As Princess Lilibet reaches the age of five, she becomes subject to formal royal protocols, specifically the requirement to curtsy to the British monarch. While the daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is being raised in the United States, royal etiquette experts note that these traditions remain the standard for members of the British Royal Family. According to People, the shift in expectation highlights the ongoing cultural contrast between the Sussex children’s American upbringing and the structured environment of the U.K. monarchy.
Why Does Age Five Trigger Royal Protocol?
Royal etiquette dictates that children begin formal social training and behavioral expectations around the age of five. According to etiquette expert Myka Meier, who spoke with People in 2018, this training includes mastering formal meal conduct, voice modulation, and appropriate attire. This age marker is not merely a formality; it serves as the entry point for children to begin acknowledging the hierarchy of the institution through physical gestures, such as bowing or curtsying to the sovereign.
Even senior royals sometimes forget protocol. During the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, Princess Charlotte was observed reminding her older brother, Prince George, to bow as the coffin passed. This moment, reported by People, suggests that even those raised within the palace walls require reminders of these long-standing traditions.
How Do Meghan Markle’s Experiences Inform Her Parenting?
The requirement to curtsy has been a point of confusion for those outside the royal fold, including the Duchess of Sussex herself. In the Netflix docuseries Harry and Meghan, the Duchess admitted she initially believed the instruction to curtsy to Queen Elizabeth II was a joke. Prince Harry noted that explaining such traditions to an American can be difficult, as the cultural context for bowing to a relative is largely absent in the U.S.
This contrast is central to the lives of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. While Prince Harry told the Armchair Expert podcast in 2021 that his goal was to provide a life for his children that was “happier” than his own, the family remains tethered to these traditions by birth. As Harry shared on Good Morning America in 2024, his children are thriving in California, maintaining a grounded sense of humor despite their unique standing in the royal line of succession.
Comparing Royal Etiquette Expectations
The differences in upbringing between the Sussex children and their cousins, such as Princess Charlotte, are becoming more pronounced as they age. While Charlotte is frequently seen participating in public royal events, Lilibet’s exposure to these protocols remains theoretical, contingent on future visits to the United Kingdom.
| Factor | U.K.-Based Royals | Sussex Children |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Structured/Public | Private/American |
| Protocol Training | Daily/Constant | Periodic/Optional |
| Public Expectation | High visibility | Low visibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie required to curtsy or bow?
Yes. Protocol dictates that royal children begin curtsying or bowing to the monarch once they reach the age of five. This applies to all members of the royal family, regardless of their primary residence.
Is this etiquette training mandatory for the Sussex children?
While the children are not currently performing royal duties, these expectations remain part of the royal family’s internal code. Should they attend formal events with King Charles III or Queen Camilla, they would be expected to adhere to these traditional gestures.
What happens if a royal child forgets to curtsy?
As seen with Prince George at the Queen’s funeral, minor lapses are common. Family members often gently remind one another of the required protocol, and such slip-ups are generally treated as learning moments rather than serious breaches.
Following royal protocol is often about showing respect for the institution rather than the individual. If you are interested in learning more about how these historical rules have evolved, subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on royal news and history.
What are your thoughts on how royal traditions should adapt to the modern age? Share your perspective in the comments below.
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