A bit of fun on a Sunday . . .

So yesterday they announced all of the awards that the Queen is giving out this year, the OBE's, Dame-hoods, Night-hoods, Peer-hoods and what-nots. Some of it I understand and some of it I don't.  I can understand giving an award to some one who has actually done something to better the world around us, but awards just for being in the public eye and famous?  I think it cheapens the whole thing.  That's just my opinion. 

Personally I think that the closest I will ever get to Royalty is the gates at Buckingham Palace. That's pretty fine with me.  I would be terrified of putting the wrong foot forward, or that I would fall over attempting a curtsy!

Have you ever wondered what the protocol would be surrounding the chance to meet Royalty in person. For some people this is a dream and for other just meh.  But just in case it ever really happens, knowing the rules you need to adhere to would probably be a good thing!!  Relaxed or Formal there is definitely a right and a wrong way to do it!

 

In  formal situation, such as a state occasion, the awarding of an OBE, etc. the proper thing to do is to wait for a royal aide to introduce you. 

"Your Royal Highness,  may I present Flamingo Toes Rosebottom." 

That would be the cue for you to present your finest curtsy if you are a woman or bow if you are a man.  Apparently for a woman just a brief bob with your weight on the front foot will suffice.  You don't have to sink down with a huge flourish risking the threat of falling over.  Who knew!  And when you leave you have to repeat it.   

One thing you don't want to be doing it thrusting out your hand to shake hands with them without them having first offered their hand to you.  And if perchance they do, don't bone-crush them, or try to hang on to them for dear life.  Short and succinct is usually the key.  Extended shaking is a true faux pas!  

 

 When speaking to the Queen, the first words you utter should be "Your Majesty," but after that you can refer to her as "Ma'am," which rhymes with jam.  Should you actually get that far in conversation you can consider yourself very lucky.  They are not ever to be referred to as "You."  But if you do get that far I believe "Your Royal Highness" will do as well. 

"I hope Your Royal Highness is enjoying this weather."

(Correct) 

"Oh Lizzie,  aren't we enjoying some great sunshine this summer."

(Tres incorrect)   

 

There was a time when leading the conversation with the Royals was considered to be quite rude, but today we can enjoy a more relaxed tone. ie. your tone should be deferential without being fawning. 

Of course if you are in an informal situation things are totally different.  Supposing you popped into your local Pizza Express and Prince Andrew just happened by, you should still wait to be introduced rather than introducing yourself (This could be somewhat of a hazard in his case from what I understand, but if it does perchance happen, don't worry about it as he will probably forget meeting you anyways.)  You can proceed with a somewhat informal conversation after that, but whatever you do you need to always make them believe that they are in charge and hold the reins.  

It goes without saying any fruitiness or controversial subjects of conversation should be avoided unless first instigated by them.  For instance it would not be appropriate at all to talk about Brexit or Donald Trump.  Do also try to remain low-key, as over-formality could risk them being embarrassed or draw unwanted attention to them. 

I also don't believe that they would appreciate being told that they have spinach caught between their front teeth, and if perhaps they do, try not to stare at it too much, or make nervous gestures trying to draw it to their attention.  If you were to do something like that, the likelihood of you ever being invited back is probably quite slim to nil.  

 

Above all, enjoy the occasion for what it is.  A once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.  It will probably never happen again!

 

Have you ever wondered about what exactly is in the Queen's handbag?  Wonder no more.  I have the big scoop. 

It is a Launer bag.

"All bags made for the Queen are bespoke, made of the softest calf leather. The style she has been using most in recent years is the Traviata, a simple shape with short handles and the famous Launer silver twisted rope logo used as a clasp on the front." 

As for what's in it  . . .  to end any speculation this is what I have learnt . . .

Reading glasses, a handkerchief, mints and a fountain pen.  Also treats for the Corgis and a portable hook so that she can hang it discreetly from the edge of any table neatly, like when she is eating. A penknife, some perfume (Floris is supposed to be a favourite), some good luck charms, and a handful of family photographs.

It is also used as a form of communication, meant to send messages to her aids . . .  coded signals as it were.

• On walkabouts, Her Majesty may choose to "drop the bag to one side in a certain manner, telling her staff it's time for her to move on". A lady-in-waiting will then join the conversation, allowing the monarch to slip away without causing offence.
• The monarch, who meets thousands of people each year in the course of her work, may also use the solid, square bag to gain personal space when someone gets a little too close.
• When the Queen places her bag on the table it means she wishes to take her leave in around five minutes, while putting it on the floor tells aides to speak to a guest or move them along the table. 

And now you know it all.  

A thought to carry with you  . . .

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *Kindness is loaning 
someone your strength
instead of reminding 
them of their weakness.
~unknown•。★★ 。* 。 

 

I have been feeling all Christmas-goodied out so yesterday I baked some Maple & Walnut Muffins.  partly in homage to my dad who loves anything maple walnut, and to myself who loves that kind of thing also. Naturally sweetened,  not too sweet, moist and delicious.  In short,  just right.  

Have a beautiful Sunday, the last one of 2019.  Don't forget! 

 

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And I do too!