Party sources say leader was following protocol by not bowing to the monarch at state opening of parliament

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Labour sources have rejected claims that Jeremy Corbyn snubbed the Queen by not bowing to her at the state opening of parliament, arguing that it was against protocol for MPs to do so.

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Several reports sought to portray Corbyn’s actions on entering the Lords alongside Theresa May ahead of the Queen’s speech as deliberate disrespect to the monarch from a longtime republican.



Footage of the procession into the Lords, led by officials including the Commons Speaker and Black Rod, shows them giving a bow in unison to the Queen, joined by May.

Corbyn does not join in, along with other MPs immediately behind him including the outgoing Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron.

However, a source in Corbyn’s team said it was May who breached the tradition that only the officials should bow. “It was not any sort of snub – he was following the protocol,” the source said.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest 2016 state opening of parliament.

Footage of the 2016 and 2015 state openings of parliament show that David Cameron did not bow to the Queen either. Corbyn also did not bow last year, nor did Harriet Harman, who was interim leader in 2015.

However, May is not the first prime minister to bow with the officials. TV coverage of the 2009 state opening shows Gordon Brown bowing, doing so belatedly, twice.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest 2009 state opening of parliament.

When Corbyn took over as Labour leader in September 2016 there was speculation on whether his republican views would mean he was less keen to follow political protocols associated with the royals.

At his first ceremonial event after being elected, the Battle of Britain memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Corbyn stood silently with his hands clasped as others around him sang God Save the Queen.