Elisabeth Hasselbeck Details “Awkward” Encounter With Queen Elizabeth

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Elisabeth Hasselbeck got a big lesson in royal etiquette after meeting Queen Elizabeth II.

While back on ABC’s The View as a guest co-host, the alum shared a story about meeting Queen Elizabeth II at a state dinner hosted by former President George W. Bush. Unfortunately, the meeting didn’t go as planned.

I was chatting with Elisabeth on The Weekend View recently, and she admitted to feeling incredibly anxious – so much so that she was practically buzzing with static electricity! She said she walked into the situation completely unprepared and didn’t know how to handle it. It’s something a lot of us can relate to – that feeling of being thrown into something new and feeling totally out of your depth.

The TV star confessed she was so nervous that she accidentally committed a major breach of royal etiquette.

“I went in for a hug—it didn’t go well,” she continued. “It was very awkward when I went in there.”

Elisabeth’s quick lesson in proper manners had another surprising moment: she mistakenly drank from a bowl meant for rinsing fingers during the event.

She recalled having a drink and remembering a strange moment. While she was taking a sip, Jeb Bush leaned in and warned her not to drink it, explaining it was meant for washing hands. Condoleezza Rice was standing nearby at the time.

Although Elisabeth’s encounter with the Queen—who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96—was a bit awkward, she’s certainly not the first to make a mistake when meeting the British royal family. Recently, Kate Middleton gracefully handled a potentially tricky situation in Powys, Wales, when someone offered her a pen and asked for an autograph, successfully avoiding a breach of royal etiquette.

In a video released by Hello! on February 27th, Kate, 44, explained that she’s unable to sign autographs, but she is happy to shake hands with people.

Royal family members aren’t allowed to sign their names to prevent counterfeiting, and Princess Catherine understands this rule well. She chose not to sign artwork she created with schoolchildren at a London event in 2022, as a precaution against forgery.

Catherine told the children she wasn’t permitted to sign her name, explaining it was simply one of the rules, according to People magazine.

For the latest on the British monarchy and other royal families around the world, read on…

Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on February 19th, his 66th birthday, and is suspected of wrongdoing while holding a public position.

As a longtime follower of this story, I was shocked to hear about the arrest, especially given all the renewed attention on Prince Andrew’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein. He’s always maintained his innocence, of course, but this definitely throws everything back into the spotlight.

Prince William and Princess Kate expressed their sympathy for the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse following the public release of related court documents.

A spokesperson for The Prince and Princess said they are very worried about the ongoing reports and continue to think of those affected.

Marius Borg Høiby, the oldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, was arrested on February 1st for assault, threatening someone with a knife, and breaking a restraining order, according to a statement from Oslo police to The Associated Press.

The 29-year-old man, who isn’t a royal and doesn’t have any official responsibilities, will be held for up to four weeks due to concerns he might commit further crimes. An Oslo court approved the detention, and his lawyer, Petar Sekulic, says they are thinking about appealing the ruling.

I’ve been following this case closely, and it’s incredibly upsetting. Apparently, Anders Høiby is due back in court on February 3rd facing some very serious charges. He’s been indicted for four alleged rapes that reportedly happened between 2018 and 2024, plus two instances of alleged domestic violence and breaking the terms of a restraining order. It’s a deeply concerning situation, and I hope justice is served.

In a statement to the Associated Press, his lawyers said Høiby denies any sexual abuse and most of the accusations involving violence.

Flora Vesterberg, whose grandmother is Princess Alexandra (a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II), has announced she is expecting her first child with her husband, Timothy Vesterberg.

She announced on Instagram on January 19th that she and Timothy are expecting their first child, expressing their immense joy.

Prince Harry began a trial in London’s High Court on January 19th, taking on Associated Newspapers – the company behind the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, and Mail Online. He alleges the media group used unethical methods to gather news.

Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sadie Frost are also joining the lawsuit against the publishing company.

Associated Newspapers has “vigorously denied” the claims, according to the BBC.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marked their tenth anniversary as a couple by posting a sweet, black-and-white video of them dancing at home.

The couple shared a sweet video set to Olivia Dean’s song “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” and revealed it was filmed by their 4-year-old daughter, Lilibet. Meghan, who also shares 6-year-old son Archie with Harry, gave their daughter credit in the Instagram post’s caption, simply writing, “cred: our daughter.”

Oh my gosh, they posted the cutest throwback picture! It’s from their first year together, and it’s just… everything. They’re totally wrapped up in each other, hugging during what looks like the most perfect, nature-filled escape ever. I seriously can’t even handle the sweetness!

“When 2026 feels just like 2016….,” Meghan wrote in the caption. “You had to be there.”

I was so saddened to hear the news today – Queen Sofia of Spain’s sister passed away at the age of 83, according to an announcement from the Greek royal family’s office. It’s a difficult time for the whole family, and my thoughts are with them.

The Greek Royal Family announced with great sadness the death of Princess Irene, a cherished sister and aunt, who passed away on Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at 11:40 AM local time at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, surrounded by family.

The funeral for her took place on January 19th at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens, and she was buried at the Royal Cemetery of Tatoi.

On her 44th birthday, the Princess of Wales shared a message on the power of nature to heal.

In a recent video, Kate reflected on winter, noting that even during the coldest and darkest times, the season encourages us to be still, patient, and thoughtful. She described how winter’s slower pace allows us to look inward, understand ourselves better, and connect with the natural world around us.

I’ve been thinking about how thankful I am. It’s like letting go of worries and finding peace with everything – even the sad parts. It’s about truly feeling alive and connected to nature, which is a gentle guide that helps us heal and remember.

Princess Catherine made her first public appearance of 2026, joining her husband at Charing Cross Hospital in London. The visit was to show support for healthcare workers and came nearly a year after she shared the news that her cancer was in remission.

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2026-03-08 23:47