The Queen's fans outraged after Bill Gates breaks royal greeting protocol

The Queen's fans have accused Bill Gates of being disrespectful after the tech mogul's meeting with her at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. 

• Bill Gates has been called 'rude' after he failed to follow royal protocol when meeting the Queen at a recent engagement.
• The Microsoft co-founder attended a swanky reception at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, where he was reunited with Her Majesty for the first time in over 15 years. 
• In other royal news, The Queen pulls out of royal trip on 'medical advice' as she's urged to rest.
  

The Queen welcomed over 100 business moguls and presidential envoys to Windsor Castle on Tuesday, where they were treated to a plush reception after a day-long global investment summit in London. 

The grandiose affair, which was held in the famous Green Room of the Berkshire residence, saw the 95-year-old monarch shake the hands of several highly successful folks, including American billionaire Bill Gates. 

The Microsoft co-founder waited in line with a group of other industry leaders to be approached by Her Majesty, who was accompanied by her son, Prince Charles, and grandson, Prince William. The meeting marks the second time Bill has met the British Head of State, having previously received an honorary knighthood from her at a Buckingham Palace ceremony in 2005. 

Unfortunately, it looks like the tech businessman has forgotten the protocol for greeting the Queen after all these years—and royal fans have been quick to call him out on it. 

Unlike his counterparts, who bowed their heads or curtseyed upon meeting the beaming monarch, Bill simply nodded and offered a firm handshake with a loud ‘Hi!’. He also failed to address her by her formal title of ‘Her Majesty’, a courtesy observed by most people who meet her. 

“Bill Gates came across as rude,” one royal fan commented on Youtube. “You don’t just say ‘hey, how’re you?’ to the Queen. He should have addressed her as Your Majesty. I know he’s not British but I wouldn’t speak to the President of the United States without addressing him as Mr President. Buck your ideas up Mr Gates.” 

“He should have bowed his head in respect, if nothing else for her time as the sovereign, her poise and grace for 70 years,” another unimpressed monarchist said. 

According to the Royal Family’s official website, members of the public are not obliged to follow any particular social customs when meeting the Queen. However, it’s common practice to observe certain behaviors when in her presence. 

It is generally advised that one curtsey or bows their head when meeting the royal matriarch, before addressing her as ‘Her Majesty’ upon introduction and ‘Ma’am’ for the rest of the interaction. 

People are also expected to arrive before the Queen and to avoid touching her unless she initiates it. 

As for conversational etiquette, it’s best to let the monarch take the lead and only speak when spoken to. Personal questions or contentious topics are also off the table, so stick with the small talk and you’ll be fine.