I think it's safe to say that, as a planet, we're all pretty invested in the royal family.
Whether you were all about the most recent royal wedding and couldn't stop talking about what Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, wore on the big day, or you like to follow what Price Harry is up to these days, you're not alone.
Being a royal calls for an entirely different way of life. You are constantly in the public eye, and there are many rules to follow. However, the payoff, some may argue, is totally worth it.
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you could meet Her Majesty the Queen herself? What would you say? How would you behave? Would you faint?
Luckily, we've outlined 10 things that no one should ever do when meeting the queen!
Which of these surprised you the most?
Please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!
1. Call Her The Wrong Name
When you first meet the queen, you should call her "Your Majesty." If you're so lucky to continue a conversation with her, then from that point on you will refer to her as "Ma'am." At the end of the conversation, it's back to "Your Majesty," to close out the deal.
2. Sit Down
If you are sitting when the queen enters the room, you'd better stand up to acknowledge her. If you stay sitting down, that is a huge disrespect.
3. Turn Your Back To Her
It's considered a major no-no to turn your back on the queen when she is in your presence. You should never take your gaze away from her for too long, and especially don't turn your back to her to see what's behind you.
4. Slurp Tea
Slurping might help cool piping hot tea down before it hits your tongue, but you should never do it in front of the queen, if by some miracle you are drinking tea with her! You should also only lift the cup, not the saucer, and replace the cup after each sip.
5. Hug Her
While there is no official rule that states you should not touch the queen, it has been understood for hundreds of years that royalty shouldn't be casually touched or embraced when you meet them. Only hug if she makes the first move (which she won't, unless you are the former first lady as pictured above). So, no hugs!
6. Be Unsure About Curtsying
The last thing you want when you meet the queen is to panic when it's your turn to greet her. You should know that if you are a member of the U.K., it is protocol to give a small curtsy if you are a female, and a small bow if you are a male. It's not the law, but it is what you are to do if you want to follow tradition.
If you are American or from another part of the world, you're not expected to do either of these, but you sure can if you want to show your respect for her Royal Highness.
Look, even The Duchess of Cambridge curtsies for Her Majesty!
7. Dress Like Any Other Day
For Pete's sake, you're meeting the queen! Be sure that you are dressed to the nines, as well as relatively conservatively. There is a time and place for your little black dress, and meeting the queen is certainly not it!
8. Start A Heavy Conversation
The queen is a master of small talk, as it's something she has had to do for her entire life as the reigning monarch meeting figureheads around the world. However, if you happen to have a conversation with the queen, never bring up a topic in which she will have to engage with an opinion, especially on politics. Instead, stick to topics like travel and the weather. It's just safer!
9. Offer A Hand
Never be the first one to offer your hand to the queen for a handshake. She should always be the one to offer you her hand first, at which point you are to gently and briefly shake it.
10. Take A Selfie
Again, no real rule here. However, the queen has expressed that she really doesn't like selfies. She misses the eye-to-eye and face-to-face contact from before everyone became obsessed with selfies. If you're meeting Her Majesty, just enjoy the moment in person, and maybe ask someone nearby to make sure they snap a photo of the two of you together, if it matters that much to you!
Will you follow these rules if you ever get to meet the queen? Please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!
