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Original poster

to ask should people still be bowing/curtseying to royalty

258 replies

bringincrazyback · 17/08/2021 16:32

...in this day and age?

And if so, why?

(Usual disclaimers apply: long-standing member, not a journo, no Daily Fail affiliations. Question inspired by something that's come up in a book I'm reading; I'm curious to know what others think. Personally I think it's an obsequious practice that should have died out decades ago.)

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
SpindleWhorl · 19/08/2021 08:00

I've met Prince Philip and Sophie Wessex in person. It's not that unusual to meet 'royals'.

Roussette · 19/08/2021 08:08

I don't understand why everyone is so upset about this but happily tolerate footballers 'taking a knee'

Really? Is this serious?

Do you not know what taking the knee is about?

mustlovegin · 19/08/2021 08:12

Do you not know what taking the knee is about

It has been explained endlessly here, I don't need another lecture.

I just see what I see, and that's people kneeling, same gesture. So it's odd that some tolerate one but not the other

billy1966 · 19/08/2021 08:13

Bowing to anyone is an utterly bizarre concept to me.

Wouldn't dream of it.

I wonder how people who have bowed to that slimey, sleazy, wasterAndrew feel?
🤢

SupermanWithTheGreyHair · 19/08/2021 08:15

Really? Is this serious?

Best ignored. The other thread on refugees filled up so they’re feeling a bit bored.

Mookie81 · 19/08/2021 08:38

@Tlollj

I think so. We could have a lying cheating avaricious venal politician as head of state. I know which I prefer.
Instead we have a lying, cheating, avaricious royal family GrinHmm.
Worldgonecrazy · 19/08/2021 09:02

I have decided that if I ever meet Her Majesty I am going to do a full court curtesy just to annoy MNers Grin

I may need a hoist to get back up again. I wonder if anyone has ever needed help getting back up and how the majesty at the time dealt with it?

Roussette · 19/08/2021 09:21

I just see what I see, and that's people kneeling, same gesture. So it's odd that some tolerate one but not the other

It's a little different to be kneeling in deference to a Royal, and kneeling to highlight a racism issue

Mookie81 · 19/08/2021 09:29

@Roussette

I just see what I see, and that's people kneeling, same gesture. So it's odd that some tolerate one but not the other

It's a little different to be kneeling in deference to a Royal, and kneeling to highlight a racism issue

I know it's hard to resist but don't engage with racist morons, it's a waste of energy and typing Grin.
SomeoneInTheLaaaaaounge · 19/08/2021 10:31

I don’t bow to rich people

Roussette · 19/08/2021 10:55

@Mookie81

You are a very wise owl !!

And totally right!

IveGotASongThatllGetOnYNerves · 19/08/2021 10:57

Hell would freeze over before I would curtsey for anyone.

SpindleWhorl · 19/08/2021 11:10

It's so bloody sexist as well. Men and boys get away with a little head bob. Women and girls are expected to do some complicated mentalist ballet manoeuvre and then get back up again smiling in gratitude for the opportunity to grovel.

I'm trying to imagine Kamala Harris curtseying in one of her trouser power suits. Nah Grin Nor Angela Merkel, come to think of it.

I bet Sturgeon does the curt nod. I think May curtseyed though. And Thatcher.

I hate the way that our female leaders are supposed to let themselves be infantilised with this knee-bending farce.

Brokensunflower · 19/08/2021 11:17

I hate the idea of losing traditional customs. I am a traditional person though. I believe in marriage, dressing smartly and yes I do think the tradition of bowing and curtseying should continue.

PurpleDaisies · 19/08/2021 11:20

Dressing smartly? In general?

Original poster
bringincrazyback · 19/08/2021 11:51

I bet Sturgeon does the curt nod. I think May curtseyed though. And Thatcher.

I think Theresa May's renowned for awkward curtseys, isn't she? Grin Mind you, she always looks physically gawky to me.

Agree it's sexist. Curtseying is so much more undignified and awkward (especially for tall women) than bowing, and is so much more subservient too imho.

Not the reason I started it, but this thread has reminded me of The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. Main character has started work as a housekeeper in a wealthy household, and on her first day she's still getting to grips with how to interact with her employers and inadvertently curtseys to them. Feels like an arse, but then her boss decides she likes it and tells her to continue curtseying, so she's stuck with it permanently. Grin

OP posts:
combalomb · 19/08/2021 12:11

My dd school teaches them to curtesy. Perhaps it was since Theresa mays weird one they thought it best just in case they'd ever need it and be up against what poor TM was .

JudgeJ · 19/08/2021 12:11

@memberofthewedding

If you ever see a royal go down a reception line you will notice that women who are American or European do not usually curtsy. They just shake hands. My understanding now is that it is optional.

There is a story about Prince Andrew staying at a country house and he unexpectedly went into the kitchen. When the surprised staff failed to immediately jump to their feet he said "Lets try that again shall we!" And went out, to re-enter.

I doubt now that many would get up for PA or he would have the nerve to expect it.

That sounds just like him! However another Senior Royal was staying with an Army Officer during a visit to Germany, as the hostess was sorting her children's tea out after the afternoon's engagements, the Royal appeared in the kitchen and asked if she could use the iron to press her dress for the evening function, her lady in waiting was next door due to space! Wouldn't let the hostess do it, 'I'm not incapable!'.
JudgeJ · 19/08/2021 12:19

@Worldgonecrazy

Could the nhs cope with the knee injuries if curtsying came back into fashion?
That was my thought when I saw the picture of Princess Anne doing a very deep curtsy, I'd never get up again. I said the same about the 'taking the knee' thing too, enough problems getting the weeds up!
dannydyerismydad · 19/08/2021 12:28

I love the Japanese bow. Happy to bow to everyone in place of a handshake or hug.

nokidshere · 19/08/2021 12:32

I first met the queen in 1977 and have met her twice more since then, I've also met Prince Phillip and Prince Andrew. No courtesy's were given or expected. Just a slight bob of the head although some people did a quick bob of the knee too.

SupermanWithTheGreyHair · 19/08/2021 12:46

Not the reason I started it, but this thread has reminded me of The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella.

Bloody love that book! Grin

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 19/08/2021 12:49

@HavelockVetinari

The idea is that you're curtseying to the office, not the person. Although, with the Queen, I'd curtsey to her regardless, she's amazing. I've been introduced to her and to Prince Philip, I curtseyed but others present didn't, I got the impression they really didn't care either way.
From what I have read and seen (from people who do know what they are saying) the Queen doesn't mind whether people bow/curtsey to her or not. But the story about Prince Andrew does suggest that not all members of the Royal Family are as sensible as HM.
Original poster
bringincrazyback · 19/08/2021 14:56

@SupermanWithTheGreyHair

Not the reason I started it, but this thread has reminded me of The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella.

Bloody love that book! Grin

Me too, I've re-read it several times. It's a nice 'slightly daft but heartwarming' story. Smile
OP posts:
SpindleWhorl · 19/08/2021 15:14

Andrew sounds like such an arsehole. I used to know a naval person who served aboard Britannia who said he was horrible, but that Anne was all right.

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