Etiquette for Meeting Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret must not be photographed while eating, drinking, or smoking or with skirts at an unflattering angle. Unfortunately, none of the national publications is about to use pictures chosen from a pool. But beyond that, the ball promises to be a magnificent affair. — Princess Margaret looks at a black cat miniature, emblem of the San Francisco Press Club, after being presented with it by Robert Nicholas, club past president. Peeking from behind is her husband, Lord Snowdon.

Taking Lessons from the English

Mrs. Wilson E. Haas and her husband are poring over two closely typewritten pages that tell them exactly how to behave when they meet Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden next Monday evening at the WAIF Ball. Only . . . their chances of meeting the royal couple are distinctly dim, both because there are going to be at least 1,500 people crowded into the Hollywood Palladium for the dinner dance, and because the schedule of protocol states with typically British blandness that “no one will be introduced to Her Royal Highness and Lord Snowden.” 

It does say that later, the distinguished pair may care to walk among the guests and, perhaps, meet a few. Should this occur, the male introducee will bow his head, and address Her Royal Highness as “Your Royal Highness” or “Ma’am,” (if he feels more chummy), and her consort as “Sir.” His female counterpart (and she; SHOULD be wearing long white gloves) will curtsey if she’s either a British subject, a member of WAIF, or thinks this kind of thing is important. Otherwise she, too, will bow her head gracefully and murmur magic titles. Under no circumstances will they speak unless spoken to. 

As for autographs . . . FOR GET IT! The Hasses and other members of WAIF, along with their guests, were all sent copies of the protocol rules for the $lOO a couple benefit certainly is bound to be a high point of the autumn social season in Los Angeles. One of the most heartbreaking (to WAIF) behind- the-scenes is the matter of photography. Life Magazine had planned to cover the ball; so had Harper’s Bazaar and Holiday, among others. But the word went out — No photographers will be allowed, except the two chosen by the royal party, for Princess Margaret must not be photographed while eating, drinking, or smoking or with skirts at an unflattering angle. Unfortunately, none of the national publications is about to use pictures chosen from a pool. But beyond that, the ball promises to be a magnificent affair. 

Cocktails and dancing to Freddy Martin’s orchestra will open the program; by 8:15 all the guests must be seated so that Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden may make their entrance as the guests rise again. The national anthems of both Britain and America will then be played. Dinner will be marked by an all British fashion parade, followed by a stage show starring, among others, Bob Hope, Polly Bergen, and Frank Sinatra. Then the dancing will begin again, this time led off by Princess Margaret and her husband. Guests are asked to join them immediately so that their dance does not become an “exhibition.” Setting the mood of the distinguished party is the last sentence in the protocol instructions which says that the affair must be steeped in the “beauty and dignity befitting our honored guests.” — By Lee Christopher, for the Desert Sun, 1965

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