8 Rules You Should Follow When Interacting With Royal Families Around the World

Updated on 10/9/2017 at 3:00 AM

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.

Don't Approach a Royal

If you ever come in contact with a royal, you should never walk right up to them. "You should wait to be introduced," Myka said. "They'll always have an aide with them or somebody that's taking them through that process."

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.

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.

Don't Ask Direct Questions

When in doubt, keep your conversation as neutral as possible. Avoid asking direct questions or talking about controversial topics by letting the royal guide the conversation.

You Don't Have to Curtsy

When it comes to greeting a royal, it usually depends on the customs and culture of the country that you are in. "We don't curtsy or bow here [in the Unites States], so we wouldn't be expected to greet them in that way," Myka added. "A handshake would be what you do in terms of protocol."

You Should Address Them by Their Formal Titles

If you ever meet a queen or king, you should call them "Your Majesty." For royals with "His/Her Royal Highness" ahead of their name, they should be referred to as "Your Royal Highness."

You Don't Have to Cover Tattoos

Contrary to popular belief, there are actually no rules for showing tattoos. In fact, some royals even have ink! Myka explained that it really depends more on whether or not you're meeting in a formal building or if there is a specific dress code in place. For morning dress, which is essentially formal day attire, women would cover their shoulders and men would wear coats.

You Should Follow the Lead of the Ranking Royal

As with most monarchies, the queen is the highest-ranking member, so as a sign of respect, you wouldn't want to turn your back to her. When it comes to dining with the royal family, you should also follow her lead, or whoever the ranking royal is, at the event. If she stands, you should stand; if she sits, you should sit; and so on.