The first hybrid opening ceremony was held in London on Friday. HRH Prince of Wales opened Nightingale London Hospital, built for COVID19 patients. The Prince participated virtually, and the Protocol had to adapt to the new context quickly.
(с) twitter Royal Family
It is interesting to observe how rigid protocol norms fit into the new reality. One of the main protocol rules, the Right-Hand Rule, was preserved despite the technology. The rule says that the guest of honor stays to the right of the host or to the right of the central point of the ceremony.
The screen broadcasting live from the Prince’s residence was placed to the right of the plaque (the central point). The plaque was unveiled by the head nurse, who was given the third position in the protocol hierarchy of this ceremony. The inclusion of a nurse into the protocol trio was an excellent choice. It was possible to emphasize the importance of medical staff rather than officials and sponsors.
(с) twitter Royal Family
Participants who formed the audience of the Prince also followed the order of precedence. In this case, the safe distance was a critical element. The central point was given to the Secretary of State for health and social care, the London Regional Director to his right, and the Chief Nursing Officer to his left.
Look at the microphone: for safety reasons, it was placed at an unconventional distance from the speakers.
(с) SkyNews
The speeches followed the reverse order of precedence - i.e., Prince Charles was the last to speak. Event organizers would probably opt for a different order to avoid connection problems. But the protocol is rigid: the highest rank closes the ceremony with his/her speech.
(с) SkyNews
The only open question I had regarding this ceremony was the placement of journalists. They didn't respect the safe distance, and none of them had a mask. The guys had to risk as usual.
The ceremony was solemn and official, despite the hybrid format and physical absence of guest number 1.
I think that protocol officers will include technologies such as remote participation of guests in their toolkit after the pandemic. Indeed, it's a great way to develop a personal brand. Look at the background of the Prince's live: family photographs and a bouquet of daffodils - a symbol of spring, hope, and rebirth. Such a wonderful reference to family values and the hope that soon we'll come 'forth to see again the stars'.
(c) twitter Clarence House
