During Donald Trump’s significant second state visit, Windsor attracted considerable attention as the Royal Family, under King Charles III’s leadership, engaged in their characteristic soft diplomacy to strengthen bilateral relations. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the President expressed satisfaction with the grandeur and formalities displayed during his interactions with the royals, praising the monarchy in his address at the state banquet.
Observers noted an interesting detail during the visit – Melania Trump did not perform a curtsy when meeting the monarch, sparking discussion among royal enthusiasts about adherence to royal protocol. The Royal Family strictly follows rules of bowing and curtsying within their ranks, emphasizing the hierarchical structure and the importance of maintaining traditional customs in their interactions.
While the royals uphold these traditions among themselves, the palace maintains a more relaxed approach, clarifying the guidelines for meeting the monarch on their official website. According to the palace, there are no mandatory codes of behavior when meeting a member of the Royal Family, although many choose to observe traditional customs voluntarily. The preferred traditional gestures when meeting the King or Queen involve a neck bow for men and a small curtsy for women.
Despite the established protocols, individuals are not obligated to adhere to these customs. Melania Trump’s decision not to curtsy did not violate any protocols; instead, it reflected her personal preference for greeting. The palace website also emphasizes the importance of addressing the monarch formally as “Your Majesty” upon presentation, followed by “Sir” or “Ma’am” in subsequent interactions.