When meeting royalty is it true you can not speak to them unless they speak to you first and if so why?

Question

When meeting royalty is it true you can not speak to them unless they speak to you first and if so why?

Answer 1

You can't speak first in case you might ask a simple question that they can't answer.

Answer 2

I think it has something to do with social standing. We, the public, are the queen,s subjects and therefore NOT allowed to speak to her first, its just not proper.

Answer 3

Its the old class thing isn't it?Like the days when the local mine owner came down the street in his pony and trap.All the miners had to doff their caps and bow their heads.Those days are rapidly disappearing thank  god.They may have a better life style than me,but it doesn't make them better than me.We all born and die the same way.

Answer 4

You can but you're not meant to. You also call her Your Majesty the first time then refere to her as Mam there after untill the next meeting

Answer 5

Yes. It's to make you feel inferior

Answer 6

dont know !!! never met anybody claming to be  royal. didnt think the real ones came out of their castle .

Answer 7

Stuff that. I'd treat them the same as I'd treat normal people. Politely, but making it known I think them no better than me.

Answer 8

Royal protocol does establish that you are not to address a member of the royal family unless he or she address you first. The protocols governing interaction with the royal family are based on a strictly hierarchical notion of precedence. The monarch is, of course, the most elevated person and, as such, has the right to initiate conversations, or not, as it pleases her. Generally, the Queen and members of the royal family will always happily have a short chat with anyone to whom they are introduced to put the person at their ease but, if strict formalities are being observed, then it is not up to the person of lesser rank to initiate the conversation.

These protocols go against the grain of modern democratic tastes, but they were devised in periods when thinking was not of that flavour. They also serve a more practical function, which allows the royal visitor to move quickly through a long reception line, or crowd, with reasonable promptness and not become caught in a lengthy conversation that will keep the others awaiting an introduction delayed longer than necessary.

If you address the Queen, the first time you use her title, 'Your Majesty' and then refer to her as 'Ma'am'. If it is the Duke of Edinburgh or the Prince of Wales, you say 'Your Royal Highness' and then ''Sir" if the conversation continues.

Answer 9

I think this is probably true. The reason is becuase they are supposed to be better than the rest of us, which of course is complete b**lloc*s.

Answer 10

It is 'accepted' (historical) protocol. But isn't it time we questioned this?

Another case of undeserved respect: a habit or custom that we are 'not allowed' to question. I see no need for it and would not play along if I bumped into any of them!