How to Meet the Queen

Queen Elizabeth II was born April 21, 1926. She has reigned in England for 55 years, eight years less than her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned the longest in the history of the British monarchy. Royalty still holds a beloved place in society even though most people don't know the protocol or how to act in the presence of the queen. If you should be lucky enough to meet the queen, she expects nothing more than common courtesy, as you would from her. The Queen has met people for years and years and has seen every manner of respect and also of rudeness. Rudeness is unacceptable in all capacities.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know the proper etiquette when meeting royalty such as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who enjoys great popularity. Circumstances are more formal when the Queen is met by dignitaries and heads of state. Chances may be slim, but one might possibly meet the Queen at one of the garden parties or informal luncheon party at Buckingham Palace. A more likely meeting would be while the Queen is out on a royal walkabout. If you are lucky enough to receive a royal invitation and have any doubts about the proper etiquette to use, keep this rule in mind, do as she does.

2. Stand when the queen is entering the room. While it is not expected of you to bow, you may if you like. A lady may do a small curtsy and a man could bow his head from his neck. If she extends her gloved hand to you, simply touch her hand briefly. A firm handshake would be discouraged.

3. Address the Queen as "Your Majesty." Later on, each time you address her you would use "Ma'am." If you address others in the royal family, male or female, the initial greeting would be "Your Royal Highness" and follow with "Sir" or "Ma'am."

4. Pick appropriate topics of conversation. Don't discuss private issues or something you've read in the tabloids. Just because you read different aspects of hers or her families live doesn't make it appropriate between strangers.

5. Learn from mistakes in the past. Don't say "pleased to meet you." That's thought to be redundant because everyone is pleased to meet the Queen. Other things not to do include chewing gum, turning your back on her, wearing gloves, putting an arm around her, kissing her hand and continuing to eat once she has stopped.