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Title: Royal Protocol Slip-Up: Actress Forgets to Curtsy to Princess Catherine
In a surprising revelation, dynasty icon Joanne Collins shared an anecdote about her encounter with Princess Catherine, where she forgot to follow royal protocol and curtsy.
This relatable mistake was documented in Collins' new memoir, “Tales I Tell My Friends,” published on Tuesday.
Curtsying, a traditional mark of respect, has evolved over the centuries with intricate rules determining who curtsies to whom.
However, it is important to note that the curtsy is traditionally directed towards the crown as a whole rather than an individual person.
Foreign dignitaries and British commoners are not obligated to curtsy, although some choose to do so.
The rules of curtsying within the royal family are complex and depend on various factors such as the setting and the presence of other individuals.
Collins found herself in a nerve-wracking situation during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant when she crossed paths with Princess Catherine and her children.
Overwhelmed with nervousness, Collins unintentionally overlooked the customary curtsy.
Collins recounted the events leading up to the encounter, mentioning her participation in a motorcade down the mall in London.
As she arrived outside the royal box, which was filled with members of the royal family and Queen Elizabeth's relatives, Collins tried her best to appear presentable despite enduring two hours in freezing wind.
Princess Beatrice and her husband Eduardo excitedly waved at Collins, followed by a chain reaction of waves and smiles from Princess Anne, Prince Charles, and Camilla.
They mouthed words of encouragement, expressing their satisfaction with Collins' performance.
Afterwards, Collins found herself in the green retiring room behind the box, where she collapsed onto a sofa and was offered a cup of tea.
It was at this moment that Princess Catherine, then Duchess of Cambridge, appeared in a striking red dress, accompanied by her two young children.
The princess introduced her children, Charlotte and Louis, who politely extended their tiny hands for a handshake.
Collins, caught off guard by the royal children's impeccable manners, momentarily forgot to curtsy.
Although this recent encounter highlighted Collins' oversight, it is worth mentioning that she had previously met Princess Catherine at a dramatic arts reception at Buckingham Palace and again at the Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium Theatre.
During the latter event, Collins and the princess shook hands, demonstrating that there are no strict rules governing how to greet members of the royal family.
However, this incident sparked a discussion about etiquette when interacting with the royals.
Actor Daniel Craig and his wife Rachel Weisz were criticized for not standing up when Princess Catherine approached them in the royal box.
Royal expert Richard Eden shared a photo on Instagram showing Daniel greeting the princess while remaining seated, which caused some unease.
In contrast, fellow actor James Norton, known for his roles in “Happy Valley” and “War and Peace,” stood up to greet the princess.
It is widely believed that regardless of celebrity status, it is basic courtesy to stand up when someone approaches you, especially when that person is the future queen.
This expectation stems from the rules of the renowned tennis tournament, Wimbledon.
In the early 2000s, a change in the rules removed the requirement for tennis players to bow in courtesy to royals sitting courtside.
Therefore, during the aforementioned occasion, players Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic were not technically obligated to bow.