Being in the royal family means following a number of etiquette rules. Not only do the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex have to follow a strict outline on appropriate clothing, they also have to be aware of their posture and behaviour.
Etiquette expert Myke Meier has now revealed to the Sun Online that there is one rule the duchesses must follow and that is to ALWAYS have their chins “parallel to the ground” – especially when going down stairs. Meier explained the reason behind the rule saying, “Holding your chin parallel helps maintain posture while sitting, standing, walking and descending stairs.”
“When your chin points down or up it gives the impression that you’re not paying attention or not interested in what’s happening.”
“Often walking down a staircase is the grand entrance to a room or event and is the first impression with all eyes and photos on you.”
“To achieve perfect posture one should keep their back straight, chin parallel to the floor and square the shoulders.
“When sitting in a formal setting, avoid leaning back in the chair or using arm rests because both movements will break posture.”
Myka stated that a chin held too high is seen as being too arrogant, which a low chin indicates a lack of confidence. She also revealed that, “Men follow the same guidelines,”
“Often you will see the male royals walk a step or two slightly in front of the female royal, which is excellent etiquette, as he is trying to walk ahead so he can lend support if she trips, especially while wearing heels walking down stairs.”
“Sometimes you will see The Duke of Cambridge extending a hand backwards while walking down stairs for The Duchess of Cambridge to illustrate the care he is taking while descending stairs by her side.”
Meier, who is the founder of Beaumont Etiquette, runs the Plaza Hotel’s etiquette course in carrying yourself like a duchess, and has dubbed the royal’s stair posture as “The Glory Glide”. She said that, “To practice this technique, it also requires no grasping of the banister and slowly walking down each step”
“Toes are slightly pointed toward the banister for rounded staircases so that people at the bottom of the stairs can’t see up a dress or skirt.”
“Hands should simply be rested on top of the banister and used as a gentle support if needed.”
“The Glory Glide is a difficult technique to learn and often requires numerous attempts to master.”
“The only stair you need to look down at is the first two and the last two, but otherwise chin parallel.”
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