Fork Etiquette Saves Country

Thailand's King Mongkut

Did a Fork Save Thailand?

Thailand, 1800s —As Europe greedily colonizes Thailand’s neighbors, King Mongkut modernizes his kingdom to prevent political takeover. In addition to Mongkut’s efforts to Westernize military strategies, advance women’s rights, and invite in Western business, his brother leads the adoption of Western cutlery. The fork, it is said, “saves” Thailand from colonization. — Saveur Magazine, 2016

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

Continental Etiquette vs American

German infantrymen in China, part of Europe's "military caste" —"Their (American) manners have not that repose that stamps the military caste of Europe..."

Honest American Soldiers Jar Continental Etiquette 

LONDON. May 11.— Considerable amusement has been caused by the publication of a dispatch from China saying great relief was felt among the European troops at the withdrawal of the Americans, who were too free and easy for the military etiquette of the Continental forces. The Daily News comments on this as follows:

"Their manners have not that repose that stamps the military caste of Europe. It is painful to think how the innocent freedoms of the American soldier must have jarred on Messrs. Atkins, Dumanet and the rest."

WASHINGTON. May 11.— It is the understanding at the State Department that the American troops who remain in the Forbidden City in Peking are very few in number and compose the legation guard which is to be permanently retained In Peking. They are now occupying the same place which they have held since the occupation of Peking, and it is supposed that they will remain where they are until a permanent United States legation compound has been secured.

BERLIN, May 11.— Officials here say that the withdrawal of the American troops from China is in accordance with an agreement between Von Waldersee and General Chaffee. The officials also
say Von Waldfrsee has not reported any recent disagreement with General Chaffee.—1901

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

Etiquette History and Monarchs

Nine European Monarchs Gathered in 1910 — Standing, L-R: King Haakon VII of Norway, King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria, King Manuel II of Portugal,Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany (King of Prussia),King George I of Greece, King Albert I of Belgium.

Seated, L-R: King Alfonso XIII of Spain, King George V of the United Kingdom, King Frederik VIII of Denmark.

How to Address a Monarch

The simple title “Madame,” reduced in practice to “Ma'am,” is, as most people know, all that serves between Queen Victoria and her court to mark the former's dignity as the ruler of a world-wide empire. Had Britain a King he would be no more than “Sire,” the old French- form of “Sir,” sacred to royalty. 

With us the term “Majesty” is only for servants and ceremonial occasions. There are few other courts where this wholesome simplicity prevails. The Emperor of Germany is “Majestat”— there is no pronoun in the title— to all and sundry, even to his family, except when in absolute privacy. 

The Emperor of Austria is “Eurer Majestat” at all times and under all circumstances, the King of Greece is “Votre Majeste” —French being the court language— and our recent visitor, the King of Sweden, is “Ers Majestat.” Their royal consorts are addressed with the same formality. 

Only, at the courts of Belgium and Italy may the sovereign be greeted as “Sire” or “Madame,” though the etiquette of the Russian court permits it when the French language is being used. When Russian is being spoken, Nicholas II is to his courtiers and officials “Czar,” employed like the Prussian “Majestat,” without a pronoun. — The London Mail, 1900

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