Why can't you bow or cutzy to the queen if you...?

Question

Aren't a citizen of her country? Say you're an American and you cross her path, should you NOT bow/curtzy to her?

Why or why not?

Answer 1

You can certainly do so if you like, but it is not required that citizens of other countries do so. It's an individual decision.

To bow or curtsey is merely showing respect and good manners, there is nothing subservient about it.

Answer 2

It isn't considered appropriate because she isn't your sovereign. Some citizens of the UK or Commonwealth countries bow or curtsy because she is their head of state and that is the custom of those nations.

If you should ever cross paths with the Queen, the most appropriate thing to do is shake her hand, as long as she extends her hand first.

Answer 3

Christina and Kuzdu: I think the asker was more asking along the lines of what is the proper decorum.

From what I know, its a personal decision and you can do whatever you choose. Like the person above me said, you can bow or curtsy to her, if you choose to do so, but it is not required of you. Many Americans choose to bow their heads as a sign of respect or simply nod in her direction.

Its your choice.

Answer 4

Personally I would never curtsey to the Queen. It is 2007 after all. Are we still in the dark ages? Just because her ancestors were bigger robber barons than mine, that makes us no different as human beings. I am a Brit by the way and I think it is ridiculous when you see women from other countries who have proved themselves in their own field curtseying when they meet the Queen. Have they no dignity of their own?

Answer 5

It's too bad that curtseying has died out. I remember being taught to curtsey when I was young. Little boys were taught to bow. I suppose time marches on, but it sad to see it go, sometimes. As an American, I would not curtsey to the Queen, since I think that would be an insult to all the soldiers and patriots who died gaining our freedom. But, If we had lost the war, there's a very good chance we'd all (females) be curtseying today. It would be alright to bow your head a little, I think, as you should at least acknowledge her presence.

Answer 6

Why would you want to? I'm not the subject of any monarchy. I live in a republic. We ditched that nonsense over 200 years ago. To bow or curtsy to a queen would be an insult to my forefathers.

Answer 7

If Queen Elizabeth II were to come to America and you were introduced to her,as an American citizen,you have the option to curtsy(if you know how) or simply wait till SHE offers her hand for you to shake .

BUT,if you were on English soil,as the reigning monarch,you would have to show her the proper respect and either bow or curtsy.