The Middleton Family’s Etiquette Faux Pas: A Five-Word Nickname Revealed

When it comes to royal etiquette, the rules can be as intricate as a tapestry.

Recently, an interesting tidbit about Princess Kate's family, the Middletons, has surfaced, shedding light on their social interactions with Prince William's circle.

It turns out that their frequent use of a common phrase earned them a rather unflattering nickname among etiquette aficionados.

Imagine stepping into a room full of royalty and saying “Nice to meet you” at every turn.

That's exactly what the Middletons did when they were welcomed into Prince William's world.

This phrase, while seemingly innocent and polite, caught the attention of etiquette expert William Hansen, who suggests it might not be the best way to greet someone.

According to him, such greetings can come off as insincere, making the speaker seem less genuine.

Hansen, who once served as an under-butler to the late Queen Elizabeth II, claims that the Middletons' habit of using this phrase so often led to their unofficial title: “Nice to meet you Middletons.” This catchy moniker reflects how their greeting style stood out in the royal setting, where tradition and decorum reign supreme.

Interestingly, this phrase is believed to have American origins, but it seems to have found its way into royal circles, much to the chagrin of some etiquette purists.

In fact, Hansen points out that using “Nice to meet you” or “Pleased to meet you” would have previously been considered a social misstep among British elites.

In his book, “Just Good Manners,” Hansen elaborates on how such greetings used to be seen as a red flag in social settings.

He notes that while nobody would outright react negatively, those who overused these phrases would likely be quietly judged.

It's a bit like wearing socks with sandals—everyone notices, but no one says anything.