Kate Middleton Delivers a Flawless Curtsy for King Charles as She Returns to the Spotlight

Mar. 15, 2025

Catherine, Princess of Wales at state visit of Qatar on Dec. 3, 2024.Photo:James Veysey/Shutterstock

James Veysey/Shutterstock

Kate Middleton’s return to royal life continues with her biggest diplomatic undertaking since announcing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year — and included an impeccable curtsy to father-in-lawKing Charles.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, (C-L) and Prince William, Prince of Wales, (C-R) during a ceremonial welcome for the Amir of the State of Qatar at Horse Guards parade during day one of The Amir of the State of Qatar’s visit to the United Kingdom on Dec. 3, 2024 in London, England.Leon Neal/Getty

Leon Neal/Getty

Over her 13 years as a working royal (and years spent dating Prince William before they married in 2011), Kate has become an expert at curtsying, even navigating obstacles while doing so, like at the November 2023 state visit where she helped welcome South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee — and curtsied while navigating stairs!

Catherine, Princess of Wales at the Qatar state visit on Dec. 3, 2024.Cover Images via AP Images

Cover Images via AP Images

While women traditionally curtsy as a sign of respect, it is traditional for men to bow their heads. All members of the royal family bow or curtsy to King Charles andQueen Camilla— even his children! — and if royals aren’t seen bowing or curtsying to the King and Queen, it’s typically because they’ve already seen one another that day.

Catherine, Princess of Wales greets dignitaries as she arrives ahead of a Ceremonial Welcome for the Emir of Qatar at Horse Guards Parade in London on Dec. 3, 2024, on the first day of their two-day State Visit to Britain.HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty

HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty

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Catherine, Princess of Wales curtsies during the Order Of The Garter Service at Windsor Castle on June 19, 2023 in Windsor, England.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

It’s the beginning of a busy week for the Princess of Wales, who on Friday, Dec. 6 will host herTogether at Christmascarol concert at Westminster Abbey, alongside husband Prince William and other royals, including hopefully her childrenPrince George, 11,Princess Charlotte,9, andPrince Louis, 6.

source: people.com