Have any of you been invited to meet a VIP (very important person)? A powerful politician? A famous celebrity? (Listen to responses). Sometimes when we meet someone famous or “important,” we must learn a certain protocol to follow in order not to embarrass ourselves.
We don’t live in England, but if one of us ever gets to meet the queen—or a member of the royal family—here are some things that we need to know.
Preview the article and read through, show, or summarize its main ideas.
“4 Things you Should Never Do When You Meet a Member of the Royal Family”
https://www.thisisinsider.com/how-to-greet-a-royal-2017-12
When you finish reading through the article, discuss the following questions:
- When it comes to touching a royal, the article uses the phrase “it’s not befitting their position.” What does that mean? (It implies that there is a barrier between a commoner and a royal that comes from their elite or privileged position in society.)
- What’s wrong with calling them by their first names? (“Your Majesty” or “Your Highness” is more formal and respectful.)
- Can you think of other situations where calling someone by their first name feels out of place or disrespectful? (Professors, teachers, parents, or other people in positions of authority are often called by Mr. or Mrs. rather than first names.)
- What’s a “curtsy”? Do you ever see this in America? How does our body language show respect—or disrespect—in someone else’s company? (Allow students to share. Responses will vary.)
The levels of formality and respect between social classes in America have faded over time, with very few strict protocols in place today. Our casual attitudes toward authority and position have even overlapped into our attitudes toward God.
Most of us love to meditate on the comfy, grace-filled aspects of our Savior. But on Easter, the Resurrection makes us confront the holiness, power, and divinity of Jesus Christ, and that demands a posture and attitude of reverence.
