Q. What is the etiquette regarding bowing or curtseying to Prince and Princess Michael of Kent? Last week I attended the memorial for Isabella Blow in the Guards Chapel. It was a magnificent occasion, but emotionally
draining, and I was just collecting myself when suddenly the royal couple passed by, leading the mourners out of the chapel. Had I known they were present at the service, I would have been prepared to follow the lead of others and do the correct thing, but I was in the very back row and looking in the wrong direction so it was too late to do
anything at all. I would not wish to have given offence. Had I been prepared, what should I have done? I am a 31-year-old male.
K.J., London W12
A. It would have been courteous for you to have performed the Coburg bow — that is just bowing discreetly from the neck — but it would not have been expected. Their Royal Highnesses are cousins of Her Majesty the Queen. Your bowing to them, therefore,
indicates your respect for our sovereign. It is sensible to seize the few opportunities you will be offered to do this. Bowing and curtseying is also helpful to others in a social gathering. As people can be seen to be dropping down like a pack of cards, it signals that a member of the royal family is approaching. Those who are too gauche or chippy to follow suit still generally want to be alerted so they do not miss out on having a jolly good stare.
Q. Last week I visited Trebetherick in Cornwall and struck out on the coastal walk to Pentire Point. So many other
people had the same idea that when it came to the conclusion of the walk, there was a small queue building up to approach the Point itself.
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