Bowing and Curtseying - Page 8

**GlitteringTiaras** · #**141** 07-02-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duchess

a custom, that is completely harmless and that some people prefer to practice, isn't demeaning and insulting. it's a way to show respect for our monarch. if you choose not to do it, it's perfectly acceptable but please don't call it demeaning and insulting.

Very true, for one who lives under a monarchy.

But I'm sure a majority of Americans will not and would not bow to any living royal. Not meaning to sound rude, but I wouldn't, even though I consider myself a royal watcher.

adelaide · #**142** 07-03-2006, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlitteringTiaras

Very true, for one who lives under a monarchy.

But I'm sure a majority of Americans will not and would not bow to any living royal. Not meaning to sound rude, but I wouldn't, even though I consider myself a royal watcher.

I'm sure for the majority of American people that you are right.

But, you know, the WASP, for example are sometimes more strict for the courtesy towards the eldest than in Europe, and they courtesy exactly as we are doing it in Europe the living royal for the specific occasions when we are doing it.

I add that in some families, in France for instance, in GB too, we have yet some rules of courtesy as the " kiss hand " which is very refined way to greet a woman, even in a family where it's very respectul for a son to greet his mother like that . It's at all anachronic and I can say it's very elegant way to do.

I can add again that some Americain people in a some international circles , as diplomatic one, do the " Kiss hand ".:)

HRH Elizabeth · #**143** 07-10-2006, 02:30 PM

While I agree most Americans would probably not curtsey or bow, I'm reminded of Jackie Kennedy. When she and her husband visited Britain, she tried to curtsey to the Duke of Edinburgh, and was told by an aide that the wives of heads of state never curtsey. However, some time later, at the funeral of her husband, at which the Duke was present, she again curtseyed to him, and when he asked, she told him she was no longer the wife of a head of state.

RoyalProtocol · #**144** 07-10-2006, 03:25 PM

Mrs Kennedy also curtsied to The Queen when the JFK memorial was unveiled.

Madame Chirac also curtsies to all sovereigns and consorts while The President Jaques Chirac bows.

Bella · #**145** 07-10-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlitteringTiaras

Very true, for one who lives under a monarchy.

But I'm sure a majority of Americans will not and would not bow to any living royal. Not meaning to sound rude, but I wouldn't, even though I consider myself a royal watcher.

My point exactly. Actually, the majority of Americans wonder why there are still monarchies left and why on earth ppl are willing to pay for them. But that is a topic for another thread. As for the curtseying, I look at it as a show of respect. And just because you are fortunate enough to be born/marry into a royal family does not automatically garner respect. In my eyes, a person has to EARN respect. I'd be more apt to bow before Sir Geldof than some royal who feels it's their birthright. Just MO.

michelleq · #**146** 07-10-2006, 08:33 PM

Do the German royal/princely families curtsey to each other? Technically, a HRH is higher than a HSH; does that matter? I have seen many German Royals/Princes bow/curtsey to Kings/Queens, which is correct; but amongst themselves, what do they do?

Britney Spears · #**147** 07-10-2006, 09:47 PM

I do we have to bow dawn to them we aint there people.

**Warren** · #**148** 07-11-2006, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michelleq

Do the German royal/princely families curtsey to each other? Technically, a HRH is higher than a HSH; does that matter? I have seen many German Royals/Princes bow/curtsey to Kings/Queens, which is correct; but amongst themselves, what do they do?

In private they probably comply with their own protocols and extend the age-old courtesies, as this is what makes them different and sets them apart from everyone else. HRH over HSH matters, but it also depends on the position of the person. eg HSH The Prince of Liechtenstein would be curtsied to by an "ordinary" HRH Princess because he is a Head of State.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britney Spears

I do we have to bow dawn to them we aint there people.

Nothing is compulsory; some choose to bow or curtsey, and some don't. Just as no one is forced to shake hands, air kiss, or rub noses.

bad_barbarella · #**149** 07-19-2006, 11:51 AM

Who has to curtsey to who :S

CrownPrinceLorenzo · #**150** 07-19-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olka

I suppose it's a matter of respect, as the national/royal flag is a symbol.
About curteysing to the monarch, as far as I remember one of the Dutch queens (Wilhelmina or Juliana....I don't remember..maybe Juliana...) eliminated the ritual of curteysing in the Dutch Royal Court, I read something about that somewhere. That's why the princesses at the Dutch court do not do that in front of the Queen. I don't know if they do it to other Queens and Kings, it would be interesting to know.:)

It was probably Juliana, because Wilhelmina was sternly royal and majestic while Juliana didn't even like being addressed as royalty because she was very down-to-earth.

zarzuela · #**151** 07-25-2006, 05:01 AM

A deep and respectful bow from the Thai Crown Prince to the Queen of Spain.

Picture from thai.palaces.net

Vecchiolarry · #**152** 07-25-2006, 06:47 PM

Hi,

Last year, when The Queen and Prince Philip visited Calgary, my then 87 year old mother was introduced to the Prince in a small 'walkabout'..
He held out his hand and my mother shook it and then said to him, "I want to curtsey to you".
He said it wasn't necessary but Mom said, "Hold on!" and taking his other hand, she managed a bit of a bob.
He smiled and said, "Very nice, madam".....
As he walked away, my mother said to those around her, "At least I didn't land on my ass!!"
Prince Philip (who must have heard this, as my mother is partly deaf and talks loud) turned around, smiled and gave her a thumbs up......

Larry

Avalon · #**153** 07-25-2006, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vecchiolarry

Hi,

Last year, when The Queen and Prince Philip visited Calgary, my then 87 year old mother was introduced to the Prince in a small 'walkabout'..
He held out his hand and my mother shook it and then said to him, "I want to curtsey to you".
He said it wasn't necessary but Mom said, "Hold on!" and taking his other hand, she managed a bit of a bob.
He smiled and said, "Very nice, madam".....
As he walked away, my mother said to those around her, "At least I didn't land on my ass!!"
Prince Philip (who must have heard this, as my mother is partly deaf and talks loud) turned around, smiled and gave her a thumbs up......

Larry

Awesome story, Larry. Thanks for sharing it. :)

Personally I have no problem with bowing and curteseying. I have my dignity and pride and I will never 'bow' to someone more powerful or stronger. However I would like to show my respect, say for Her Majesty or Prince of Wales or the Duchess of Cornwall... and would curtesey. It's about the respect for me. However, even if I had ever met a Royal, I am not very fond of or I don't particularly respect, I would still curtesey, simply because it's part of a tradition. While you can have your private opinion of a person, you must, imo, show your respect for the country and its traditions by following them.

Queen Katherine · #**154** 07-26-2006, 01:06 AM

I'm dreadfully sorry If i sound rude, but what is all this rubbish I am reading about Americans being the only ones not required to bow/curtsey? A lot of other countries do not have to bow/ curtsey as well. I certainly do not and hey guess what? I am not American!

btw- i love you americans, just making an observation :)

HRH Elizabeth · #**155** 07-27-2006, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bad_barbarella

Who has to curtsey to who :S

This is a very simplified explanation, but as a general rule one curtseys to members of princely, royal and imperial families (anyone with a style such as HH, HSH, HGDH, HRH, HIH, HI&RH, HM or HIM). For people who are members of such families, one curtseys to those who outrank you, so for instance, the hypothetical HH Princess Sophia would curtsey to HRH Princess Louise who would curtsey to HIM Empress Eleanor. The only caveat is that reigning royals outrank non-reigning, so HRH Princess Alexa of Greece ought to curtsey to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, even though her HRH technically outranks his HSH. Similarly, HI&RH Archduchess Sophia von Habsburg's style technically outranks HRH Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, but he is a reinging Grand Duke, so she would curtsey to him nonetheless. Also, Catholics curtsey to the Pope and I believe Cardinals, but you'd better check with someone about that, I could be mistaken. I hope that is a pretty clear explanation.

magnik · #**156** 07-28-2006, 10:31 AM

Just wonder: did Alexandra curtsey to Mary?

HRH Elizabeth · #**157** 07-28-2006, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magnik

Just wonder: did Alexandra curtsey to Mary?

There are so many Alexandras and Marys that I am not quite sure who you're referring to...so here are some answers, choose the best one.:)

HM Queen *Dowager* Alexandra of Great Britain and Ireland would not have curtseyed to HM Queen Mary of the United Kingdom, because both were queens.

HRH Princess Alexandra of the United Kingdom would have curtseyed to HM Queen Mary of the United Kingdom.

HH Princess Alexandra, Countess of Fredreksbourg (I hope I spelled that right) most probably technically ought to curtsey to HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark; however, since Alexandra was a HRH for years, and a veteran of the royal family, such a formality is probably not observed.

I can't think of any other Alexandra/Mary pairs. I hope I found the ones you meant.

magnik · #**158** 07-28-2006, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRH Elizabeth

HH Princess Alexandra, Countess of Fredreksbourg (I hope I spelled that right) most probably technically ought to curtsey to HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark; however, since Alexandra was a HRH for years, and a veteran of the royal family, such a formality is probably not observed.

Thanks for these options HRH Elizabeth, but I've choose this one with Princess Alexandra of Denmark, Countess of Frederiksborg and CPss Mary