You’ve queued since dawn, shoved your way to the front of the barrier and finally managed to get face-to-face with the future King and Queen of England – so what do you do next?
Helpfully, the royal family has published an official guide on its website to let you know exactly what to say and how to behave when meeting royalty.
For men, a “neck bow” – that is a bow “from the head only” – is considered polite, whilst women are advised to do a “small curtsy”.
If all that is too much for you, “simply shaking hands in the usual way” is less favoured, but also acceptable.
When it comes to addressing the Duke, don’t even think about calling him Wills or even William – he is Your Royal Highness in the first instance, and subsequently “sir”.
The same goes for the Duchess. She is Your Royal Highness and then “Ma’am” (as in “ham”) – not Catherine and certainly not Kate.
And it’s not just what comes out of your mouth that you have to worry about – your hands (and the rest of your body) needs to behave itself too.
While the strict “no touching” rule that applies to the Queen is not so rigidly adhered to with William and Kate, it would be greatly appreciated if you kept your hands – and your hugs – to yourself.
Here are some general rules for meeting a member of the royal family:
DO rise when they walk into the room.
DON’T make exaggerated displays of deference, like bows from the waist or low, stooping curtsies. A “neck” bow or slight “dainty” curtsy is preferred, unless you are very well practiced in the art of the curtsy, in which case the Queen is said to greatly appreciate the gesture.
DO make eye contact and smile.
DON’T offer your hand to be shaken or attempt to touch the member of the royal family but do shake their hand if they offer it to you.
DO dress appropriately and conservatively. Men don’t have to wear hats, but it is appreciated. Of course, hats must be removed to greet the royal family member.
DON’T ever refer to a member of the royal family by their first name. Address them as Your Royal Highness in the first instance, and Sir or Ma’am subsequently.
DON’T ask them any personal questions or about anything controversial such as politics.
DON’T address the royal personage as “you”. Instead, refer to them in the third person, i.e. “Is Your Majesty enjoying the weather?”.
DON’T ever attempt to take a selfie with any royal person.
