Royal Etiquette for Her Majesty

2009 April 1
tags: , , ,
by Carol Bory

As most of you know I find protocol to be fascinating. Protocol captures the rich traditions and customs of a country for meeting diplomats and heads of state.

Today as President and Mrs. Obama met Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, abcNews posted an article on Royal Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts When Meeting Her Majesty. Below are a few of the protocols mentioned in the article relayed by Rachel Kelly, a public relations executive at VisitBritain, the United Kingdom’s official tourism office.

  1. Wait for the queen to extend her hand first for a handshake. Then gently and briefly shake hands. There is a “no-touch” rule so, there are no hugs, no kiss on the cheek, or no touching on the shoulder.
  2. There will be no need for President and Mrs. Obama to bow or curtsy in the presence of the queen. That’s because she’s not the head of state of America. For British citizens though, men commonly bow their head and women do a small curtsy when meeting the queen. In today’s meeting, President Obama did opt for a slight bow from the waist when meeting the queen.
  3. When addressing the queen refer to her as “Your Majesty” on first reference and then “ma’am” subsequently. Do not use “Her Royal Highness” as this title is reserved for a royal princess.
  4. During tea with the queen, raise only the teacup to drink, not the cup and saucer, and return the cup to the saucer after each sip. Also pace yourself when eating the small snacks served with tea as guests stop eating after the queen takes her last bite.
  5. Lastly, avoid turning one’s back on the queen. Instead face her directly and turn your back to the cameras. Face the media when it is time to take pictures.

Photo Credit: AP/John Stillwell

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  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_CHM4XIBNU2YGXZUEHJP2CR5JRQ simon mcguinness

    Why is it appropriate to use the term “Her Majesty” when standing in a republic?  It seems very strange that Mr Obama, the elected President of a powerfull country like the United States should be referred to as President Obama whilst Mrs Windsor (or Queen Elizabeth II) attracts the title “Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II” .

    Where does the “Her Majesty” bit come from and why is it still in use?

    I have no problem with “The Queen of England” or “Queen Elizabeth II of England” but don’t understand the majestic bit.

    Can you help?