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The Protocol Lady's Year in Review
It was a very busy year in the world of protocol. Quitting emerged as a major theme; we lost some good guys, and some not so good guys; and we welcomed new faces to the world stage. Here are just some of the highlights:
Basketball Diplomacy: (January, 2013) Dennis Rodman, a former Chicago Bulls star, has always gone his own way. These days, he seems to have become BFFs with the secretive North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Un.
A Pope Quits: (February, 2013) Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope in six centuries to step down.
Women Rule: (February, 2013) Park Geun-hye is elected South Korea's first female president, showing the world that women don't always love pink. She lives in the Blue House, the official residence of the nation's president.
Habemus Papam: (March, 2013) With a puff of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, the world knew the cardinals had picked a new pope, and so began the world's love affair with Pope Francis.
The Queen Bows Out: (April, 2013) Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands signed the act of abdication and ended her 33 year reign, leaving her son in charge. Willem-Alexander of the House of Orange-Nassau became the Netherlands' first king in 123 years.
A President Dies: (March, 2013) Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela, the man who loved baseball and played hardball with the U.S., died. The Protocol Lady organized several of his Houston visits. He had more than his share of charisma.
The Iron Lady is No More: (April, 2013) Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom died. The Protocol Lady was with the city's protocol office when Prime Minister Thatcher came to Houston to participate in the 1990 Economic Summit. The story goes that due to the heat, the outdoor platform the world leaders stood on was air-conditioned from below. To avoid a Marilyn Monroe scene, the Prime Minister's skirt was weighted down. I never verified the tale with my friends at my alma mater, Rice University, site of the meetings. I was afraid of being denied such a great story.
Emir's Era Ends: (June, 2013) The Emir of Qatar, 61-year-old Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, handed over power to his son, British-educated crown prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Protocol Lady also had the honor of working on the visits of both the newly former Emir and his beautiful wife, Sheika Mozah, known for her work for education and children's causes and in fashion circles for her outstanding sense of style.
A Child is Born--No, Not That One: (July, 2013) Prince George of Cambridge is born as the world and the media does a minute by minute, rather tedious baby watch for days on end. Fortunately, the parents are graciously charming, and the baby, George Alexander Louis, is adorable. No, the Protocol Lady has not had the privilege of working on the visit of the young royals, but she did work on the visit to Houston of the grandmother and the golden child's great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
A Legend Passes On: (December, 2013) Nobel Prize winner, former president of South Africa, and beloved leader Nelson Mandela passed away. The Protocol Lady was able to participate in the planning of several visits to Houston of this inspiring man over the years, and joins the world in mourning his loss.
Through all the changes, suprises, wins and losses, in 2013 the world's political, business and cultural leaders looked to the norms of protocol, etiquette and intercultural understanding for guidance and strategic advantage. I'm excited to see what 2014 has in store for us, and eager to share its protocol lessons with you.
The Protocol Lady
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