Stop curtseying

I presume that Queen could not cope with everyone's hand shake, so curtseying and bowing remain as hygienic and simple way of greeting.

We used to do a very elaborate curtsey to our ballet teacher when i was a child. I haven't felt the need to do it since!

Here's everything you need to know about curtsying. Imo, I think you need to be wearing a crinoline for it not to look a bit daft - none of the women in the photos manages it gracefully. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45126243

When we lived in West Africa it was the custom for girls to curtsy to adult men. My Dh found it v embarrassing when our daughter's friends curtsied when they came round for a play date!

When I went to my senior, convent school, we were expected to curtsey to the nuns who were on the teaching staff, particularly the head nun. I thought it was entirely over the top, the word "grovel" hadn't entered by consciousness at that age, but in retrospect that is what they appeared to demand from their pupils

I'm the one who, when first meeting (at 10) our new male teacher and being told to call him 'sir', determined I never would!
But I did once pretend to curtsey. At the Museum of Glass in Birmingham - fascinating - my sister and I were leaving, and having a certain amount of flirting banter in a rather Victorian style (appropriate to the conversation at the time) with the people at the door as we left.

So as I went out, I picked up pretend skirts and did a dip in farewell! Fun.
I wouldn't ever do it for real.

raficha, in what way is a bit of CHAT about a bit of tradition a fuss? It's a CHAT in the CHAT forum ?

When a royal person came to plant a tree where I worked years ago, several people said that they would not curtsey or bow to him - and they didn't. I wasn't introduced so didn't have to anyway.
No-one was sent off to the Tower - not that I know of.

I thought we all had to curtesy to soop these days?

Of course Galen

I hope I'm not meant to curtsey to a real 'Sir' whenever I see him -
Never have yet

illtellhim. Exactly. My question is why should we curtsey/lower our head to someone who through marriage obtains a HRH. Exceptions being for the spouse of the first in line ie Camilla and second in line ie Kate.I admire Princess Anne who refused titles for not only her first and second spouse but also her children.

There is no requirement to curtsey to anyone, not even the queen, according to Debrett's, so I don't understand why people are discussing it, really.

My littles have the most hilarious difficulty with curtseying at ballet. They make the poor PM look positively gazelle-like.

William did look vaguely mortified in the photos this week. I notice his hand was swiftly extended to her to end the display.

I had the honour of meeting Her Majesty once briefly. I admit to weeks of practice in the mirror beforehand!!

Men just give a bow of the head, its not a bend over at the waist and look at the floor bow. Women do not have to give a bend the knee until it touches the floor of a courtesy. All that is usually given is the slightest bend of the knee. And, here's the real world bit, Her Majesty does not even look for these formalities when mention on a social occasion e.g. a charity do, private award ceremonies for sports personalities. Only when in public at very formal events will people be informed of the traditional approach and even then it is still the "easier" version. Her Majesty is fairly relaxed about the whole procedure.

What about gentlemen fro some European countries who kiss a lady's hand on meeting. Is no-one taken aback at this?

I don't think her maj has to worry about hygiene EmilyH she always wears gloves. I found the pictures of TM's deep curtsy to Prince William, a man of almost half her age who has attained his status by accident of birth, completely demeaning.

Me too Lazigirl The photos of her are ridiculous can she get any lower? Seems Mrs May still believes these folk are her superiors ,even though its a medieval concept.Or is she doing all this grovelling in the hope of a gong for her OH?

I have never had the need to curtsy and don’t think I would if I did it’s another outdated class thingy I wonder how all the transgender will get on curtesy, bow, bow, curtsy If Mrs T gets any lower she’ll be on her knees ?
Funny word isn’t it curtsy

It’s a form of the word ‘courtesy’, BlueBelle, so not so strange really. A courteous, polite gesture.

Seems Mrs May still believes these folk are her superiors ,even though its a medieval concept.Or is she doing all this grovelling in the hope of a gong for her OH?

I think as PM she has to follow protocol Paddyann, and show she's better than the ignorant POTUS.

May’s husband wouldn’t get a gong whilst she is PM .

Why would she want one for her DH anyway rather than for herself?

I will not stop curtseying and no-one can make me.
(As I have never started.)

I agree janeainsworth. Would rather nod my head or bob down a bit than hug and kiss. (Not that Ive ever curtseyed except to my partner in country dances. )

I perfected my curtsey practising in the mirror nearly 60 years ago, all glammed up in my big sister’s sticky out net skirts, high heels and lipstick. I’ve never had the chance to show it off. Perhaps Mrs M’s just been waiting for her moment.

No one has to do it, those who want to can, those who don’t - don’t, quite simple