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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Courtney Pochin

Common arm movement that's banned in front of the Queen as it's 'aggressive'

As the Queen's Platinum Jubilee approaches, many people will have the monarch on their mind and might wonder what it would be like to grace her presence.

If you are ever lucky enough to get to meet the Queen, there are plenty of dos and don'ts to remember - and you could get in big trouble if you break the rules.

From ensuring you curtsey and calling her by the right official title, to wearing an appropriate outfit for the occasion.

Etiquette Advisor Liz Wyse from Debrett's has shared her expert advice with The Mirror on the correct protocol for meeting the Monarch, revealing big mistakes people make when in the presence of royalty. And it turns out there are several phrases and a pretty common arm movement you must steer well and truly clear of.

Crossing your arms can be seen as quite an 'aggressive' stance, says Liz (stock photo) (Getty Images)

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If you are someone who loves to crack out a provocative joke or turn conversations towards more serious matters like politics, then you'd have to stop yourself from doing this around Her Majesty.

This is because, according to Liz, the conversation should always be kept light, covering topics like the weather.

She explains: "If you were lucky enough to be introduced to the Queen, you'll keep your conversation light and general, you wouldn't make provocative remarks, you wouldn't enter into discussions about contentious subjects.

"I think a lot of people would be pretty tongue-tied when meeting the Queen, it's a fairly nerve-wracking occasion, not through any fault of hers, just because of the expectations one has."

And speaking of nerves, there are plenty of nervous habits you also shouldn't do in front of royalty - like picking at your nails or even touching your face too much.

Liz continues: "Try and stand up straight, look straight ahead of you.

"Don't fiddle with your face, don't put your hand over your mouth. Keep your hands as still as possible, down by your side."

As well as all of that, one thing you should never do around the Queen is cross your arms, as this movement or gesture can be seen as "aggressive".

"All of these things will make you look much calmer and that's good advice in general," adds the expert.

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk

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