10 Times Queen Elizabeth Broke Royal Protocol

Starting the Walkabout Tradition

For centuries, the British monarchs kept their distance from the public, probably because of a combination of safety reasons and to keep an aura of mystery around them. It remained that way until 1970, when Queen Elizabeth got a clue that times were changing and the royal family needed to change, too, by becoming more relatable and reaching people personally. She began doing walkabouts -- street side meet and greets with curated crowds -- during her 1970 tour of Australia and New Zealand.