Etiquette Changed by Ungloved Prince

Before becoming King Edward VII, Prince Albert spent quite a bit of time socializing and womanizing in Paris. Gloves were required there, though he started the “no gloves” trend in his home country. – Image source, Pinterest

No Gloves

The ungloved hand can now be extended in society without reproach. The fact illustrates the whimsical basis upon which conventions rest. One day the Prince of Wales drove off in a hurry to hold a levee for the Queen. On arriving at the drawing-room he found himself gloveless. It was too late to send, and as it wouldn’t have been etiquette for the rest to wear gloves when the Prince had none, the ceremony was a gloveless one. 

After that gloves were banished from the great socials, ceremonials, and even in the street. The fashion has come to this country. During the last two years gentlemen have appeared everywhere ungloved in the street, the drawing-room, the opera, and the theatre. In France, however, it would be considered as improper to appear in a drawing-room ungloved as unshod. But as gloves are cheaper on the Continent than in this country or England, the proprieties may be observed at a less cost. – The Daily Morning Times, 1881

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

Glove Etiquette Ignored by Queen

Despite the Victorian era news reports of Queen Victoria’s odd habits, modern depictions of her do not give an accurate picture. Her non-adherence to the commonly accepted glove etiquette of the day is never accurately represented or discussed.

Queen Victoria at Dinner

The strict ceremonial of the dinners of Queen Victoria has not changed since her assumption of the throne. A quarter of an hour before the time fixed for the repast —generally eight o’clock—all the party invited to dine with the Queen meet in the Grand Salon and form themselves into a half circle about the door where her august Majesty is presently expected to enter. The Queen, on entering, makes a beautiful courtesy, (for which she is renowned, then bows to the gentlemen, and gives her hand to the ladies, who courtesy deeply. She then goes in first to table, accompanied generally by one of her sons. 

If any Imperial or Royal person is present, he sits at her right hand. But even in the ease of Gen. Grant, she placed the Princess Beatrice between them. The Queen never removes her gloves during dinner, except at state banquets. This is a singular piece of etiquette, and one would think it would be exactly the reverse. Her gloves are new, of white kid, embroidered with black, never worn but once, and become, after using, the perquisites of the Ladies-in-Waiting.

 The Queen has a small and beautiful hand. As soon as she finishes a certain “plat’’ every one else stops, as when she finishes her fish every one else stops eating fish, etc... After she has spoken to her guests on either side conversation may become general, but in a subdued tone, always deferring to the Sovereign. Sir Arthur Helps, who was her private secretary, used to tell an amusing anecdote of being snubbed by her for telling a rather funny story down the table, amongst the Ladies-in-Waiting, to relieve the monotony of a rather dreary dinner, when the Queen remarked, — “What is it? We are not amused.” She has, however, a love of fun, and sometimes laughs heartily. – The Morning Union, 1888

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

Etiquette for Meeting Elizabeth II

Naturally, protocol for meeting Elizabeth II and Prince Philip is formal; but is not as elaborate nor complicated as the public often supposes. 

 Guidelines for Meeting, Greeting or Feeding the Queen of England

Fingers Only 

On introduction to the Queen and Philip, their hands not are actually shaken but the fingers simply touched in token of greeting or the Royal couple would have sprained wrists from greeting so many. Gentlemen are expected to give a normal bow as they take the Royal hand. Ladies give what is knowm at Court as “a short curtsy” — a little dip made by placing the left foot just behind the right and inclining the head. The old style, floor-touching curtsy was abolished, because it takes too long for the lady to go down and rise again. The deep dip slowed the receiving line. 

Glove Etiquette 

The Queen wears gloves, usually white ones, on outdoor: occasions and with evening dress. She prefers other women do the same because so much hand-shaking is involved, but would never refuse to meet a woman whose hands were bare. Most men like to wear gloves for the same reason. Elizabeth always takes a wardrobe of new clothes with her to compliment her hosts. Guests do not have to follow suit by buying a new outfit, but they should be dressed fittingly. Very low-cut dresses always are considered inappropriate. 

Simple Tastes

Would-be hosts are told that the Queen’s tastes are simple. Neither she, nor the Prince, likes soups, oysters, other shellfish or caviar. The Queen is fond of china tea while Prince Philip drinks coffee whenever he can. Both are fond of fresh fruits and enjoy chicken dishes. They like to sample the local specialities. Prince Philip, who takes great interest in cooking and does a little himself at home, often asks for the recipe of an unfamiliar dish he has enioyed. The Royal couple do not smoke. They drink wine and champagne at formal meals and the Prince takes an occasional glass of light beer with his lunch. — The Desert Sun, 1969

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