Let's be honest for a minute: most of us will never meet any members of the royal family, let alone the queen herself. But if you ever do, you're going to want to know the basics of etiquette and protocol for meeting royalty. There are tons of rules [1] that the royals themselves have to follow [2], but the rules and expectations [3] are a little different for members of the public who are just coming into contact with royalty for the first time. Are you allowed to speak to the queen? Do you have to bow or curtsy? How should you address a royal [4]? We've got the answers to all these questions and more in our guide right here!
Bowing Is Technically Optional
While there are intricate rules for which royals must bow or curtsy to other royals [6], the rules for the public are surprisingly simple. It is not required for members of the public to bow or curtsy to royalty, although many still do it out of respect.
"There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family [7], but many people wish to observe the traditional forms. For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way," the official royal website explains.
Address Royalty Correctly
When you speak to royalty, there are specific ways you should address them. According to the royal family's website, it's easy to remember: upon first addressing the royal, use either "Your Majesty" (for the queen) or "Your Royal Highness" (for any other HRH-titled royals such as Prince Charles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and so on). Upon subsequent addresses, just "Ma'am" or "Sir" will do.
Turn the Right Way During Dinner Conversations
If you ever find yourself lucky enough to be at a dinner next to the queen, you'd better know which way to turn during dinner conversations. Customarily, the queen will spend the first half of dinner turned to her right, speaking with the guest of honour, then turn to the guest on her left for the second half of the event. At some events, similar protocol will be followed with other members of the royal family, so uncertain guests should take their cues from the royals themselves.
Don't Address the Queen First
Etiquette dictates that the queen must be the one to start a conversation, never the other way around.
Stick to Small Talk
When you do converse with royals, especially the queen, stick to small talk and generic conversation. Just like meeting other people you barely know, avoid personal topics.
Don't Touch Royalty, Aside From a Handshake
For the most part, it's considered a breach of etiquette to touch royals aside from their proffered handshakes. However, this applies more to the queen than the others, and even she is less strict about it these days [8]. Prince Harry, for instance, has been seen hugging members of the public [9].
You Can't Leave Before the Queen
According to protocol, it's quite rude to leave an event before the queen. Exceptions can be made if arranged through one of the royal private secretaries, but that's it. This even applies to other members of the royal family, not just the public!
When the Queen Finishes Eating, You're Done, Too
If you're at a dinner with the queen, you'd better keep up the pace: once the queen finishes eating, everyone else has to be done, too!
Arrive Before the Queen to Events
If you're invited to an event with a member of the royal family, especially the queen, it's considered proper etiquette to arrive before her, so she can arrive last.
You Must Be Presented to the Queen
Unlike with meeting most people, you can't just walk up to royalty and introduce yourself. In most cases — and in all cases involving the queen — you must be introduced by someone.