She's never been known for her keen observance of royal etiquette, so it was no wonder the Duchess of York, performed the most awkward of curtseys when greeting her former mother-in-law recently. Dipping low as the Queen arrived at the Parade Ring at Royal Ascot, the year-old former wife of Prince Andrew looked precariously like she might not make it up again. Prime Minister Theresa May, meanwhile, when greeting Prince William this week, performed a very elegant and athletic curtsey, which ended barely ten inches from the floor.
Not bad for a year-old! She ought to know better! But in these modern times, is the curtsey still necessary? Who curtseys to whom? And when? How low do they go? The curtsey is a traditional gesture of greeting by a girl or a woman to someone more senior in social rank and dates back to at least the Middle Ages. It is derived from a 'courtesy' and is simply a mark of respect.
It became gender specific in the 17th century, with men adopting the bow, and women the curtsey. Perhaps HM appeared suddenly and wrong-footed her. As she wears quite short skirts, even though she has good pins, it is too much.
How did she not fall over? It really took off in Victorian times. Women's dresses were so large that a little bob would hardly have been noticeable.
Instead, women began to curtsey with more depth. Later, when Edwardian dress came in, some women started holding up the material of their skirts or dresses as part of the curtsey. Place the ball of your other foot behind and slightly to the outside of your standing ankle. Joan's back is properly straight but her legs are everywhere. Bend your front knee while keeping your torso upright and your hands relaxed at your sides.
