Meeting royalty might seem like a dream, but if you ever get the chance, you’ll want to be prepared. Here are some fun and easy tips to help you brush up on your royal etiquette, so you don’t end up embarrassing yourself in front of the Queen!
First impressions matter, especially when meeting royalty. While your favorite tee and jean shorts might be comfy, they’re not suitable for a royal gathering. Instead, opt for formal wear: suits for men and dresses or jackets with skirts for women. Remember, even the First Lady couldn’t wear a sweater in Buckingham Palace!
Everyone loves gifts, and the Queen is no exception. It’s a long-standing tradition to present the Monarch with a gift. Choose something meaningful that represents your city or country or the event you’re attending. Just make sure it’s not something like a pair of socks!
While you might be tempted to give the Queen a handshake or a hug, it’s best to let her make the first move. It’s considered bad manners to initiate physical contact with the Queen. So, wait for her to offer a handshake if she wants to.
When meeting the Queen, a simple “Yo, Queen!” won’t do. Instead, greet her with a formal bow or curtsy. Men should bow from the shoulders, while women can curtsy by placing their right foot behind the left and bending their knees slightly. It’s polite, and it shows respect.
If you’re at a royal event, remember to wait for the Queen before sitting, eating, or leaving. It’s considered rude to sit or start eating before she does. And of course, don’t leave without permission. These are just good manners!
If you’re lucky enough to sit next to the Queen at dinner, let her start the conversation. The guest of honor usually sits to her right, and it’s customary for her to address them first. So, be patient and wait for her to speak to you.
Meeting the Queen is exciting, but avoid asking personal or controversial questions. While there’s no strict list of forbidden topics, it’s best to keep the conversation polite and respectful. If she asks for your opinion, feel free to share it, but be courteous.
When addressing the Queen, always use “Your Majesty” or “Ma’am.” Other royals should be addressed as “Your Royal Highness” and either “Sir” or “Ma’am,” depending on their gender. Stick to formal titles during introductions, and you can switch to “Sir” or “Ma’am” once the conversation is underway.
When speaking with the Queen, avoid using French words. While it might seem trivial, it’s considered impolite due to historical rivalries. So, stick to English terms like “loo” instead of “toilet” and “scent” instead of “perfume” to stay on the safe side.
Following these tips won’t guarantee you’ll meet the Queen, but if you do, you’ll be ready to impress. Just remember, no selfies with the Queen! Now, are you ready to meet royalty? Which of these tips surprised you the most?
Imagine you’re meeting the Queen! Pair up with a classmate and take turns practicing a formal greeting. One of you will be the Queen, and the other will be the guest. Practice bowing or curtsying, and remember to use proper titles like “Your Majesty.” This will help you get comfortable with royal etiquette.
Think about what gift you would present to the Queen if you had the chance. Design a small token that represents your hometown or school. You can draw it, craft it, or even write a description. Share your creation with the class and explain why you chose it.
Test your knowledge with a fun quiz on royal etiquette! Create a set of questions based on the article, such as “What should you do before sitting at a royal event?” or “How should you address the Queen?” Challenge your classmates and see who can get the highest score.
Discuss with your classmates how royal etiquette differs from everyday manners in your culture. Are there any similarities or surprising differences? Share your thoughts and learn about how different cultures show respect and formality.
Write a short story about meeting the Queen. Include details from the article, such as how you dressed, what gift you brought, and how you greeted her. Be creative and imagine how the conversation might go. Share your story with the class for a fun storytelling session.
Royalty – Members of a royal family, such as kings, queens, princes, and princesses. – In social studies class, we learned about the different roles and responsibilities of royalty in medieval Europe.
Etiquette – The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. – During our English communication lesson, the teacher explained the importance of etiquette when attending formal events.
Gift – Something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance. – In many cultures, offering a gift is a way to show appreciation and strengthen relationships.
Manners – Polite or well-bred social behavior. – Our teacher emphasized that good manners are essential when participating in group discussions.
Respect – A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. – Showing respect to others is a fundamental part of effective communication and building trust.
Conversation – An informal talk involving two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged. – Practicing conversation skills in English class helps students express their thoughts clearly and confidently.
Titles – Names that describe someone’s position or job, or that show respect, such as Mr., Mrs., Dr., or Professor. – Understanding the correct use of titles is important when addressing people in formal communication.
Polite – Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people. – Being polite in conversations helps create a positive and welcoming environment.
Formal – Following established conventions or requirements; suitable for official or important occasions. – Writing a formal letter requires attention to structure and language to convey respect and professionalism.
English – The language spoken in the United Kingdom, the United States, and many other countries around the world. – Learning English can open up opportunities for communication with people from different cultures.
