Former royal butler Grant Harrold has set the record straight on how to greet a female member of the Royal Family. According to the official Royal Family website, there is “no obligatory codes of behaviour” when meeting the King, Queen or any other members of the Firm.
Speaking on behalf of CasinoHawks, Mr Harrold said: “According to royal etiquette, royal ladies always kiss on the cheek before they curtsy.” He then decided to clear up any confusion, adding that some people get wonder if they’ve forgotten to curtsy.
He added: “It’s an interesting royal fact and it does cause some confusion, as people sometimes think they’ve forgotten to curtsy – which isn’t the case.”
The website, which appears to, at the time of writing, still mention the late Queen Elizabeth II, states that people often like to observe the traditional greetings.
It reads: “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,’ pronounced with a short ‘a,’ as in ‘jam’.
“For male members of the Royal Family the same rules apply, with the title used in the first instance being ‘Your Royal Highness’ and subsequently ‘Sir’.
“For other female members of the Royal Family the first address is conventionally ‘Your Royal Highness’ and subsequently ‘Ma’am’.”
When addressing King Charles, people should use “Your Majesty” upon first introduction, followed by “Sir” for any subsequent.
