiving line or simply gesturing toward her daughter to complete the greetings.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman clarified the incident in an interview, explaining, "Princess Anne wasn’t part of the official greeting party, so she wasn’t meant to be in the lineup. The Queen simply looked over, as if to see who was next, and Anne humorously shrugged, indicating that it was just her."
Hardman’s account suggests that the moment was misinterpreted by onlookers, with Anne’s gesture conveying humor rather than defiance. Her response —"It's just me"— became a viral phrase that highlighted Anne’s candid and down-to-earth personality.
Royal expert Victoria Arbiter also weighed in, emphasizing that "the entire interaction was blown out of proportion."
Arbiter added, "Princess Anne’s shrug was not one of defiance but rather an acknowledgment that no one else was in line."
She elaborated that this interaction demonstrated Anne’s subtle humor and the close, informal relationship between mother and daughter. The Queen and Anne were known to have a strong bond, with Anne often regarded as one of the most pragmatic and straightforward members of the royal family.
In the end, the exchange between Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne with President Trump provided a rare, unscripted moment that showcased the human side of the monarchy.
The princess also made news again when photos and video caught Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte "joking about Trump." HRH could be seen later appearing to discuss the former president with a grinning Trudeau and Johnson.
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Daily Express reported on Anne's blunder.
