The planet was inhabited by a HATMAN.
“Ah! Ah! I am about to receive a visit from an admirer!”
“Good morning. That is a queer hat you are wearing.”
“It is a hat for salutes. It is to raise in salute when people acclaim me.”
“Yes?”
“Clap your hands, one against the other.”
The little prince clapped his hands. The hatman raised his hat in a modest salute.