Would you bow or curtsy to royalty in a social setting?

[WhatWouldGinDo]

If you met a member of the RF in a social situation where you are there in the same capacity (e.g. you're another mum watching your DC play sport, or you're at a private house as you have mutual friends), should you bow/curtsy? And should you address them as YM /YRH when you're introduced.

It's not happened to me yet (only met them when they're working and therefore did curtsy/YRH them) but I've always been intrigued what people if they end up sitting next to them at the school concert.

Wow some people love drama.

for me only in a very formal setting and really only to Charles and possibly Anne . Anything else and anyone else no. Not as I’m an arse trying to prove my republican credentials though.

More it would feel a little cringe and awkward. Unauthentic. If Camilla was standing right next to him I prob would to her so as not to make it weird, but I really doubt Camilla gives a shit.

on saying that I did briefly meet Philip. He opened our office, I was told I should curtsey. I didn’t, again not as I’m a bit try hard, more it just felt wrong in the moment. He didn’t seem to expect it or give a shit.

i absolutely would have to the late queen. As much as ive opinions on her children and her own behaviour in instances as a parent, she was a formidable woman who I had some respect for. Dragging herself out her wheelchair, in the final hours of her life, to meet liz bloody truss, was something.

Depends on how subservient you’re feeling that day?!
No - I wouldn’t - informally or formally. Was supposed to meet late queen in work context but I volunteered to remain working and let others go as lots of people seemed highly excited about the opportunity.

Odd considering literally all she had done to achieve the position was to be born but I suppose if you believe in divine responsibility to rule it’s special. As an aside, I’m so curious that people go along with the whole anointed by God to be in charge of the plebs view but I’m not English.

I was in a Cotswold pub once when Princess Anne came in for a drink, no one made any fuss whatsoever, and absolutely no one curtsied or anything silly like that!

I don't know how to curtsy so I wouldn't do that. I'm not sure what I'd do tbh. I guess I'd stand there smiling inanely and if they approached me I'd offer my hand to shake?

But why would it be in anyway 'arse' ish to have republican views? Far worse is the kind of toadying and forelocking-tugging that has kept these dinosaurs in position.

'Irreproachably posh' seems to exercise a fatal fascination for a certain type of person, especially if horses, frocks and and dress uniforms are involved. Just imagine Trooping the Colours with everyone on foot, the regiments in khaki fatigues and the royals wearing matching tracksuits, and realise how unspeakably silly it is that you fetishise this bloodline as divinely appointed to reign over you.

No.
They are no better than myself.

Not a chance.

I have met several royals, in several different settings, never bowed or curtsied. I think it is only done in ceremonial settings or between themselves. Tbh, I have no idea really, I just know I haven’t and nor did anyone else.

I’ve met a senior royal, was in a professional capacity, shook hands, i offered a drink and was immediately told builders tea, strong, 1 sugar in a good sized mug! (We had borrowed good China and everything ) later on it was more formal when the public were there but still no bowing. I avoided names in the earlier less formal situation, used full title to introduce as per i was given to the public

I wouldn’t curtsy, but what do you mean you don’t know how? I’ve never specifically learned but it’s just one leg crossed behind the other and bob down isn’t it?

I’d probably apply the same rules I do to judges. Informally/socially, no. In a formal setting, at court, yes.

No absolutely not

I've never done it before so I don't know how. I've got osteoporosis, bad knees and a massive metal plate in my femur. So I'm not very bendy.

I've seen Meghan markle get ripped to shreds for doing it wrong so I don't think it's something you can just do for the first time correctly?

And does one do it when wearing trousers, or only a skirt? And do you slightly lift the skirt? Gawd I'm not bothering with all that. Haha.

No

Not in any context.

You bow to judges? Really? I never have

I wouldn't even bother lifting the middle finger.

No
if I tried to curtsy I would probably fall over.

No, and wouldn't do so in a working/ceremonial setting either. And so I'd take pains to avoid encountering them in that context, as I think it would be slightly churlish to pointedly not do the expected thing.

I.e. wouldn't accept a gong; wouldn't wait to meet them on a walkabout; if they came to my work I'd let my boss know I wouldn't curtsy so they'd have the choice to rota me elsewhere etc.

(If i play on Centre Court or become Prime Minister I'll cross those bridges as I come to them.)

@Lomonald I would shake their hand if appropriate or simply smile and say hello. There are lots of people who don't bow or curtsey to them so I wouldn't be the odd one out.

I met Prince Phillip a couple of times at university receptions. No-one ever suggested we curtseyed, we just shook hands as you would be with anyone (& he was much smaller than I expected!)

🤣

Ew no.

no, I think it would be strange to in this day and age. I’m not entirely sure I’d curtsy in a formal work setting either.

I’m assuming @Serensteris a barrister.