The countdown is nearly over. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, are set to arrive in Victoria on Saturday afternoon to kick off a week-long tour of British Columbia.
READ MORE: Royal Visit 2016 Day 1 – Will and Kate to arrive in Victoria, B.C.
The royals will likely greet hundreds of people while in Canada, with their various stops putting an emphasis on mental health, youth and other issues the couple have championed in recent years. Expect very few tiaras and gowns, and lots of handshakes.
READ MORE: Full coverage of the royal visit
To help the people on the receiving end of those handshakes, the government of Canada has released a list of royal etiquette dos and don’ts.
Not everyone will remember these pointers, of course, which in the past has led to some interesting moments. But if there’s a chance you’ll be greeting Will and Kate, now’s the time to brush up.
No selfies, please
The royal couple have never explicitly come out as ‘anti-selfie,’ but officials are warning people that turning their backs on the future king and queen probably isn’t the most polite of gestures. Plus, posing with you for that perfect Instagram capture takes up too much of their time.
A construction worker in England recently made headlines after ignoring this unofficial rule:
“Turning your back to the Duke and Duchess and taking a selfie is discouraged if at all possible,” Jennifer Gehmair, of the Yukon government’s tourism department, was quoted as telling local reporters.
“I know it’s fun to do, but they much would rather see your face.”
The department of Canadian Heritage echoed those sentiments in a statement, noting that the royals will not pose for “personal photographs” with the people they encounter.
Don’t break the bank on clothes
Will and Kate are highly unlikely to notice your brand new clothes purchased especially for the occasion.
The royal family “do not wish anyone to be put to unnecessary expense,” says the government’s official guide to meeting the royals. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your sartorial choices:
- If you want to challenge the duchess to a fancy fascinator show-down, go right ahead (you’ll probably lose). But it’s not necessary. And no hats after 6:30 p.m.
- Similarly, gloves are never necessary. If you’re a woman and you wear them, however, they can be any colour and should not be taken off before the wearer is presented to the royals.
- Where a black tie and long evening dress are called for, a “cocktail dress, national dress and dark lounge suit” are also fine.
Meeting and greeting
This may come as a surprise to many, but there is absolutely no requirement for anyone to bow or curtsy to the duke and duchess, or to their children.
It’s considered respectful, and if you choose to do it, men should opt for a subtle nod of the head. For women, the right foot is placed behind the left heel, and the knees bent slightly.
If you find yourself doubled over at a 90-degree angle, you’ve gone too far.
As an aside, even Kate and Will must bow or curtsy sometimes – mainly to the Queen.
The government website notes that “it is quite appropriate to shake hands if the opportunity presents itself and a Member of the Royal Family offers to do so.”
As for other kinds of physical contact (hugs, cheek kisses, high-fives, arms around shoulders, fist bumps), these are all a breach of protocol unless the royal initiates the contact. Kids are the exception.
The duke and duchess have built a reputation for being open and chatty with the people they encounter. Still, addressing them as “Kate” or “William” is a little too familiar.
The duke should be addressed as ‘Your Royal Highness’ and subsequently ‘sir’ in a conversation, while for the duchess the first address is usually ‘Your Royal Highness’ and subsequently ‘ma’am.’
Gifts
Gifts are usually discouraged as the royal family receives thousands of gifts each year.
If you have something you absolutely must gift to the royal couple or one of the children, expect it to be received with a smile, but then immediately handed off to an aide standing nearby.
The vast majority of these items are either stored or donated. Very few, if any, ever make it into the royal couple’s homes in London and Sandringham.
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