The recently held NATO summit in The Hague has left an episode that hasn't gone unnoticed around the world. Máxima of the Netherlands, known for her elegance and discretion, made an unexpected gesture during an official event. María José Gómez Verdú, an expert in protocol and etiquette, has confessed that this moment is perceived "as a lack of respect" and a wake-up call for the queen.
The incident took place during the official photo with Donald Trump, president of the United States and one of the most prominent guests at the summit. While the Dutch royals posed with Trump at Huis ten Bosch Palace, the American president ignored Máxima's greeting by turning his back on her. The queen, without hiding it, imitated his gestures and facial expressions, a behavior captured by the cameras.
For María José Gómez Verdú, beyond the political or personal content, it's essential to assess this event from the perspective of protocol, which is essential for public figures like Máxima. She points out that protocol isn't just a set of rigid rules, but a diplomatic tool that seeks to preserve institutional courtesy. In this sense, any gesture that strays from formality can affect the image that the monarchy must project.
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The expert recalls that members of royal families have the responsibility to represent the unity and stability of their countries. That's why a mockery, even if it's meant as a joke or is spontaneous, can be interpreted as a lack of respect toward another head of state. María insists that the queen's role is "to embody unity, not division, even symbolically."
Máxima of the Netherlands is highly regarded for her naturalness and approachability, qualities that have defined her reign for almost 25 years. However, this is one of the few occasions in which she has been seen reacting with such a visible and controversial gesture at an official event. According to Gómez Verdú, the queen should've been aware that at events of this level, every detail is closely observed and scrutinized.
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In addition, the specialist emphasizes that discretion is synonymous with elegance and a sign of institutional maturity in public figures. Knowing how to restrain oneself doesn't mean censoring humor, but understanding that in certain positions, "every gesture communicates more than it seems" and can affect public perception. In this case, the queen's gesture has sparked a debate about the importance of decorum in royalty.
Finally, she concludes that, although this episode doesn't have serious political consequences, it is indeed unfortunate from a protocol standpoint. She recalls that the true power of a figure like Máxima lies in the ability to choose when to speak and when to remain silent. This moment leaves us with a clear lesson: in diplomacy and monarchy, respect and prudence must always prevail.