Prince William and Kate Middleton greet the crowds after launching the new RNLI's lifeboat 'Hereford Endeavour' at Trearddur Bay, Anglesey on February 24, 2011 in Trearddur, Wales.Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Anglophiles are hoisting their Union Jacks, hoping to at least catch sight of the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their nine-day sojourn in Canada. The newlyweds' schedule is pretty jam-packed, but the Prince and his bride will mingle with locals at official dinners, fetes and walkabouts. Should you happen to come into royal contact, here are some tips on how to conduct yourself in front of Kate and Wills (Hint: Don't call them that).
Overzealous gets the brush off
"Remember this is the future king of England, not a rock star," says Charles MacPherson, Toronto etiquette expert and founder of North America's only academy for butlers. In other words, jumping up and down like a groupie isn't going to get you into the proverbial tour bus. Security are looking out for quiet, friendly, safe-looking people, so your best bet is to get there early, stand in the front and smile beatifically. If you are one of the chosen ones, the most correct title for either royal is Your Royal Highness.
No gifts please
Despite their kindest intentions, Mr. MacPherson advises would-be tchotchke-givers to think about the situation rationally: "In the nicest way possible, what could you possibly give them that they would have any desire for?" he says. If you absolutely must bring a gift, stick to flowers and be sure to hand them to Catherine or one of her ladies in waiting. (The future King does not hold bouquets). Victoria Barrington, a CTV royal correspondent, agrees that flowers are appropriate. "You could also offer a congratulatory wedding card," she suggests. The Duke and Duchess do not want your hockey stick (which they could see it as a potential weapon).
Keep it light
Keep your handshake on the dainty side. "You're only shaking one hand, but remember that they are shaking hundreds," advises Mr. MacPherson, adding that you should never offer your hand, unless a royal hand has already been extended. And should HRH engage you in some casual banter, be sure to keep it just that. Serious topics like politics or religion are an absolute no-no. If you do decide to needle the Prince about Stephen Harper's environmental policy, security will whisk him away faster than you can say Kyoto.
Wardrobe tip No. 1
"For anyone meeting the royal couple on a walkabout, a certain amount of casual is okay," says Mr. MacPherson - jeans and a collared shirt or even a patriotic sports jersey, for example. Just be sure to keep your buttons in a secure position, because security isn't going to go near anyone in a revealing tank top. "Can't you just see the headlines?" says Mr. MacPherson. "Wills caught ogling. Kate goes home in tears."
Wardrobe tip No. 2
In recent months, the fascinator hat has become a mainstay of the North American club wardrobe, but traditionally speaking (and the royals are nothing if not traditional), hats are worn only in the daytime. "Catherine is famous for her fascinators, but she would never wear any kind of headpiece at an evening event, other than maybe a tiara," says Mr. MacPherson. Ms. Barrington advises that anyone attending an official event should follow the dress code to the letter.
Don't do this: Refer to the Queen as "your grandma."
Special to the Globe and Mail