Royal Etiquette: The Intricacies of Bowing and Curtsying

Navigating royal etiquette can be quite a challenge, even for the most seasoned observers.

At public events, it's common to witness members of the royal family engaging in formal greetings, often consisting of bows and curtsies.

However, the nuances of these gestures are largely dictated by the ranks of those involved.

Every royal is expected to show deference to the sovereign, which in this case means bowing or curtsying to King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Since his ascension to the throne, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their two oldest children have been observed performing these formalities on numerous occasions.

Yet, it's refreshing to see that Charles and Camilla also embrace more affectionate greetings, like hugs and kisses, especially during family gatherings.

Take, for instance, the Royal Carol concert last December.

As King Charles made his entrance at Westminster Abbey, Princess Catherine greeted him with a kiss on both cheeks before executing a graceful curtsy.

This moment was not just touching; it highlighted the warmth within the royal family.

Following this, Charles shared sweet moments with his grandchildren, George and Charlotte, showering them with affection, including tender kisses on their foreheads.

Fans of the royals took to Twitter, expressing their delight at seeing such respect paid to the King and Queen.

Comments ranged from admiration for Princess Catherine's poise to reflections on how fortunate Prince William is to have her by his side.

Many noted that this wasn't the first time Catherine curtsied to Charles, but the clarity of this instance particularly resonated with viewers.

At the coronation concert, the two eldest royal children showcased their etiquette skills as they honored their grandfather's new title.

Charlotte executed her curtsy flawlessly, demonstrating impressive timing as King Charles walked past.

Observers couldn't help but notice how in sync she was with her mother, suggesting that Kate had been coaching her well.

Prince George, meanwhile, offered a slight bow but almost lost his balance in the process.

Despite the little wobble, he quickly regained his composure just in time for Queen Camilla to pass.

In a heartwarming gesture, Camilla reassured Charlotte with a gentle pat on the shoulder as she moved by, a testament to the supportive family dynamic.

This interaction sparked conversations among royal enthusiasts, especially when Charlotte mirrored her aunt Sophie Wessex's respectful curtsy during the Queen's funeral service.

The emotional weight of the occasion was palpable, especially when Charlotte was seen wiping away tears after saying goodbye to her beloved great-grandmother.

Moments later, she and George were spotted sharing whispers, with George leaning down to listen intently.

It appeared that Charlotte was reminding her brother to bow in respect to the late queen.

Interestingly, royal titles come with specific protocols.

Those holding the title of His or Her Royal Highness (HRH) are not required to bow to other HRH holders.

For example, King Charles recently bestowed the title of Duke of Edinburgh upon his younger brother, Prince Edward, which means Edward and his wife, Sophie, now rank as Duke and Duchess.

While the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh must still curtsy to King Charles and Queen Camilla, they no longer need to show the same level of deference to the blood princes and princesses.

This distinction adds another layer of complexity to royal interactions.

When it comes to the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex, the hierarchy shifts depending on whether their husbands are present.

When unaccompanied, royal blood princesses like Beatrice and Eugenie outrank the duchesses.

However, when the husbands are in attendance, the roles reverse, placing the duchesses in a higher position.

This intricate web of royal etiquette continues to fascinate and sometimes confuse those who follow the monarchy closely.

Each bow, curtsy, and gesture carries with it a rich history of tradition and familial bonds that make the royal family both relatable and enigmatic.