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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Zoe Forsey & Kyle O'Sullivan

Princess Anne had awkward mix-up with Donald Trump and Queen's 'scolding' was hilarious

Princess Anne once had an awkward encounter with Donald Trump in which she appeared to 'snub' the US President - but it wasn't what is seemed. Back in December 2019, members of the Royal Family mixed with some of the most powerful world leaders at a glittering NATO reception at Buckingham Palace.

Among the guests were ex-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, former German leader Angela Merkel and of course the outspoken The Apprentice star. Most eyes were on the Queen that evening, but it was Princess Anne who stole the show with a seemingly 'sassy' response while her mother was greeting Trump and his wife Melania.

A video clip from the evening showed the Princess Royal holding back while the late Queen, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla were shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with their American guests.

Anne was noticeably missing from the line-up, which prompted Her Majesty to beckon over to her daughter, who was stoo slightly off to the side.

Many fans believed the Queen was "scolding" her for not joining the group to do the official greeting - believing she should have been in the row.

The Monarch looked over at her only daughter and gestured with her hands, but Anne did not move, simply smiling and shrugging with her arms outstretched.

At the time, many thought Anne was deliberately 'snubbing' Trump, with many taking to Twitter after watching the hilarious moment.

One wrote: "Princess Anne side-eyeing the Trumps. The Queen scolds her for not being in the royal receiving line and she simply shrugs."

"Feeling Princess Anne big time today. Haven’t loved her as much as since she won It's A Royal Knockout," added another.

A third commented: "I think I've fallen in love with Princess Anne."

Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth II, Melania Trump, King Charles and Queen Camilla at a state banquet in 2019 (PA)

However, it later emerged there was a bit of a mix-up from the Queen which is actually what caused the awkward moment.

According to The Times journalist Valentine Low, who was at the event, the Queen was actually looking over to see which leader was next, not realising Trump was the last.

"OK, here goes... Princess Anne: the truth. No, she didn't snub the Trumps. And she wasn't told off by the Queen.

"Instead the Queen, after greeting the Donald (and the Melania), turned to Anne to see who was next. But there wasn't anyone waiting: Trump was the last leader to be received by the Queen.

"Anne raised her hands in the air, laughed and said: "It's just me," adding a moment later "and this lot" as she pointed to the members of the household behind her.

"This excellent bit of sleuthing comes from the very wonderful Laura Elston of the Press Association, who is as impartial a witness as you could hope for.

"So, the truth is now out there. Not that anyone will pay any attention. Anne the Trump Snubber is a much better story."

Queen Elizabeth II and US President Donald Trump during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings (PA)

The former US president had some controversial encounters with the Queen, including one incident where he broke royal protocol and walked in front of her.

Trump and the Queen were inspecting the royal guard at Windsor Castle when he made a royal faux pas by forcing the Queen to change direction and move around him.

Visiting politicians and dignitaries are usually briefed on how to walk, talk and behave when greeting the monarch, but Trump appeared to get the walk wrong.

Other incidents, include Trump reportedly made the Queen wait on his first official visit in 2018 and going in for a handshake instead of the more traditional bow.

After news of her death broke, Trump paid a touching tribute to Her Majesty, calling her an "extraordinary woman" who never made mistakes.

Speaking on GB News, he said: "Who could be greater than what she's done? And she did it so long, so well and never made mistakes. She was an incredible person. It's a very sad day."

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