Should I make a curtsey or bow when meeting the Queen?

All adults at least in general know how to behave at a party. But what if you had the chance to visit Her Majesty the Queen? For those who were not born in the palace, it is very difficult to understand the intricacies of royal protocol.



GettyImages Someone will say that the chances of an ordinary person to meet the Windsors are zero. It is possible that 17-year-old schoolgirl Greta Thunberg thought the same before meeting Prince Charles. Life was different. Therefore, it is never too late to expand your knowledge of court etiquette in advance.

“Accuracy is the courtesy of kings and the duty of all good men.” You should always arrive in advance. After all, according to the rules, the Queen arrives at any event last. And an exception here can be made only for the bride.



GettyImages "The guests arrived an hour before the ceremony began and the Queen five minutes before Meghan's arrival," recalls former royal editor Duncan Larcombe of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding at Windsor Castle.

Should I make a curtsey or bow when meeting the Queen? The first thing that comes to mind is the awkward curtsey of director Yakin from the eccentric comedy of Leonid Gaidai.





The Royal Family's official website said: "There are no mandatory codes of conduct when meeting the Queen or any other member of the Royal Family, but many people choose to abide by their traditional norms."



GettyImages Traditional norms prescribe men to make a "neck bow" and women - a slight curtsey. Literally: “slightly bend the legs in the knees, transferring the weight to the front leg.” This, by the way, perfectly handled Angelina Jolie, when Elizabeth II awarded her the title of cavalry lady.



However, for Her Majesty's subjects, the rules are stricter. And I wouldn't call Princess Beatrice's curtsey easy. She regularly participates in sports and even participates in London marathons.

How do you address the Queen? Do not take the example of Prince Harry and call the Queen Grandma. According to etiquette, at the first meeting they say "Your Majesty", and then - the famous British "ma'am" in two syllables.



The same rules apply to other members of the vast royal family. At the first meeting, you should use the title “Your Royal Highness” and then “Sir” or “ma’am”.

Is it true that silence is gold? According to the rules, the initiative is always shown by monarchs. Others should only speak when they are addressed. “The usual protocol is that you should not approach the Queen or ask her any questions,” Larcombe said.



GettyImages: Don’t sit down and eat before the Queen does. However, this rule is used by a real gentleman in relation to any woman, regardless of the nobility of her origin.

Can you hope for a selfie? Phones are allowed, but they must be silent. Taking selfies with members of the royal family, according to protocol officials, is "categorically not recommended."



GettyImages, however, there are no hard rules. Members of the royal family are doing what feels right at the moment. If, for example, a sick child asks to take a selfie while visiting a hospital, he will most likely not be refused.

Can I touch the royal person? No one has the right to touch the Queen. At the same time, it is not forbidden to initiate a handshake. Her Majesty will decide who she wants to shake hands with.



GettyImages It should be noted that even the powerful of this world when meeting the Queen from time to time allow certain oversights. Michelle Obama hugged Queen Elizabeth by her shoulders.

Why isn’t the Queen dressed in black? The Queen does not like black dresses. They are associated with mourning. Therefore, royal protocol strongly recommends not to wear black at receptions with her participation.



Having received an invitation to the royal dinner, it is worth refreshing the rules of table etiquette. We will not talk about hands on the table, of course. The cup should be held with only three fingers, and the saucer should not be raised with the cup.



GettyImages There is an interesting story about the use of numerous cutlery. They say that a simple 27-year-old guy Yuri Gagarin at the reception at the Queen was confused after seeing their abundance. Elizabeth immediately reassured the Soviet guest, saying that she does not really know what is needed for what: “I am served lackeys, what you need.”

In conclusion, a tactful and well-mannered person follows the norms of etiquette not only at royal receptions, but also in everyday life. Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was a thousand times right when he said: “Nothing is so cheap and is not valued so dearly as politeness.”