Greeting the Royal Family as a Foreigner: Protocol and Etiquette

We have all witnessed the grandeur of royal families in films, television, or even in real life, but what is the appropriate way to greet them when you have the rare opportunity to meet one? This article will guide you through the proper etiquette when greeting members of the royal family as a foreigner.

Basic Principles of Greeting Royalty

Your interaction with royalty should be respectful and appropriate. Regardless of your nationality, social status, or political affiliation, it is essential to respect the protocols of the country you are in. This means familiarizing yourself with the customs and etiquette when greeting or meeting the royal family. If you find it offensive or difficult to adhere to the proper etiquette, it might be best to gracefully refuse the invitation or avoid the event altogether.

Addressing Royalty: The Correct Terms

The form of address for the Queen is Your Majesty. In the case of a male member of the Royal Family, you would refer to him as Your Royal Highness. For female members, the term Your Royal Highness is used as well, and then subsequently, you may address her as Ma’am (pronounced with a short 'a' sound).

Actions for Greeting

For men, the traditional method of greeting a member of the Royal Family is to perform a neck bow, where heads are lowered as a sign of respect. Women typically do a curtsy. However, some choose to simply shake hands as they would with any other dignitary or person of importance.

Language and Address

When meeting the Queen or a member of the Royal Family, it is customary to start with the formal address. For the Queen, this would be Your Majesty. For a male member, start with Your Royal Highness. For the presentation to the Queen, the correct formal address is Your Majesty, and subsequently, Ma’am is used. Capitalize the terms Your Majesty and Your Royal Highness as they are titles of respect.

Question and Personal Advice

If you are confused about the proper etiquette or need a specific protocol for a certain situation, feel free to provide details such as the date, location, and exact person you will be meeting. I will be happy to give you personalized advice based on the specific circumstances.

In summary, when greeting a member of the royal family, you should follow the customs and conventions of the country you are in. Respect the titles and forms of address, and perform the appropriate gesture of respect. By doing so, you will ensure that your encounter with royalty remains memorable for all of the right reasons.