The chance to meet Queen Elizabeth is a hugely exciting event. But with it comes a great deal of pressure.
What is the correct etiquette when meeting the Queen? Should one bow or curtsey?
Are there any subjects off-limits? And what exactly should one call her? To avoid any potential future mishaps, The Royal UK presents the do’s and don’ts of meeting a member of the royal family.
Should you curtsey or bow when meeting the Queen?
According to the British royal website, there are “no necessary codes of conduct when meeting the Queen”, but it notes that many people prefer to “follow the traditional forms”. For ladies, that involves a small curtsy when meeting the Queen, while for the men it is a “neck bow”, from the head only. Alternatively, it notes, some opt to shake her hand.
Also read: What gift John F. Kennedy gave to Queen Elizabeth the only time they met?
How should you address the Queen?
On presentation to the Queen, the correct address is ‘Your Majesty’, followed subsequently by ‘Ma’am’, which should be pronounced with a short ‘a’, as in ‘jam’. The same rules apply for male members of the royal family, with the title ‘Your Royal Highness’ used in the first instance, followed by ‘Sir’. For other female royals, the first address is ‘Your Royal Highness’, later followed by ‘Ma’am’.
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What else should you do when meeting the Queen?
Other ‘do’s’ that should be noted include perpetually taking the Queen’s lead; only talk when you are spoken to and do not sit or begin to start eating until she has done so. One should also be early for an appointment with a royal – guests should arrive first.
The main rule to follow when meeting the Queen
Of course, there are also some things you should never do when meeting royalty. Arguably the most significant thing to memorise is that one should never touch the monarch, and only shake her hand if she offers it. Michelle Obama famously breached traditional protocol back in 2009, when she was spotted with her arm around the Queen.
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What you shouldn’t do during dinner with the Queen
If one is invited to eat with the Queen, it is necessary to note which side of the monarch you are sitting on. It is customary for the guest of honour to sit to the right of the Queen, and it follows that she will speak to that person during the first course of the dinner.
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She will then switch her attention to the person on her left for the following course. Formula One star Lewis Hamilton fell foul of this rule at one function, and was politely told: “No, you speak that way first and I’ll speak this way, and then I’ll come back to you.”
What else shouldn’t you do when meeting the Queen?
Other faux-pas includes turning your back on the Queen – it is considered rude – and taking photographs while visiting her at home. Guests should also never leave an event before a royal unless special permission has been granted, and one should avoid any personal questions – the polite small talk will suffice.
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