The Etiquette Sharps on Royal Titles

The question arose as to the etiquette of a U.S. President, and how he should address royalty.

Calls One King “Sir,” and Another, “Your Majesty”

Washington, Jan. 16 —Why did President Wilson, in replying to the speech of King George V of England, call his Royal host “Sir,” while in a similar position with King Victor of Italy he used the expression “Your Majesty.” The sharps on etiquette and Royal Court procedure noted the differences in form, and while granting either was correct from one ruler to another, were at a loss to account for the difference. What is, at least, the most probable explanation was furnished by an Italian attache, who said that what was probably in the President’s mind was that “Sir” rendered into Italian, might be retranslated as “Mister.” In using the “King's English” to an English King, there was not the same danger. – Los Angeles Herald, 1919

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia