Royal Etiquette Rules
8 Rules You Should Follow When Interacting With Royal Families Around the World
Royal families are all about tradition, which largely affects how they interact with the public. Not only do they have their own rules to follow, but commoners also have to be very mindful of their interactions. Even though royal etiquette and protocol has become much more relaxed over the years, it is something many people still uphold to show respect. While there are certainly various forms of etiquette in each country, general royal rules are very similar to the traditions you would follow if you met the Queen of England (hint: you don't have to bow or curtsy).
In promotion for the biographical drama Victoria and Abdul, which tells the groundbreaking real-life story of Queen Victoria and her Indian servant, POPSUGAR had the chance to talk with Beaumont Etiquette founder and director Myka Meier about everything from how to greet a royal to whether or not it's appropriate to ask for a selfie.
1 Don't Approach a Royal
2 Don't Touch a Royal
When you greet a royal, you should always wait for them to extend their hand first. As far as hugs go, Myka said, "There's no real appropriate way to touch them outside of a handshake." However, some of the British royals have been known to offer hugs to young children from time to time.
3 Don't Ask For a Photo
Even though this rule has become more relaxed over time, by rule of thumb, you should resist the urge to ask for a selfie or autograph.
4 Don't Ask Direct Questions
5 You Don't Have to Curtsy
6 You Should Address Them by Their Formal Titles
7 You Don't Have to Cover Tattoos
8 You Should Follow the Lead of the Ranking Royal
