How to Address Royalty

Your dream is finally coming true when you get the opportunity to brush elbows with royalty. Royals demand a certain level of respect. Protocol dictates addressing them, topics to discuss and know when it's time for the conversation to end. Prepare in advance and guarantee that your chat with royalty is a pleasant and appropriate experience for both of you.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Approach the monarch from the right. Members of a royal family stand in a receiving line when you meet them. After your name is announced, men may bow and ladies curtsey. Shake the monarch's hand when it's offered only.

2. Address a queen as "Your Majesty" upon meeting her. Call her "Ma'am" for the remainder of the conversation, but use "Your Majesty" again at the end of the exchange. A King should likewise be addressed as "Your Majesty," followed by "Sir." Royals that are not heads of state should be addressed as "Your Royal Highness."

3. Follow the royal's lead in any conversation. Be polite and charming when at a loss for a conversation, bring up an interesting news item of the day.

4. Be on your best behavior during the meal. Brush up on your table etiquette before attending a dinner with royalty. Familiarize yourself with all of the utensils and glasses. Stop eating when the royal stops, even if you aren't finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Bows and curtseys are not required unless you are a citizen of the monarch's country.

• Men bow by holding their bodies erect and bowing the head. Ladies may half-curtsey by placing their right foot behind their left heel and bending at the knee.

• Avoid mentioning any scandal the royal family has experienced.