Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has once again demonstrated her mastery of royal etiquette, this time with an impeccable curtsy during her visit to Japan. On September 19, 2025, Sophie, 60, greeted Emperor Naruhito, 65, and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as part of a diplomatic visit with her husband, Prince Edward. The couple’s trip from September 18 to 22 celebrated the strong bilateral ties between the U.K. and Japan, with Buckingham Palace noting that the meeting reinforced the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
Sophie’s curtsy, a respectful gesture traditionally observed when meeting senior royals, was particularly noteworthy. Etiquette expert Myka Meier praised the Duchess for her flawless execution of the curtsy, which, according to Meier, involves “muscle and balance” to ensure a deep, steady dip. Sophie’s ability to maintain perfect form, with a “13-inch dip,” is a testament to her commitment to royal customs. The curtsy, while voluntary, is a significant sign of respect within the royal family, especially when meeting monarchs or those of a higher royal rank.
While Sophie’s curtsy stole the spotlight during her Japanese visit, it wasn’t the only curtsy that garnered attention in recent weeks. On September 16, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, was observed performing a quick curtsy to King Charles after the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral. Kate’s curtsy, which followed a kiss on both cheeks, was a familiar display of respect for her father-in-law.
Interestingly, the matter of curtsying was also a topic of discussion when the U.S. state visit to the U.K. began shortly after. On September 17, during a meeting with Queen Camilla, King Charles, President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle, questions arose about whether Melania had violated protocol by not curtsying to the royals. However, the royal family’s official website clarifies that there are no mandatory codes of behavior for non-royals, meaning Melania’s choice not to curtsy was not in breach of any formal expectations.
This subtle yet significant tradition of curtsying continues to be a hallmark of royal protocol, with each curtsy serving as a reminder of the respect and admiration between the royal family and the world’s leaders. Whether observed by British royals like Sophie and Kate or visiting dignitaries, the curtsy remains a gesture steeped in history and significance.
Leave a Reply