Royal Interaction Requires Royal Etiquette - CBS3

By Brandy Bell

(CBS 3) PHILADELPHIA Landmark sites throughout Philadelphia are going all out to prepare for the royal visit of Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Camilla.

During their trip, the couple will make seven stops including Independence Mall, a mural arts tour and the Academy of Music's 150th Anniversary Ball.

For those trying to catch a glimpse of the royals it's important to do so with the utmost etiquette.

He may only be a Prince, but when Prince Charles and his wife come to Philadelphia this weekend he will receive a welcome fitted for a King.

And if you're lucky enough to meet the royals, etiquette expert Joan Stokley said don't try to shake their hands.

"They don't want you to touch them at all," said Joan Stokely, Society of Diplomacy.

She said they probably wouldn't expect a curtsy either. She said the best thing is a little nod.

"You want to show your trust in them and so just a simple nod, a gracious nod," said Joan.

The chances of most of us actually breaking bread with the Prince or the Duchess are pretty slim. But if you did find yourself dining next to them, what would you call your dining companions?

"When you would meet him you would call him 'Your Royal Highness' and so that would be applicable to his wife as well," said Joan.

From there on you can refer to them as 'Sir' or 'Maam'.

"Don't call him Charlie," said Joan.

A couple of other tips; enter the table on the right, no arms or elbows on the table. And when in doubt:

"Follow the Prince," said Joan.

Another interesting tip is the Prince always dines Continental style and that means he keeps the fork in the left hand at all times and the knife in the right hand. In addition to that, he keeps the tines pointed down even when eating rice.

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