How the Royal Family Responds to Courtesies: From Pleased to Mocking

The British Royal Family, steeped in tradition and protocol, often receives a variety of courtesies from esteemed visitors and admirers. These gestures, such as bowing or curtsying, are a display of respect and admiration, and can bring about a range of reactions in the members of the royal family.

The Role of Protocol in Royal Interactions

When encountering visitors who observe the ancient and elegant customs of bowing and curtsying, members of the Royal Family are typically pleased, as these rituals represent a deep-seated respect and acknowledgment of the monarchy's longstanding traditions. The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Prince William, and other members of the royal household are often delighted when they experience theitude and etiquette from their subjects and supporters.

Hands-On Reactions from the Royal Family

Bowings and curtsying can also bring about humorous moments and family interactions. The Duke of Edinburgh, for instance, was famously known for his gruff demeanor and lack of formality, as exemplified by his reaction when an octogenarian aid bent and politely curtsied to him. This action received laughter from the Duke, while also highlighting the importance of adapting to varying social expectations.

A Royal Member's Mockery of Courtesies

Prince Harry, the third son of Prince Charles, has shown no hesitance in poking fun at traditional courtesies. In 2018, during a documentary, Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, made a lighthearted and humorous mockery of the curtsying ritual. She mimicked the curtsying motion to the Queen, intentionally drawing attention to the oddity of this gesture in modern times.

Prince Harry was notably pleased with Meghan's mimicry, as it brought a light moment to a serious and sometimes tense conversation. The Prince's approval underscores the modernizing influence present in the contemporary Royal Family, signaling a shift towards a more personal and relatable approach to these historic customs.

Modernizing the Royal Family's Approach to Tradition

The Royal Family's consistent yet evolving relationship with these courtesies reflects their dedication to maintaining traditions while adapting to the times. By allowing moments of levity and personal expression, such as Prince Harry's approval of Meghan's performance, the royals are fostering a more open and relatable image.

Moreover, the New Generation of Royals, like Prince Harry, are paving the way for a more casual and approachable image. Their willingness to embrace and often poke fun at these customs demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability that shape modern royal etiquette.

Conclusion

The reaction of the Royal Family to courtesies like bowing and curtsying is multifaceted, ranging from distress at the unfamiliar to laughter at playful mockery. There is an underlying respect for the traditions, matched with a growing embrace of modern adaptability. These nuanced responses not only reflect the personal characteristics of the individual royals but also highlight the evolving nature of the monarchy in the modern world.

In the end, the Royal Family's approach to these rituals is a blend of tradition and modernization, a testament to their ability to bridge the gap between history and contemporary life.