Royal Expert Reveals The One Look You Don't Want To Get From Queen Elizabeth
Meeting Queen Elizabeth II seems a bit nerve-wracking as you need to know what to say, what to do, and how to avoid making a fool of yourself. According to the British royal family's website, though, "There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms." The traditional form includes a curtsy from women and a neck bow from men, and you must refer to the queen as "Your Majesty." Once you get past the greeting, you could still land yourself in hot water if you get too familiar. She is, after all, royalty! She'll also let you know if you've crossed the line, according to royal insiders.
Former prime minister Tony Blair wrote in his memoir, "A Journey: My Political Life," about a state dinner he attended with Her Majesty. He said in the book that "some guests didn't always quite know how to handle her." They apparently tried to be overly friendly with her, and that is a big no-no. Blair went on to explain that Queen Elizabeth might, on occasion, "be matey with you." However, he warned against reciprocating this friendliness, as you'd likely "get The Look" from Her Majesty by doing so.
Blair apparently isn't the only one who knows all about Queen Elizabeth's look of disapproval.
Queen Elizabeth's look of disapproval is "withering"
Royal biographer Robert Hardman's latest book, "Queen of Our Times: The Life Of Queen Elizabeth II," is coming out on April 5. In the biography, Hardman explained what "The Look" is and when you'll get it from Her Majesty. "Most know that there are two hazards to be avoided when meeting with the boss: 'the Line' and 'the Look,'" Hardman explained. "The Look" apparently starts with one raised eyebrow, which progresses "in more extreme cases to both eyebrows." This is typically followed by "a firm 'Are you sure?'" (per People). Now that sounds intimidating! One senior advisor who was on the receiving end of the look told Hardman it was "withering" and "terrifying."
You may be on the receiving end of this look by being too casual and chummy with Queen Elizabeth, as Tony Blair noted, or you might get it for sheer incompetence. One retired messenger still remembers getting the look after messing up the "timings at a state banquet" (via People).
Queen Elizabeth has other ways to silently communicate, often using a discreet signal when she doesn't want to talk to someone. Additionally, Her Majesty often carries a handbag during public appearances, and if she sets the bag on a table, she wants to leave within five minutes. If she switches her purse from one arm to the other, she's done with whichever conversation she has found herself in (via British Heritage).
The more you know!