How would a Countess be presented at court?

Question

In Victorian times...the protocol, the ritual, etc.?

Answer 1

During Victoria’s reign, the Court Drawing Rooms were held in Buckingham Palace at four stated periods every year–two before Easter and two after. When the date of a drawing room was announced, letters poured into the Lord Chamberlain, suggesting names of ladies for presentation. Everyone who had kissed the Queen’s hand was able to nominate another for presentation. But it wasn’t guaranteed that any name submitted was accepted. The list underwent careful scrutiny by both the Lord Chamberlain and the Queen, Her Majesty only receiving those who “wore the white flower of a blameless life.”

The lady to be presented will be announced before she enters the "Drawing Rooms." Then she must do a curtsey before the Queen, so low as to almost kneel, and while doing such, she must kiss the royal hand extended to her, underneath, which she placed her own, ungloved right hand. The peeress or daughter of a peer received a kiss from Queen Victoria. When the Princess of Wales stood in for Her Majesty, the lady being presented curtsied only and did not kiss the Princess’s hand. After passing Her Majesty, the débutante curtsied to any of the Princesses near her and retired backwards in what may be called a succession of curtsies until she reached the threshold of the doorway. The official in attendance replaced her train upon her arm and the presentation was complete!

Read more about court presentation during the Victorian era at http://edwardianpromenade.wordpress.com/...

Answer 2

The correct salutations are:

For the announcement the announcer would call out

"The Right Honorable The Countess of---"

The countess would curtsy to the monarch and the royals in the presentation line.

People of lesser social standing would address the countess first with

"Lady --" then "my lady" afterwards.People of equal status would call her by her given name or by the more formal "Lady--" if they are not acquaintances.