So, That Royal ‘Rule’ We Were All Told About? Yeah…Not a Thing

“I think a lot of people assume that when you meet the royal family, you’re supposed to bow or curtsy. You don’t,” Harrold told Fox News Digital.

“The monarchy’s website states it isn’t required,” he added, noting that “it’s entirely a personal choice.” He even recalled a moment when King Charles himself discussed it with him directly.

“The king even had a discussion with me about it. He said, ‘When you bow or curtsy, you’re doing it to the title. You’re not doing it to the person,’” Harrold said.

Still, despite the optional status, curtsying is very much alive within the royal family and some members fully embrace it.

Just this past year, we saw Princess Eugenie flawlessly curtsy to King Charles at St. George’s Chapel during the family’s Easter service. In June, Duchess Sophie nearly lost her shoe attempting a particularly deep curtsy to her brother-in-law at the Royal Windsor Flower Show, requiring a quick grip on the king’s arm to keep from toppling over.

And when Princess Catherine made her grand return to public duty at Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey, she offered a graceful, sweeping curtsy to King Charles and Queen Camilla as they arrived.

So while curtsying might not be an official rule, it’s clearly a tradition the royals are still fond of. Whether out of respect, symbolism, or simple habit, it looks like this age-old gesture isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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