Jump directly to the content

PRINCESS Kate made a triumphant return to royal duties yesterday as she greeted the Qatar Royal Family in London.

One particular moment that delighted royal fans was when she met father-in-law King Charles and dropped into an elegant curtsy to show her respect.

Kate Middleton made a triumphant return to royal duties yesterday
8
Kate Middleton made a triumphant return to royal duties yesterdayCredit: Twitter
Royal fans praised Kate's 'flawless' curtsy
8
Royal fans praised Kate's 'flawless' curtsyCredit: Twitter
Princess Kate joined Prince William and King Charles at the ceremonial welcome for The Emir of Qatar and his wife
8
Princess Kate joined Prince William and King Charles at the ceremonial welcome for The Emir of Qatar and his wifeCredit: Splash

People were quick to comment on the flawless moment, with one saying: “I have missed her perfect curtsy a lot .”

Another agreed, saying: “LORD so perfect and effortless, UK is so lucky to have them.”

A third commented: “Same here. Perfect.”

Royal etiquette means that all royals are expected to bow or curtsy to the reigning monarch.

More on Princess Kate

Since King Charles ascended the throne last year, Prince William and Princess Kate have been observed formally greeting his arrival with a bow or curtsy.

This only needs to be done once during a visit as they greet one another.

According to the royal family’s website: “For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy.”

The royals even observe this tradition on their wedding days.

Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were all seen bowing and curtsying to the Queen at their ceremonies.

Despite the formalities, King Charles and Queen Camilla also like to greet their family with a hug and a kiss, and we observed this as they arrived at Kate’s Royal Carol: Together at Christmas concert last December.

When Kate walked in a jolt ran through me - she's back doing what she does best, says Arthur Edwards

The royal website clarifies that there are “no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family” as a member of the public.

It adds that while some people may wish to bow or curtsy, “other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”

The page states: “On presentation to The Queen, the correct formal address is 'Your Majesty' and subsequently 'Ma'am,' pronounced with a short 'a,' as in 'jam'.

“For male members of the Royal Family the same rules apply, with the title used in the first instance being 'Your Royal Highness' and subsequently 'Sir'.

Kate stunned in a burgundy coat and matching boots
8
Kate stunned in a burgundy coat and matching bootsCredit: PA
Royal fans were delighted with Kate's return to duties following her health struggles
8
Royal fans were delighted with Kate's return to duties following her health strugglesCredit: AP

“For other female members of the Royal Family the first address is conventionally 'Your Royal Highness' and subsequently 'Ma'am'.”

A curtsy is not the only move Princess Kate has perfected since she married into the royal family in 2011.

Kate's royal move

Royal fans everywhere were left in awe of the mum-of-three after seeing a viral video of her doing a not-so-discreet shuffle during a photocall. 

Royal fans are going wild over a viral video of Kate Middleton
8
Royal fans are going wild over a viral video of Kate MiddletonCredit: @the.royal.watcher
During a visit to Denmark in 2022, Kate appeared to do a 'Princess Shuffle'
8
During a visit to Denmark in 2022, Kate appeared to do a 'Princess Shuffle'Credit: @the.royal.watcher

Eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot Kate doing what they’ve now dubbed the ‘Princess Shuffle’ while posing for pictures.

In a video captured on February 22 2022, Kate could be seen visiting Christian IX’s Palace in Denmark

Standing alongside Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, Kate appeared to shuffle her feet to the side to get closer to the pair during the photocall. 

Kate's Christmas legacy

The Princess of Wales, pictured here in 2022, has delivered an early Christmas present by revealing she is well enough to host her annual carol concert this December
8
The Princess of Wales, pictured here in 2022, has delivered an early Christmas present by revealing she is well enough to host her annual carol concert this DecemberCredit: The Times

Later this week on Friday, the Princess of Wales will hold her Together At Christmas concert in Westminster Abbey. 

She will attend with Prince William, their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and other members of the royal family. 

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Palace aides have said the service will “provide a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives”.

It is expected to be extra special and poignant given Kate’s own struggles this year with cancer.

Kate Middleton's affectionate nickname for father-in-law King Charles

HE may be the King of England to us regular folk, but Charles is just 'grandpa' to his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton.

Princess Kate appeared to have used the moniker for her father-in-law during a meeting at the G7 summit in 2021, according to a lip reader.

Upon arriving, the duchess greeted her father-in-law, and a lip reader told  that she said: "Hello Grandpa, how are you?"

King Charles is grandfather to Kate and William's three adorable kids - Princes George and Louis and cheeky Princess Charlotte - so the name is only fitting.

His Majesty reportedly has a couple of affectionate names for Kate, including “beloved daughter-in-law” and “darling daughter-in-law.”

Topics