Bowing and Curtseying

[Al_bina]

Originally Posted by Dman

That’s because there’s no right way of doing it, and you can only do it in the way you’re comfortable with.
The Queen is famous for not being overly impressed by very dramatic and deep curtsies. Even when she was Princess Elizabeth, her curtsies were just quick and half bobs.

Japanese Imperial Princesses, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, and Princess Anne give excellent curtsies.

The Iron Lady curtsied in a proper manner.
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[COUNTESS]

Archaic gestures. It shows dominance. Too bad still doing it in 2018.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by Osipi

When I think about it, actually Theresa May is the Prime Minister of Her Majesty's government. Although the Queen has no political power really, she does as the Prime Minister to form a government. With William being a senior royal, Mrs. May is showing respect for the monarchy when she does a curtsey to him.

At least that's how I look at it.

So, I see how it would make sense to curtsey to Her Majesty (if that is part of the tradition in a country) but where does that extension end. She is not the prime minister of the duchess of Cambridge's government... So, I keep wondering at which member 'showing respect to the monarchy' ends

Formally, the children of the monarch outrank grandchildren, so if she is consistent she should at least also curtsey to the duke of York, the earl of Wessex, the countess of Wessex and the princess royal. The queen might privately have decided that the order of preference is applied differently, I would expect the prime minister to uphold the official order

Do we have any pictures of the prime minister meeting the other children of the monarch (other than Charles and Camilla)?

[Osipi]

There is also another reason for the Prime Minister to curtsy to the Duke of Cambridge recently. It wasn't as if Mrs. May and the DoC were meeting at a social event (such as Ascot) but rather they were both there to open the newly-built Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre.

Mrs. May was there as a representative of the her majesty's government and William was there representing the Queen. The greeting was more formally structured.

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by COUNTESS

Archaic gestures. It shows dominance. Too bad still doing it in 2018.

I disagree. There is nothing about dominance in a curtsy. And, again, the fact that politicians in the UK, including the prime minister, are like any common person is a good thing.

[Dman]

PM May curtsied to the Duke of Cambridge because he’s the second in line to the throne. The future monarch. She curtsy to The Queen and other senior members of the royal family.

[Osipi]

Of course we all know that its not a requirement to bow or curtsy but I do think its a wonderful display of respect when it does happen. There's nothing dominating about it at all. Some "old fashioned" courtesies seem to have gone out the window with the 21st century and to me, its kind of a sad thing.

[Lady Nimue]

Originally Posted by COUNTESS

Archaic gestures. It shows dominance. Too bad still doing it in 2018.

I agree. It looks very, very odd to the modern eye. Not necessary. Maybe one might do it with a religious figure, but even there nothing extreme should be indulged. JMO.

[Dman]

It’s not mandatory to curtsy to The Queen and senior members of the royal family. It’s just done out of respect.

The younger members of the royal family aren’t really into people curtsying to them, but they graciously accept the slight bow and dip. It’s pretty much dying out though. In the Queen’s young days; whenever she entered a cathedral, parliament, or room, you would see lots of folks bobbing up and down. Now it’s very rare. Only a couple of people do it.

[MARG]

I fail to see why any here should find it necessary to apologise for those who curtsey to HM and other senior royals as if they have done something wrong and distasteful.

You do not have to agree with bowing and curtseying but calling it archaic in such a way as to denigrate the person who performs it is both culturally insensitive and just plain rude.

If you find the practise anathema to you then say so and that in the extremely remote chance that you should be in the presence of royalty, shake their hand.

[Pranter]

Well said Marg.


LaRae

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

I disagree. There is nothing about dominance in a curtsy. And, again, the fact that politicians in the UK, including the prime minister, are like any common person is a good thing.

I wouldn't expect other common people to curtsey to members of the royal family either

But again, I understand it is part of British tradition and some apparently like to uphold it, I just hope everyone is fine with a future PM not curtseying.

And I am still unsure to whom they should curtsey if they want to follow tradition. To all titled persons? Or only to her majesty and royal hignesses? Or only to peers and their spouses and not to commoners (in that case Harry was not worthy of that respect until a little over a month ago but now he is, as are all non royal dukes etc)?

[wyevale]

Fetishising a Flag [an inanimate object] is REALLY archaic...

Making an obeisance to a Monarch, or her representative] is more in the nature of publicly respecting the office they hold, as the senior personage in the nation.

[fandesacs2003]

I really don't see where is the issue about curtseying. If you accept the idea of Royalty it is obvious that there is a certain respect to pay to Royals. And this respect is being expressed in bowing and curtseying. Personally I don't know how to curtsey, otherwise I would absolutely do so (I met Queen Sofia once, I didn't try curtsey fearing the ridiculous....).
Nevertheless I believe curtseying is lovely with ladies wearing long dress, the vue of legs being strangely crossed is not nice, and gives the impression than the lady is almost falling down

[tommy100]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

I disagree. There is nothing about dominance in a curtsy. And, again, the fact that politicians in the UK, including the prime minister, are like any common person is a good thing.

It was once said people took comfort in the fact that, once a week at their meeting that a powerful forceful leader like Margaret Thatcher, dropped a curtsey to the Queen. It made the point that as powerful a political leader they may be there was a higher power they were accountable to and were expected (but not made) to show deference to.

[irish_royalist]

Originally Posted by Lady Nimue

I agree. It looks very, very odd to the modern eye. Not necessary. Maybe one might do it with a religious figure, but even there nothing extreme should be indulged. JMO.

Personally I would much rather bow or curtsey to a member of the Royal Family than a religious figure!

[Lady Nimue]

Originally Posted by irish_royalist

Personally I would much rather bow or curtsey to a member of the Royal Family than a religious figure!

Well, one is a throwback to feudalism, the other (possibly) is respect to a spiritually dedicated person (maybe).

[Moonmaiden23]

Originally Posted by irish_royalist

Personally I would much rather bow or curtsey to a member of the Royal Family than a religious figure!

I am quite the opposite. I would genuflect before a successor to the Apostles-a cardinal-without even thinking twice.

It would never occur to me not to.

[Pranter]

Originally Posted by Moonmaiden23

I am quite the opposite. I would genuflect before a successor to the Apostles-a cardinal-without even thinking twice.

It would never occur to me not to.

Ditto...even the local Bishop.


LaRae

[maria-olivia]

No bow and curtsey seen for Luxembourg on June 23th. In Belgium , sometimes a bow or a light curtsey .