It’s unlikely you’ll meet King Charles III, monarch of Britain, his wife Queen Camilla, or any member of the royal family during their four-day state visit to the United States. But if by chance you do encounter them, how should you greet them?
There are “no obligatory codes of behavior” when meeting the king and queen, or any royal family member, says the British Royal Family website.
However, it’s best to follow the traditional forms, which can be summed up as keeping a respectable distance, bowing or curtsying, being polite, and addressing them first as “Your Majesty” and later as “Sir” or “Ma’am,” as circumstances require.
Above all, don’t touch. Don’t try any physical contact, including a handshake, unless the royal initiates it.
King Charles and his entourage are in the United States from April 27-30. Here’s a quick visual guide on what to do – and what not to do, if you meet them.
How did President Trump greet King Charles?
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President Donald Trump greeted King Charles at the White House on April 27 with the Trump handshake treatment – grasping hands with the monarch and giving a few characteristic tugs. The handshake lasted roughly 10 seconds.
King Charles delivered a rare address to a joint session of Congress on April 28, highlighting the second day of his four-day state visit and placing the spotlight on the strained but enduring relationship between his country and the United States.
The king and queen will be in New York City on April 29 and will visit the 9/11 Memorial at One World Trade Center. The monarchs will meet with families of victims and first responders involved in the attacks.
The king will visit Virginia on April 30 and see a national park and attend community events and cultural performances.
If you meet a royal, you should do this…
…but don’t do this
Can I get a photo?
No, you probably can’t. Don’t ask for selfies with royals and don’t take close‑up photos of them unless you’re explicitly permitted.
Though photography may be allowed at royal events, personal requests for pictures are considered a breach of decorum.
CONTRIBUTING Kathryn Palmer, Francesca Chambers, Zac Anderson, Karissa Waddick, Bart James, Thao Nguyen, Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY
SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; Reuters; royal.uk/encyclopedia; Harper’s Bazaar
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.usatoday.com ’
