Royal Protocol: What to do if you don't meet William and Catherine

You've practiced the correct way of saying 'Ma'am'. Studied official sites in preparation for meeting William & Catherine during their royal tour of Canada. While there is plenty of information on what the royal protocol is for meeting the couple. What do you do when the inevitable occurs and you don't meet them? Here is some unofficial protocol should that situation arise.

1. Don't take it personally

Unless you are a small child, an elderly woman with a sob story/110 year old war veteran, or you simply can't afford to, your chances are slim to none. They will be meeting a lot of boring dignitaries/celebrities with an inflated sense of their own importance. As such they are bound not to notice you. No matter how charming you think you are. Whatever you do, do not take it personally. Instead face reality. It was never likely to happen to begin with.

2. Don't let your new skills go to waste

You've perfected that curtsy/head bow, practiced your loyal toasts and not speaking unless spoken to. All of that time and effort. Now what do you do? Manners are like a muscle, you have to use them or you will lose them. Continue to curtsy/bow daily until the next royal visit. Your mother-in-law will appreciate it.

3. Save Face

Instead of complaining to anyone who will listen, and to avoid those "I told you so's' from everyone, make up a story. If you saw their plane flying overhead, say "I was there when they arrived." If you watched their appearance at Parliament Hill in HDTV say "I had the best seat in the house and I couldn't have gotten any closer."  To make this more legitimate, sit in the sun for a while to give yourself that' I waited five hours for them to appear-look'.

4. Don't despair. They'll be back

If it's any consolation, unless the monarchy is abolished in Canada, William and Catherine are likely to return. The Queen is anticipated to visit Canada in 2012 to mark her Diamond Jubilee. While not the same, it's better than nothing.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

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