Bowing and Curtseying

[tommy100]

All good, except the footage of the bows/curtseys were as the Queen left....also, as the Cambridges, Harry and Meghan arrived with the other royals they must have arrived at Sandringham first to walk from there to the church. I would be amazed if the Queen stays in her room while everyone gathers downstairs on Christmas Day. The Church is minutes away from the House.

I think they just curtsey or bow because they are on the bottom step and the Queen is leaving. TBH in other years we've seen Harry bow while William & Kate haven't bowed/curtsied.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Gaudete

She did so well. She must have been terribly nervous.

She was quite composed and graceful. Especially the curtsy.

[Gaudete]

I didn’t see the curtsy sadly! Wish I had!

[MARG]

It seemed to me to be a Christmas of "firsts", statements of change and affirmation of family. There was a lot of talk and discussion between the FF and even Charles and the dignified bows and curtseys made one of those statements. We are family!

To those who say it was just staged, they are right, but it doesn't change the fact that the walkers set out before the Queen and therefore, those who weren't there for breakfast hadn't seen her before leaving for church and she enters church last. So after church is their formal greeting.

[tommy100]

Again, how do you know the Queen, as hostess, didn't greet those who arrived after breakfast? I'm not saying your wrong but none of us know one way or the other. TBH I think this was somewhat staged and thats fine.

[Grandma828]

At least no one will question if Meghan will curtsy to the Queen. It has been filmed.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

I don't know what they do in private, but, at least in public events, all family members (other than the DoE) always curtsy or bow to the Queen. A similar protocol seems to be observed by the Danish and Spanish royal families vis a vis their respective monarchs. Curtsying or bowing seem to have been abandoned though in Belgium, Sweden and the Netherlands.

I seem to remember that Zara once said that she always curtseys to her grandmother the queen, both in public and in private.

[Spectator]

Originally Posted by Gaudete

I didn’t see the curtsy sadly! Wish I had!

Here you go

[Zaira]

It looked staged and intentional to me. I think it is Will/Kate's way of showing a united front which is lovely.

[Gaudete]

Thankyou! I’m so impressed by her. I wish her many happy years in our country and I hope she will feel at home.

[Princess Squirrel]

Originally Posted by Gaudete

Thankyou! I’m so impressed by her. I wish her many happy years in our country and I hope she will feel at home.

I totally agree. She might feel a bit homesick at first. I know she spent a while in Canada but that was only for part of the year every year, and although maybe the American and Canadian forum members may hate me for saying this (and I admit I have never been to Canada), I don't think that it is as different to the US as the UK is.

My husband was extremely home sick when he first moved to London. But even he got there in the end (he hasn't been back to the States since 2011 now) despite the autism. Meghan strikes me as a really strong and confident person too, unlike my hubs. But in both their cases, I think having a hugely supportive spouse is key, which I think Harry will be.

Also unlike us, they'll probably have more chances to go back and visit Meghan's family, as money and time restraints won't apply like with us. Well money unlimited but I know they'll have time commitments too, but not like us ordinary working people.

Will be so good to prove all the nay-sayers wrong (as with Kate and Charlene lol).

[MaiaMia_53]

Originally Posted by Gaudete

I didn’t see the curtsy sadly! Wish I had!

Here's a pretty good video of the royals entering and leaving the church. Scroll to about 2:54 to see the exact moment when Meghan and Kate curtsey, and William and Harry bow their heads, as the Queen departs in her vehicle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQk-cHkGEwE

[MARG]

I love the way Harry, William and Catherine worked to make Meghan's first public curtsey a 'family affair'. Charles and Camilla were also in on it and they way they teed up the shot was a masterpiece.

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod...p&resize=768:*

And check out the look on Prince Philip's face. Awesome.

[Darnius]

I think I like her curtsey better than Kate's (in this photo).

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/M...2byU_-ngPl.jpg

[Pranter]

Well it's kinda hard to compare them...Meghan was right up against the back of the step it looks like. Also Kate is slightly turned instead of straight on.

I couldn't tell much about Meghan's curtsey this time, except she did it and it went well. I figure we won't see another one until the wedding.


LaRae

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by Darnius

I think I like her curtsey better than Kate's (in this photo).

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/M...2byU_-ngPl.jpg

Kate is also nearly 6 months pregnant, so bending and balance can be a challenge.

[irish_royalist]

Originally Posted by MARG

I love the way Harry, William and Catherine worked to make Meghan's first public curtsey a 'family affair'. Charles and Camilla were also in on it and they way they teed up the shot was a masterpiece.

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod...p&resize=768:*

And check out the look on Prince Philip's face. Awesome.

I think this is absolutely delightful - 2 handsome princes and their beautiful partners showing respect to their beloved Queen and, let's not forget, grandmother. Prince Philip looks so proud, and even the Princess Royal looks pleased!

[royal rob]

Can’t believe we are talking about who had the best curtsy etc. I really hope it doesn’t come to this

[M. Payton]

Guess it sure has come to that......wonder what is next, who hold the cup of tea better, right or left hand.....

Either way, both ladies did their way and each was perfect in that!

[Osipi]

Lets put it this way. Everyone would be able to curtsy better than I can. For me, the definition of curtsy equals "eating the floor".

Its not how they do it or who does it better. Its *why* they do it.