Sir Keir Starmer broke royal protocol during a VE Day service by touching Queen Camilla. 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 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?" To which the King said: "It’s a difficult place for it, I appreciate it."

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