A Queen and “Good Taste” in 1939

Queen Elizabeth II’s mother had only been the Queen of England in for 3 years in 1939. “The Queen Mum” had never expected to be Queen to the British Empire, but suddenly found herself the symbolic mother to the nation at a time of turmoil, when her brother in-law abdicated the throne and her husband was crowned King. Learning the nuances and unique royal family etiquette must have been daunting for her. The former Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon reportedly turned down her husband’s first two proposals of marriage, even though at that time, he was merely the Duke of York. She knew there would be strict rules she would need to adhere to if marrying into the royal family.

Q– Dear Miss Markel- When one is wearing mourning what social restrictions should be observed? – “Bereaved”

A- Such social invitations as to dances, evening theater parties, teas, receptions and afternoon affairs should not be accepted, but it is in good taste to enjoy with a few intimate friends a matinee performance of a more or less serious play or picture, a quiet dinner or luncheon. If such diversion will elevate your spirits, it would be foolish in these modern times to deprive yourself of them. But regardless of your feelings, make a heroic effort to maintain an existence as active, as normal and with as many direct personal contacts as before your bereavement.

On Good Taste

“A widely read authority on etiquette states in her book that it is bad taste to wear elbow-length gloves turned back at the wrist. But in the news reels I noted that the Queen of England does this,” writes one of my myriad correspondents.

I have replied that the Queen of England, aside from being the chief mentor of etiquette within her own empire, is a higher authority on that subject than any textbook author could be. For years she has had to study minutely the technique of social usage. It is one of the major studies of every reigning house.–By Francine Markel, Watkins Syndicate Distributors, 1939

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