Touching the Queen

I was surprised to hear on the radio that there is a big uproar over the fact that Michelle Obama touched Queen Elizabeth on the back in a warm gesture.  I know that there is a social etiquette rule in place that no one is supposed to touch the queen, but from what I understand, Queen Elizabeth started the touching by putting her hand on Michelle Obama’s hand in a warm gesture, and then later put her arm around Michelle Obama’s waist.  I find it very interesting that the general public spends so much time obsessing over what Michelle Obama does – baring her arms, putting her hand on the Queen’s back; isn’t there more important issues “out there?”  Or are we so tired of dealing with the issues that we are finding respite in being so nit-picky in criticizing the First Family?