Meghan Marklehasperfected her curtsysince becoming a member of the royal family, but not everyone is obligated to bow beforeQueen Elizabeth.
President Donald TrumpandFirst Lady Melania Trumpwere criticized online for shaking hands with the 92-year-old monarch rather than offering a bow and curtsy when theymet for the first time on Friday.
However, the Trumps didn’t break royal protocol.
“There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family,” according to theroyal family’s official website, “but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.”
The explanation continues, “For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”
While visiting Windsor Castle in April 2016, formerPresident Barack Obamaand formerFirst Lady Michelle Obamaalsogreeted the Queen with a handshake.
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Of course, there is still proper etiquette to follow. According to the royal family’s website,Queen Elizabethshould be addressed as “Your Majesty” upon presentation, and subsequently as “Ma’am.”
Male members of royals should be greeted as “Your Royal Highness” and subsequently “Sir,” while women are to be first addressed as “Your Royal Highness” then subsequently as “Ma’am.”
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Royal rules are sometimes made to be broken. Although touching the Queen is generally frowned upon,Michelle Obamawarmly wrapped her arm around the monarch during a 2009 reception at Buckingham Palace.
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Last month,Susan Sarandonignored the custom of being presented toQueen Elizabeth— the actress simply walked up and introduced herself at theRoyal Windsor Cup polo match.
Sarandon was likely unaware of the tradition, but the Queen seemed to enjoy her company all the same. The monarch offered a big smile while her husband,Prince Philip, 97, appeared not to recognize Sarandon.U.K. outlet theDaily Expressreportedthat he leaned across his wife seemingly to get a better look at the face of their visitor.
source: people.com
