Keir Starmer breaks royal protocol at VE Day service with controversial Camilla move

broke royal protocol during a VE Day service by touching . Footage shows Camilla searching for a water bottle while sitting next to King Charles at a military parade in central London to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe. The Prime Minister noticed her search, spotted the bottle and then tapped the Queen to alert her to it.

He can then be seen reaching down by the Queen's seat and picking up the bottle before passing it to her. While no doubt meaning to be helpful, Sir Keir inadvertently breaks the rules around touching a member of the Royal Family.

Royal protocol strictly dictates that one should not touch a member of the family unless they initiate the contact, usually by extending their hand for a handshake.

The rule has been a longstanding tradition intended to establish distance between a Royal Family member and a commoner.

Nicola Hickling, founder of LipReader Ltd, told the Express Sir Keir had asked Camilla if he could reach for the bottle and the Queen was grateful for the gesture.

Ms Hickling explained that King Charles told Queen Camilla he had water given to him and hers should be there too, "just like everyone's".

Sir Keir replied, "Do you want me to see if I can get your water?" The King replied:"It's a difficult place for it, but I appreciate it."

Queen Camilla added: "Thank you, I am so parched today."

The procession of 1,300 members of the Armed Forces and NATO allies passed some of London's most famous buildings and monuments. It ended at Buckingham Palace where the Royal Family appeared on the balcony to watch a flypast.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis made a rare public appearance with their parents Prince William and Princess Kate to see the spectacle which began a few minutes before they arrived at the royal box.

Charles and Camilla led the royal party sitting in the shadow of the Queen Victoria Memorial, along with Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent.

Second World War veterans and Sir Keir were seated nearby as crowds lined The Mall, with some waiting since early morning to secure a spot to watch the historic events.