Bowing and Curtseying

[CyrilVladisla]

In 1995 when she visited Japan, Princess Diana curtseyed to the Emperor and Empress.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agFWF5r1SBs

[AdmirerUS]

Originally Posted by W.Y.CII

It seems the British has a different curtsey style? They usually places their right leg behind the left leg (like Sophie's), while the others just put their right leg backward (see Marie's).

It looks quite difficult to balance to me

If you read back though this discussion, there is a lot of discussion about curtsey form and foot positioning. And, depending on your flexibility and balance and choice of depth, it is hard. I have neuropathy in my feet from a medical treatment and I would for sure risk falling over with a curtsey. So, I know I would give a very respectful bow just like the guys do.

People on this thread can be quite harsh about the RIGHT way to curtsey. IMO, respect shown is respect shown. But do read back for lots more info on the how to's.

[Prisma]

Princess Alexandra's curtseys to Empress Michiko and CP Naruhito

http://images.newmedia.lu/rtl.lu/cms...0c30d0a26b.jpg
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/...re-id880072758

CP Masako curtseying to GD Henri:
http://images.newmedia.lu/rtl.lu/cms...2a82bfad30.jpg

[Prisma]

Princess Alexandra curtseys to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko before the state banquet:
http://images.newmedia.lu/rtl.lu/cms...82b9011956.jpg
http://images.newmedia.lu/rtl.lu/cms...ed00adc641.jpg

[Lady Nimue]

Originally Posted by Prisma

Princess Alexandra curtseys to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko before the state banquet:
http://images.newmedia.lu/rtl.lu/cms...82b9011956.jpg
http://images.newmedia.lu/rtl.lu/cms...ed00adc641.jpg

Off topic but that is one glorious dress. The color is mesmerizing! Plus the exquisite tiara.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by Lady Nimue

Off topic but that is one glorious dress. The color is mesmerizing! Plus the exquisite tiara.

Funny how opinions differ. I first liked the dress when she was curtseying to the emperor and empress but when she was seated at the table the dress in combination with the 'jacket' made her look really wide; doing exactly the opposite of what a dress should do to her figure. I really liked her look when they first were received by the imperial couple.

[Lady Nimue]

Originally Posted by Somebody

Funny how opinions differ. I first liked the dress when she was curtseying to the emperor and empress but when she was seated at the table the dress in combination with the 'jacket' made her look really wide; doing exactly the opposite of what a dress should do to her figure. I really liked her look when they first were received by the imperial couple.

An example of when the camera lens becomes the arbiter of what looks good or not. It's really an illusion that is created by the camera which has everything to do with lighting and angle, etc. Its why when I see someone who seems to always nail their snap shots I assume (yes) that they are spending time factoring in all the elements. If they don't have a full time dresser, what a labor they engage in. A lot of work (and not worth it, to my mind). JMO. Speculation.

[Prisma]

CP Naruhito bows to GD Henri:
http://www.tageblatt.lu/wp-content/u...ess_406822.jpg

Handkiss for CP Masako:
http://www.tageblatt.lu/wp-content/u...ess_406831.jpg

Princess Mako curtseys to GD Henri (partial):
http://www.tageblatt.lu/wp-content/u...ess_406826.jpg

[JSH]

That's really neat that Princess Mako would curtsey, even partially. It's not part of the Japanese culture. But she obviously knows it is part of European culture. And it can't be easy to do in a kimono, they are quite tight around the body and restrictive in movement. Very nice!

[Princess Larisa]

The Japanese princesses always curtsey to European royals, some recent examples:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f0/28...68fc559b69.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ea/50/a7/e...etherlands.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cuu-gSBVMAA3Tpw.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cuu-gR-VUAAKCNM.jpg
http://amsterdam-ftv-blog.com/wp-con...014/10/511.jpg

[Prisma]

Oh oops. I meant partial photo, not partial curtsey.

ETA: Full curtseys from RTL
http://images.newmedia.lu/rtl.lu/cms...265c220fb5.jpg
http://images.newmedia.lu/rtl.lu/cms...0808f02e82.jpg
http://images.newmedia.lu/rtl.lu/cms...d174e2788a.jpg

[Osipi]

That first, formal real curtsy will be as Meghan and Harry leave the altar as man and wife and both formally bow and curtsy to HM, The Queen.

I bet Meghan practices it over and over again while wearing her wedding dress until "that" moment arrives.

[Missjersey]

Originally Posted by Osipi

That first, formal real curtsy will be as Meghan and Harry leave the altar as man and wife and both formally bow and curtsy to HM, The Queen.

I bet Meghan practices it over and over again while wearing her wedding dress until "that" moment arrives.

I forgot about that Osipi. You’re spot on about practice.

[jacqui24]

I'm pretty sure she has the curtsey thing down since she's met the Queen already.

[Missjersey]

She was probably a nervous wreck the first time!

[Pranter]

Originally Posted by jacqui24

I'm pretty sure she has the curtsey thing down since she's met the Queen already.

But that was done privately not in view of millions! However I was speaking more to the rules that govern when to curtesy to whom within the family. If Harry's present she has higher status if he's not she has lower status etc.


LaRae

[Dman]

Yes...Meghan’s major public curtsy will be on her wedding day.

Remember...Meghan will only be curtsying to The Queen and possibly The Duke of Edinburgh. Royals don’t curtsy to any other within the family.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Pranter

But that was done privately not in view of millions! However I was speaking more to the rules that govern when to curtesy to whom within the family. If Harry's present she has higher status if he's not she has lower status etc.


LaRae

I think I heard the younger generation don't curtsey to each other. I'm not sure if the Queen's children receive curtesy anymore.

[Osipi]

I don't honestly think that Meghan being American will figure into it at all whether or not she curtsies to the Queen or anyone else. If and when she does, it will be done solely out of deep respect and admiration for the position that HM holds and will be done solely because she *wants* to.

If Meghan can be so aware of other people that she freely offers up her own hand warmer to a stranger, I would be my last candy cane that she would be very aware of the positions and the roles and the respect that should be given to HM, The Queen and each and every other royal that is going to be part and parcel of her family.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Osipi

I don't honestly think that Meghan being American will figure into it at all whether or not she curtsies to the Queen or anyone else. If and when she does, it will be done solely out of deep respect and admiration for the position that HM holds and will be done solely because she *wants* to.

If Meghan can be so aware of other people that she freely offers up her own hand warmer to a stranger, I would be my last candy cane that she would be very aware of the positions and the roles and the respect that should be given to HM, The Queen and each and every other royal that is going to be part and parcel of her family.

I know that. And I have no doubt that Meghan would do so without being required to, but out of respect. And it was very obvious in the engagement interview that she had a lot of respect for HMQ and this institution she will devote her life to. But the point was towards all this talk about who has to walk behind whom and basically Meghan knowing her place is behind Kate and I got a whole article about this whole protocol. So if we are strictly going by protocol, she doesn't have to curtsey unlike everyone else. She's the one person in that family, other than the Queen, that technically doesn't have to curtsey to anyone.