How to show respect to a member of the British aristocracy is established by a long history of politeness.You are unlikely to annoy the noble as long as you are polite.If you want to avoid embarrassment at a formal event, it only takes a moment to find the preferred mode of address for the other guests.
Step 1: The royalty has a bow or curtsy.
The most formal greetings are never required for the subjects of the Queen.If you are a man, you should bow your head at the neck.If you are a woman, give a small curtsy: put your right foot behind your left, then bend at the knees, keeping your upper body and neck vertical.Deep curtsies are uncommon and difficult to do gracefully.Deep bows from the waist are never done in this situation.This greeting can be performed when the royal family member passes by or when you are presented.
Step 2: Take a small nod or bob.
Instead of curtsying, you may nod your head or bend your knees.Since they have no loyalty to British royalty, this is a typical choice for people who are not citizens of the Commonwealth.It's perfectly acceptable for Commonwealth citizens.
Step 3: If the offer is extended, please shake hands.
The Royal Family's website states that shaking hands is an acceptable form of greeting, alone or in addition to one of the modes above.You should only use a light touch with one hand if you wait for the Royal Family Member to extend his or her hand.Don't initiate physical contact yourself.If you are wearing dress gloves, men should remove them before shaking hands, while women may leave them on.
Step 4: The royal personage can take the lead.
Wait until he or she greets you.Do not ask personal questions if you don't want to change the subject.Foreigners should resist the urge to speak "proper" if they see it as an imitation of an English accent.The Queen and her family have spoken with thousands of people around the world and do not expect you to do the same.
Step 5: In your first reply, use the full formal address.
The long form of respectful address is what your first response should end with."How are you enjoying the United Kingdom?" would be a good question for the Queen to ask."It's wonderful, Your Majesty," you could say.Your first response should be "Your Royal Highness" for members of the royal family besides the Queen.
Step 6: Short forms of address are used for the rest of the conversation.
The Queen should be addressed as "ma'am" with a short "a" as in "jam".All male members should be referred to as "Sir".If you mention a royal family member in the third person, use a full title such as "The Prince of Wales" or " His/Her Royal Highness".It is considered rude to refer to someone by name.The Queen's title is "Her Majesty the Queen"."Queen of England" is one of many titles that refer to a specific country.
Step 7: The Royal Family member will be greeted the same way.
When the meeting comes to an end, use the same bow, curtsy, or less traditional greeting.
Step 8: If you have more questions, please contact the Royal Household.
The staff of the Royal Household is happy to answer questions.If you don't know the preferred title for a royal, or the expectations for hosting an event, you can ask the Public Information Officer at Buckingham Palace.
Step 9: The names of dukes and duchesses are listed.
These are the highest grade of peerage.They should be addressed as "Duke" or "Duchess".You can address them the same way as "Your Grace" after the initial greeting.Unless it's necessary to avoid confusion, you don't need to include the Duke of Mayfair location.If you are introducing yourself, say " His/Her Grace the Duke/Duchess" followed by the rest of the title.
Step 10: Refer to the lower ranks by the Lady and Lord.
Don't refer to other titles besides Duke or Duchess."Lady" and "Lord" should be followed by the last name.Marchioness and Marquis Countess and Earl Viscountess and Viscount Baroness are only used in formal or legal correspondence.
Step 11: The peer's children can be addressed by courtesy titles.
This can get slightly complicated, so look up the exact scenario below: Address the son of a duke or marquess as "Lord" followed by the first name.The first name should be followed by the daughter of a duke, marquess, or earl.Look up the heir apparent's title if you will be meeting him.He uses a secondary title of his father's, which is always a lower rank.The child has no special title.The Hon.It's only used in writing.
Step 12: Speak to the baronets and knights.
When talking to someone who holds a non-noble distinction, use the following guide: Baronet or Knight, followed by the first name Baronetess and Dame, and then the Wife of a baronet or knight.