Handshakes for a King and Queen

Officials point out that President and Mrs. Roosevelt will be standing in line with the King and Queen when most of their big moments come. And Americans have been shaking their Presidents’ hands for years. Some bow slightly; others don't. Not many men want to appear ludicrous by saying “How-do-you do” to the President, then bowing low and backing off from the King and Queen, only to walk forward again for Mrs. Roosevelt’s hand shake.

British Royalty to be Greeted with Handshakes

WASHINGTON, May 12.- (AP) - The minute fraction of the Nation’s population which actually will meet the King and Queen of Great Britain here next month is getting ready for good old American handshakes.

For weeks, these men and women have been batted back and forth between the curtsy-or-don't, bow-or faint school of thought. The final consensus is that being Americans, they will act as Americans usually do at White House and other formal functions.

Officials point out that President and Mrs. Roosevelt will be standing in line with the King and Queen when most of their big moments come. And Americans have been shaking their Presidents’ hands for years. Some bow slightly; others don't.

Not many men want to appear ludicrous by saying “How-do-you do” to the President, then bowing low and backing off from the King and Queen, only to walk forward again for Mrs. Roosevelt’s hand shake.

The State Department steadfastly has refused to play Emily Post for the American public on royal etiquette. Protocol experts take the attitude that they have no more business dictating how people should behave than they have telling them what to wear.

As a result, most officials plan to follow American customs. The larg est group to be presented will be those invited to the White House musicale after a state dinner for about 100 guests, June 9. Others will be introduced at Union Station. – Oakland Tribune, May 1939

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