The courtesy of the curtsey

A whimsy of a topic inspired by a rather (I suspect) tongue in cheek question as to whether one should curtsey to the Marchioness of Douro.

Nowadays it is not considered an obligation to curtsey.   The Queen, is, I understand, not particularly concerned whether or not those who meet her make this move.   I have had the privilege of meeting HM on more than one occasion.   Curtseying seemed to me entirely appropriate even automatic.   I also curtseyed on being presented to the Duke of Edinburgh.   When in the company of PssMoK, I have to confess, the very idea of curtseying did not enter my mind.

As portrayed in "The Queen", 'Cherie Blair' agonised over making a curtsey to 'The Queen'.   An avowed republican, her knees appeared to sieze up - it was a very funny moment.   How do posters feel about making this act - curtsey or bow - of respect?   To which royal - British or European - would you feel inclined to make this mark of respect.

tsaria 

According to Miss Manners, Americans should not courtsey or bow to anyone.  In her words, "That is why we had the revolution."
But, it is always a personal choice.

Having said that, the only persons I could see giving this courtesy to would be the Head of State and possible the spouse.

Otherwise, they are treated very politely with respect.

Though I'm an American, if presented with the oppurtunity, I would curtsey to HM The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Charles maybe -since he is heir to the throne. The rest -I doubt it. I would consider it an act of respect to a thousand plus year institution that I know I, personally, hold in high esteem. Not only that, but I admire HM the Queen as well, as a monarch in her own right. I know that as an American, I wouldn't be expected to curtsey, and obviously no one should be forced to. It would be on the same par when meeting the President. I wouldn't show up to the White House wearing flip flops and yelling out "hey Dubya". You show up dressed like you weren't raised in a barn, you shake the man's hand, and call him Mr. President -even if you don't necessarily agree with everything he's done.

...and look where the revolution led - George W Bush!   What does Miss Manners make of him?   Of course, Americans are 'citizens' - we are 'subjects'.

I am perfectly happy being a loyal subject of HM Queen Elizabeth II.   To meet this remarkable little lady is a privilege in itself, well deserving a curtsey.   This is only one small gesture, but it conveys so much meaning - more than can be expressed in words.

tsaria

Delightfully expressed Taren.   I think your attitude is echoed around the world.

tsaria

Delightfully expressed Taren.   I think your attitude is echoed around the world.

tsaria

Thank you, Tsaria, but apparently it's not. The flip flop reference actually happened. A female sports team was visiting Washington and invited to the White House. Many showed up wearing flip flops and shorts. It was in the news for a little while, with many people remarking that the idea of etiquette has gone down the drain. It's the same thing on the IMDB message board for thr queen film. I'm sure most that post these things are just trying to get a reaction, but you wouldn't believe the amount of posts that say something like "if I met the queen I'd just be like 'hey b****"'" or "she's so old, why doesn't she just die already?". it's depressing.

I'm so glad I don't go there.   Perhaps I'm living my life in a romantic bubble.

tsaria

If I ever had the privilege of meeting HM, I would definitely curtsey, possibly to the Duke of E, probably to the Prince of Wales, and if I did curtsey to the POW, I would definitely curtsey to the Pincess of Wales, sorry  - Duchess of Cornwall.

I think it is a rather quaint way to show respect and to remind ourselves of a more genteel time, when manners meant more than just not posting on the internet in all caps. 

I would have to agree with the posters on the issue of curseying.  I would definitely curtsey if given the opportunity to meet Her Majesty, and her husband.  It is a sign of respect for the institution of Monarchy and ought to be observed, regardless if one is American, or British or what have you. 

It is not against the law for Americans to curtsey.  In fact, I was raised to curtsey to my German relatives until I was 12.   I have been presented to the Queen, as well as other members of the RF, as well as several European sovereigns and other royals ... Actually, the British ceased to be subjects some years ago ..when the wording of the British nationality act changed subject to citizen.

...and look where the revolution led - George W Bush!   What does Miss Manners make of him?   Of course, Americans are 'citizens' - we are 'subjects'.

I am perfectly happy being a loyal subject of HM Queen Elizabeth II.   To meet this remarkable little lady is a privilege in itself, well deserving a curtsey.   This is only one small gesture, but it conveys so much meaning - more than can be expressed in words.

tsaria

I would definitely bow to The Queen and to the Duke.  I am a British subject, so I've never considered what I would do in the case of say, the Queen of the Netherlands.  I am not her subject, but I would probably bow to her as well.

Would I bow to the Prince of Wales?  Doubtful.  Would I bow to him after he becomes King?  Probably.  Would I bow to Mrs. Simpson, er, I mean the Duchess of Cornwall?  No.    Would I bow to her after she becomes *insert whatever name the PR people decide to call her when Charles becomes King*?  No.

Bowing to Princess Michael?  Migosh, I'd probably just laugh at her.

I think it was Stephen Barry who wrote that Prince Charles instructed his girl friend at the time that she was NOT to curtsey to Princess Michael when they met her at some function.

It is not against the law for Americans to curtsey.  In fact, I was raised to curtsey to my German relatives until I was 12.   I have been presented to the Queen, as well as other members of the RF, as well as several European sovereigns and other royals ... Actually, the British ceased to be subjects some years ago ..when the wording of the British nationality act changed subject to citizen.

Canadian citizens whether or not they also  hold British citizenship are still considered subjects of HM.  When joining any branch of the civil service one must still make an oath to The Queen as a subject.

...and look where the revolution led - George W Bush!   What does Miss Manners make of him?   Of course, Americans are 'citizens' - we are 'subjects'.

It also led to Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin and Theodore (my favorite) Roosevelt. To them and to any president I would dress properly and show the proper respect and decorum. I've only met one President--Clinton--and it was a quickie handshake. That flip-flop attire at the White House created a minor firestorm and many people were like 'oh, what's the big deal?'. Well, it's the fact that you were being honored at a meeting at the White House and to get your sorry rear-end in proper attire and stand up straight, don't crack gum or your knuckles, and be on your best behavior. 

If I met the Queen/King and her/his consort, I would curtsey. For non-crowned heads, I wouldn't think so. However, since I'm not liable to meet any of them, I guess it's a moot point for me. 

I just don't think there's anything wrong with basic manners and showing some class and dignity. As Emeraldeyes said, showing respect and harking back to a more genteel time.

I'm so glad I don't go there.   Perhaps I'm living my life in a romantic bubble.

tsaria

I try to live my life in a romantic bubble.  The IMDB message-boards must be avoided, I see.

If I met the Sovereign of any land, and unless I deemed them evil, I would curtsey to them. Especially to my own Queen - EII -  I would curtsey to her and to the Duke of Edinburgh.

However if I was living in the regin of Victoria - I would curtsey to HM as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales and also of course I would curtsey to their precious first son and heir the Duke of Clarence. 

You'd do more than that, I think!  I'm imagining you throwing yourself at his feet, to begin with.