The most common way to address a queen is "Your Majesty", but in modern times, in general, there are no longer provisions or punishments in case of error. Suffice it to recall how Queen Elizabeth II, the most famous sovereign in life, was even winked by a president of the United States, among the numerous gaffes she had to suffer over the years. However, royal families continue to be a constant reality over the years, even if the correct etiquette to follow has become, at least in the English case, a strongly recommended tradition rather than a mandatory requirement.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Addressing Queen Elizabeth II in a Letter
Step 1. Decide whether to use traditional formulas or not
According to the official policy of the Royal Family, you can feel free to write in any style you prefer. Kindness and respect will make any kind of letter more welcome, but that doesn't mean you have to use formal terms. Be honest and don't use the formulas below if they make you feel uncomfortable.
Step 2. Begin the letter with a “Madam”
Head the letter by writing "Madam", skip a line and start writing from the next line. It is the most formal and traditional heading possible to address the Queen of the United Kingdom.
Step 3. Conclude the letter in respectful terms
The traditional written conclusion is I have the honor to be, Madam, Your Majesty's most humble and obedient servant ("I have the honor, Madam, to be your humblest and most obedient servant"), followed by your name. If you find this conclusion unpleasant due to the explicit declaration of easement, consider one of the following sentences:
- With greatest respect
- Yours faithfully
- Yours sincerely (sincerely yours)
Step 4. Send the letter
Write the following address on the envelope, reporting the last line only if you are outside the United Kingdom:
- The Queen
- Buckingham Palace
- London SW1A 1AA
- United Kingdom
Method 2 of 3: Contact Queen Elizabeth II in person
Step 1. Make a little bow, or a nod
In fact, at the beginning of a meeting with the Queen of the United Kingdom, women would be required to make a discreet bow, while men should bend their necks down. While it is not mandatory, Commonwealth citizens typically choose to use this type of greeting. Those who are not a subject of the queen, on the other hand, often prefer to opt for a slight nod.
Do not bow down by bending at the waist
Step 2. Squeeze the queen's hand politely if offered to you
The queen may decide to hold out her hand or not, even if there are no particular differences in meaning between one behavior and the other. If he does hold out his hand to you, squeeze it briefly and gently.
Don't offer her your hand first
Step 3. Wait for His Majesty to address you
It is a good idea not to take the initiative and not start talking until the queen addresses you directly. Obviously, wait until she has finished speaking before answering her.
Step 4. Address her as “Your Majesty” the first time you speak
If you don't know what to say, limit yourself to a polite: "Hello, Your Majesty. I am delighted to meet you". Either way, any formal greeting will do.
Step 5. For the rest of the conversation you can contact her by calling her "Ma'am" (lady)
You can use the term "Your Majesty" again if you have to ask her a direct question or introduce someone to her, but most of the time "Ma'am" will be fine.
Step 6. Don't ask her personal questions
It is very likely that the queen will lead the conversation. If you were to contribute to the chat personally, however, avoid asking her questions about her family or personal life.
Step 7. Don't turn your back on the queen until the conversation is over
Stay turned towards her for the entire time you speak. You will only be able to turn away or turn away when the conversation has finished. Don't forget, of course, to greet the queen appropriately and thank her for the unexpected opportunity.
Method 3 of 3: Contact Queens from Other Countries
Step 1. Find out the correct way to address the rulers of a specific country
Monarchies generally have specific terms for addressing their sovereigns, which derive from the particular traditions of the country in question. Search online or consult a book of etiquette to find out how to best address the royals of a particular nation.
Step 2. If in doubt, use “Your Majesty”
The term "Your Majesty" is very generic and you will not risk offending anyone. It's a fitting way to address most queens, from Queen Pengiran Anak Saleha of Brunei to Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
Use "Her Majesty" (her majesty) instead of "your" when writing or talking about a queen in the third person
Step 3. Address the empresses as “Her Imperial Majesty” (her imperial majesty)
If a sovereign's title includes the word "Empress", or if the nation she heads is traditionally considered an empire, you will need to address her as "Her Imperial Majesty".
Advice
- Officially, there are no mandatory formulas for addressing members of the English royal family. You will not be punished for a small mistake, in fact, it will probably not even be pointed out to you.
- Some etiquette books recommend that you send your letters to the Queen's private secretary of the United Kingdom, who is in charge of handling the Queen's mail. Officially, however, the royal family gladly accepts direct correspondence.
