During his second state visit, Donald Trump attracted significant attention to Windsor, where the Royal Family, led by King Charles, engaged in soft diplomacy to strengthen bilateral ties between the nations. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the President expressed satisfaction with the grandeur and ceremonial treatment he received during his interactions with the royals, praising the monarchy in a speech at the state banquet.
Despite the overall positive reception, observant royal enthusiasts noticed an apparent deviation from traditional protocol: Melania Trump did not perform a curtsy when meeting the monarch. This sparked discussions about the strict etiquette surrounding greetings within the House of Windsor, particularly among devoted followers.
The Royal Family upholds stringent rules regarding bowing and curtsying, with members adhering to these customs when encountering the monarch as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of hierarchy within the institution. While the monarchy maintains these traditions internally, the official palace guidelines emphasize a more relaxed approach, stating that there are no mandatory codes of conduct for meeting royals, although many individuals opt to observe customary forms of respect.
The standard protocol for addressing the King or Queen involves a neck bow for men and a small curtsy for women. However, individuals are not obligated to follow these practices, and the palace clarifies that the choice of greeting method, such as a handshake, is acceptable based on personal preference. It is recommended, though, to address the monarch formally as “Your Majesty” upon first introduction and subsequently as “Sir” or “Ma’am.”
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