Royal Etiquette
How to behave around King Charles III and Queen Camilla
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are visiting your Country and some lucky people will get to meet them.
But do you know the proper etiquette when interacting with the royal couple?
The royal family’s website says there are no obligatory codes of behaviour, but many people still follow the traditional forms.
• For men, this means a neck bow, while women do a small curtsy. You can also shake hands in the usual way.
• The first time you
address them, use ‘Your Royal Highness’ and then ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’. Do not use their first names or nicknames.
• Do not hug, kiss, touch, or high-five them. This is considered rude and disrespectful. Remember the fuss when Michelle Obama hugged Queen Elizabeth? The palace had to say it was a spontaneous display of affection.
• If the King or Queen is standing, you should stand too. You can sit when they sit. You should also stop eating when they stop eating.
• If you sit to the left of the King or Queen, wait for them to start a conversation with you. They will talk to the guest of honour on their right first, then switch sides. Do not interrupt them or talk over them.
Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton learned this the hard way when he tried to chat with Queen Elizabeth during starters.
She told him: “I will come back to you.”
