WA Royal Family Fans Take Etiquette Lessons to Study Meghan Markle Sparkle

Regina Titelius PerthNow, January 13, 2019 12:42PM

Renewed fascination with the royals is inspiring West Aussie women to get etiquette training. Class enrolments are up since Meghan Markle took royal lessons before getting hitched to Harry. Perth etiquette expert Elizabeth Soos runs “how to be a duchess” classes, which include lessons on proper manners and protocols.

Her pupils include Germaine Koh, of Fremantle, who said she felt outside her comfort zone at high-end cocktail events a few years ago for her fiancé’s work in Monaco, Italy and London.“ I felt really uncomfortable because the level of etiquette at the posh places we went to, particularly in Monaco, was beyond anything I had come across before,” Mrs Koh said. Not only has she learnt the high tea rules of engagement and other palatial requirements, but the Singaporean-born woman, who is stepping into real estate, was schooled on how to make the best first impression. 

​Armed with the training and a new wedding band, Mrs Koh was ready to mingle with the Hermes bag clique when she again accompanied her new husband for overseas functions late last year. “I was so much more confident at these events compared to my previous trips, I just wish I had done the duchess course sooner,” she said. “To know the proper etiquette is good for everyone, it shows respect to your partner, respect to business. It’s not only a matter of my husband making a good impression but also for partners.” 

Ms Soos said the royal wedding had helped return etiquette to the spotlight. She said Meghan had gone through a phenomenal transformation in a short period, with royal watchers noting her improvements in how she curtsied and interacted with other family members and the public. “People might think etiquette sounds old fashioned and they think of Queen Victoria or young Queen Elizabeth but etiquette is respect for other people and it goes back to treating people how you would want to be treated,” Ms Soos said.

10 Steps To Be Like The Dutchess
1. A curtsy is a small bob not a swan dive.
2. When the Queen speaks to you, then it will be your time to speak.
3. At state functions wear your tiara to identify you as part of the family.
4. Start your meal when the Queen starts her meal and finish your meal when Her Majesty finishes.
5. Speak to the person to your left side during the first course. During the main course, speak to the guest at your right side. Never the person opposite.
6. At afternoon tea, use your fingers for all foods, except patisseries when you will use a fork.
7. Offer tea, sugar and milk before serving yourself.
8. Hold the teacup correctly by pinching the cup handle. Never slurp.
9. Do not stir the cup of tea like a washing machine, but by using a 6-12 motion.
10. When giving a social card, use hands on each corner with the words facing the recipient.

Article Published In: The West Australian