If you met the Queen, would you curtsey (or bow if you are a man)?

[BakeliteBelle]

Because I would like to think - like Cherie Blaire - I wouldn't.

my friend's son, who has severe learning disabilities, met Princess Diana once. He said, 'Go home Diana' and ran away. She thought it was hilarious.

I met Anne Widdecombe at my work once. We were expected to smile and shake her hand but I scowled instead. What a rebel

@ mayorquimby ha ha ha that's class !

I would do whatever I was told to as i am a sucker upper good girl
I would get my dog to bow, she does a good bow after she had eaten the corgis

I had to present a bouquet to a Princess once, when I was about 12 or 13. I remember being told that I had to curtsey but I refused and there was an air of "well good for you at having principles and I agree with you - but could you pleeeease do it anyway?" by those in charge! I didn't though :)

I met Charles at the opening of a new doctor's surgery. I just nodded to him. My colleagues all curtseyed. I felt a bit sorry for him actually having to go around talking to us all. He must have been seriously bored. He kept smiling despite that. Bless him.

Only if she bowed to me first

When Dad was terminally ill in hospital he said "If you come to visit while I'm asleep and see Princess Diana waiting to speak to me, tell her to eff off." She must have sneaked in while I wasn't looking though because I never saw her lurking about the place.

Yes I would, because my mother raised me right

Probably not. Unless I did a mock curtsy.

I have had some titles but I never took them seriously. We are all human beings.

Have been thinking about why I would curtsey - I do think it just churlish not to - not clever, rebellious or making a useful point about egalitarianism. I always try observe the manners of countries I visit so far as I know about them. I don't agree with some of them but, for eg,I cover my head when visiting a mosque, I don't shout and run about in churches or march about blaspheming. I wouldn't touch a child on the head in Malaysia or most other SE Asian countries or make an 'OK' sign in Turkey or Venezuela (unless I wanted to suggest someone was gay in an offensive way). I wouldn't shove a business card in my pocket without looking at it carefully first in Japan.

Basically - it is polite to observe protocol. Were you engaged in international business or social exchange I imagine most people would try not to cause offence. Don;t see your own country is any different. It's matter of protocol which most people would be happy to learn in other circumstances. It's not the Queen who demands it. If you wouldn't act appropriately I guess just make sure you never accept any royal invitations. And definitely don't snog on beaches in the Middle East.

Protocol is not everyones bag. Manners differ between theclasses. Its a matter of opinion, I suppose.

I'd give her a cuddle like Michelle Obama, who also absolutely towered over her!

I know - but mostly - whatever class you are - you would try not to offend deliberately. I am from working class East Enders who would typically be very polite even though my Nan would have some mutterings afterwards. The people I know who want to make a statement are mostly more middle/left. Generalising of course - not saying in all cases!

I have met members of the royal family through work. Never curtsied. It wasn't my intention to offend, and I don't think they were offended! I just didn't feel comfortable acting as if they were somehow superior by virtue of their birth.

Honestly speaking, I'm sure they really couldn't care less!

Hmm - a cuddle - yes that could work. The thing is, the queen is so well-trained she would be unfailing polite back whatever you did - which might make you feel like a childish tit for rebelling. I'd quite like a cuddle from Michelle Obama.

DH met her once. He was working in the shop of the National Gallery when she was on a visit - the place was closed and he didn;t expect her (or anyone else) to come in so was doing a crossword, looked up and there she was, smiling at him. He is very traditional and would have bowed or whatever men do - but he was perched on his stool. She leant over and they did a clue together and she left. I imagine she doesn't really care. Philip would want to boot you up your disrespectful arse though I imagine. He doesn't like other rude gits stealing his thunder.

By met her - I meant the Queen, not Michelle.

Certainly not. Nor would I call her ma'am'. Being a North Easterner, I might say 'mam' tho'

Also - depends on the circumstances - if you're being formally presented or acknowledging a knighthood or that kind of thing - or lining up in the Royal Variety Show (you'd be used to bowing anyway being a theatrical type) must be different to being greeted in your working role (like DH). He said THe Q was very natural and he couldn't quite believe it was her - not formality at all. I also know the guy who is a beater - on shoots - for the Royals. "Just like us" he says. Apart from all the dosh of course.

Lucky, thank you for you civility. I may feel like a childish tit, anyway. Mrs Clinton did not curtsy. That was understandable. When in the army I used to do an exaggerated salute. That was a sort of protest.

Lucky, thank you for you civility. I may feel like a childish tit, anyway. Mrs Clinton did not curtsy. That was understandable. When in the army I used to do an exaggerated salute. That was a sort of protest.

Scousy - I didn't mean YOU might feel like one - I met, to sound like The Q 'one might' or one might not. I think I would but I'm not far off being one most of the time anyway.

sorry about posting twice. I cant blame Bin Laden now

To be honest it wouldn't occur to me not to. It's not that big a deal to me. Just tradition.

Bin Laden? Was he known for over-use of the Return key as well as everything else? Terrorism by typo.