I just wanted to point out that traditionally, it was improper for a gentleman to offer to shake hands with *any * lady, not just a queen. Little Bobbie’s mother should have taught him that, along with addressing elders as ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am’.
I study Kung Fu, so I am used to bowing a lot. I would probably bow to the queen, I suppose. Or get totally flustered and stammer something inappropriate but amusing.
Ah, but in that case, might she have to do a Kung-Fu style bow to you too? And if she did not, would you get to thump her or kick or whatever it is?
Oooh, another “thought” strikes: would there be any addressing of each other as “grasshopper” or is that a different thing entirely? I’m really getting to like this “Queen meets Kung-Fu” (Queen-Fu?) notion - you can tell. 
Now see, I would have more of a problem with the “Your Majesty” business than the bow. The bow, I would consider just a show of respect, a courtesy I am prepared to extend to anyone upon introduction, whether royal or not. But “Your Majesty” seems to imply that the person so addressed is somehow innately better than me. I think I would bristle at that like a queen with a commoner’s hand on her back.
I think you are being a tad sensitive. Just MHO. “Your Majesty” is just a form of addressing certain people like “Mr. President”. It no longer means that one is majestic or dominant. Consider that the US President probably addresses the Queen of England and even two bit monarchs from minor nations as “Your Majesty”. He is not being subservient, just polite.
ETA: Maybe I am just jaded because I regularly have to address some of the dumbest assholes I have ever met as “Your Honor”.
I don’t think it’d bother me too much. I had no problem addressing a judge as “Your Honor” and I didn’t think he was inherently more honorable than me. It’s showing respect for the position as opposed to the person.
I’ll respond as I chose. Perhaps a few sharp words would be in order to the ladies (all ladies–coincidence?) who’ve enabled The Idiot.
But I’ll save my greatest disrespect for said Idiot.
I don’t see it as meaning that. I see it as meaning, quite literally, that she is “majestic”, a title that’s pretty good for someone who steps out of gold carriages with a crown and a sceptre.
But you see, I really don’t respect the position. I don’t respect inherited titles. A judge at least has earned his or her title through hard work.
Dude, you confused the grate communicator for the Great Communicator! 
I entered the church about 25 years ago, so I can’t speak to former custom. As I’ve seen it practiced, if the tabernacle containing the reserved Host is on or near the altar, then some reverence to the Presence is expected before entering the pew. Usually this is a genuflection, but sometimes it may be a bow, depending on local custom and possible physical infirmity. If the tabernacle is elsewhere or is empty (e.g., on Good Friday), then a bow to reverence the altar is appropriate.
Bowing? I was taught simply to go to one knee (or nearly so) and cross myself while facing the altar before entering the pew. Or rather, that was what I saw others doing so I did it, I don’t know the reasons behind it it was just something that was done. Just like when passing a church while driving you cross yourself (but that might be my Nana’s idiosyncrasy).
You have no idea how judges get their jobs, do you?
Yes, in fact I do.
When I was a kid, you could tell the Catholic kids because they did the same thing at the movies.
Tris
“…Your Majesty, is that your wedding ring?”
Then why would you refer to hard work as a factor since they are political appointees? Even state court judges despite the election criteria. Since the incumbent usually resigns right after winning election so the governor can appoint a new one who is politically acceptable. Look up Janice Rogers Brown then talk to me me about how hard they work in order to be appointed.
Did you attend law school, askeptic? Did that involve work? Have you practiced as an attorney? Did that involve work? Have you sat as a judge and decided a close case? Does that involve work?
I am more than happy to call a judge “Your Honor.” Judges were not born to the bench. They earned their positions (whether or not you think they worked enough for those positions).
Your cynicism is astounding.
:shrug: Men of the cloth go by "Reverend.’ Judges go by “Your Honor.” You may bristle to know that in many places, ambassadors are called “Excellency.” I think the meaning of those words is contained much more in the tradition of using them rather than the actual sentiment they express.
I think that’s a bit like saying Tom Sawyer was the idiot when all his friends painted the fence.
Ravenman, the difference is that the persons you cite were not born to their positions, they obtained them by work or by possessing the skills or talents required for the job. A queen has done nothing to merit “Your Majesty” other than being born to the position.
We don’t have inherited titles here (our current president notwithstanding) and I do not feel bound to respect inherited titles.
If I meet the queen, as far as I’m concerned I am free to greet her with “Hiya Queenie!” If that raises her royal hackles, she may kiss my common ass. (With all due respect.)