Meeting the Queen

[naomi24]

If you were invited to meet the Queen, would you adhere to protocol, and (men) bow, or (women) curtsey - and if not, why not?

[Theland1]

I imagine that anybody accepting such an invitation, would by default, be agreeing to follow tradition and protocol out of simple regard for good manners.
Anybody not wishing to do so, could simply refuse the invitation.
Personally, yes, I would follow protocol, even though my dress code might be limited to what the charity shops had in stock that week!

[WaldoMcFroog]

I agree - it's a matter of common courtesy.

Anyway, it's possible to dislike the institution without having any particular antipathy for the individuals.

I wonder how many people would say the same if it were Robert Mugabe rather than the Queen though..?

[jno]

I would refuse Mr Mugabe's invitation if I was not of a mind to be polite. Ditto for the queen. But I am still waiting.

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes. Whatever anyone thinks of the Queen, she's still who she is. I think it's be a poorer place without our traditions.

[Ice.Maiden]

Ooops - *it'd - sorry!

[Oneeyedvic]

I would meet the Queen and bow.

HOWEVER - this is NOT protocol but tradition

http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page236.asp


There are also no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, 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.

On presentation to The Queen, the correct formal address is 'Your Majesty' and subsequently 'Ma'am'.

[flip_flop]

I think the Queen does a pretty damn fine job all in all, but given that I am a republican, I would politely refuse the invitation.

[Lakitu]

Me too, flip_flop

[China Doll]

As a matter of politeness I would bow my head but that would only be if I had no choice. However since you said 'invite' I'd probably just decline to go.

[andrea81]

I would try to, but I would end up doing something silly!

[Octavius]

I usually give her a high five when we catch up.

[chakka35]

As others have said, if you accept the invitation then it is reasonable to observe the conventions out of normal courtesy, Queen or not. Otherwise you'll look as graceless as Shree Blur did when she refused to curtsey. In any case the Queen is too well-mannered to notice or care.

But when that moment comes to you, don't make a prat of yourself by pronouncing 'Ma'am' as if it rhymed with 'farm'. It rhymes with 'jam'.

[ruby27]

In the unlikely event I was invited I would refuse. If I 'bumped' into her I would treat her as I would any other woman.

However I have thought that when people experience terrible community tragedies and that either or both Royalty and leading politicians visit the hospital/site of disaster, then I would be hard pushed not to be rude, an already terrible day made worse.

[Theland1]

Ruby, I just happen to have two tickets to the next cucumber sandwich bash at Buck House, and I was going to take you.
Surely you wouldn't miss out on a date like this?

[WaldoMcFroog]

Actually, Octavius, Liz was saying to me the other day she wishes you wouldn't do that. She thinks it's very common.

[jno]

well, her high fives aren't as high as they used to be, Waldo, though she achieves reasonable elevation for an 80-year-old.

[Octavius]

Wel she did impart to me once that she quite liked it when I gave her a pat on the bottom, maybe times are a changing.

[ruby27]

Theland. Whilst I would normally jump at the chance of a date with you, I am afraid I will have to decline. I am a person of principals and my principals will not allow me to recognise the institution of royalty in this country. Going to one of her shindigs and gracing it with my presence would be tacit approval of her and her family. If however, she is a guest at your place, I will gladly come, as long as I can call her Mrs Windsor.

[tigerlily11]

I would politely refuse the invatation.

[Theland1]

Ruby, I can well understand your dislike for some, if not all members of the Royal family, but personalities aside, do you not think that as an institution, the monarchy performs a vital function, and gives our democracy its uniqueness?
The Republic Of Ireland for example, have an elected president who is merely a figurehead, and is comparable in some respects to our Monarchy. I could live with that, but I wouldn't like a U.S. style presidency, where the head of state is also the boss politician.
Our system might not be perfect, but I think it is a good one.
I have tremendous respect for your views by the way, I recognise your integrity and convictions.