Etiquette Santa Fe

A few flight attendants—experts in proper passenger etiquette—weighed in on the topic. Learn more at the link in the comments ⬇️

Insider advice for first-time Grand Slam attendees, including tips from tennis stars Maria Sharapova and Jessica Pegula. https://cntraveler.visitlink.me/JiXbgA

Today is Memorial Day. This U.S. federal holiday is observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the military, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Consider how we can support and safeguard grieving families and loved ones who are left behind, as well as reflect on why we have the freedom that we enjoy today.

Learn more at Almanac.com/content/when-memorial-day

This week's column: The king came, he charmed, he conquered, and this time, nobody burned anything down. His masterclass in schooling America’s lawmakers was all class. One can only hope the lesson sticks.

The king's finest hour before Congress: Message of unity For those who followed my column two weeks ago on the power of diplomacy, and why King Charles was exactly the right person to make this trip, I hope you’re

Elements of the banquet were chosen to reflect “the long and enduring friendship” between the UK and the US.

Why does monarchy remain such a potent instrument of soft power?

With the State Visit of King Charles III to the United States taking place this week, thoughts have turned to the soft power of a monarchy.

Our Debrett's expert Hugo Strachwitz reflects on the five enduring features of the monarchy that lend themselves to diplomacy.

In an age of constant change, monarchy offers something rare: stability with a human face. It is this quiet constancy that allows sovereigns such as King Charles III to exercise influence not through instruction, but through presence.

We will be reflecting further on our blog this week, link in bio.

Aligned messaging with last week’s column on diplomacy.

The State Visit of King Charles III to the United States, marking 250 years since the United States Declaration of Independence, is rich in symbolism.

Once the Crown and the American colonies stood in opposition. Today, their successors meet not as adversaries, but as enduring allies. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reflected as much in the bicentennial visit in 1976 ‘no longer enemies, but partners’.

Such visits remind us that diplomacy is not only conducted in treaties and summits, but also in memory, gesture and continuity.

A shared history, thoughtfully acknowledged, becomes a shared strength.

Keep your eyes on our blog this coming week as our Debrett's directors will be reflecting on many aspects of the US state visit - www.debretts.com/heritage/insights/

📸 Image Credit: The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

On the centenary of the Queen’s birth 👑🎂🇬🇧
““Women are not -- yet -- allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, and Abdullah was not used to being driven by a woman, let alone a queen,” Cowper-Coles continued. “His nervousness only increased as the queen, an Army driver in wartime, accelerated the Land Rover along the narrow Scottish estate roads, talking all the time. Through his interpreter, the Crown Prince implored the Queen to slow down and concentrate on the road ahead.”

Cowper-Coles said the anecdote was verified by Abdullah, who later became Saudi Arabia’s king and considered the drive truly terrifying; the ambassador called the story “too funny not to repeat.”

Many people thought of Queen Elizabeth II, who was born on this day in 1926, as a model of dignity and decorum but ace driver rarely comes to mind. It’s easy to forget that, as a young woman, the then 18-year-old Princess Elizabeth joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II and was trained as a mechanic and military truck driver.

When the Queen officially became Britain’s longest reigning monarch in 2015, a story resurfaced that shows the grit, determination, and wicked sense of humor behind the prim and proper public face. It’s the story of how in 1998 the Queen took Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah bin Abdulaziz -- who was from a country that only ended their ban on women driving in 2018 -- on the ride of his life.

Abdullah, then the crown prince, was visiting the Queen’s Balmoral estate in Scotland. Former British ambassador Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles recounted the story this way: “The royal Land Rovers were drawn up in front of the castle. As instructed, the Crown Prince climbed into the front seat of the Land Rover, with his interpreter in the seat behind. To his surprise, the Queen climbed into the driving seat, turned the ignition and drove off.”

“Women are not -- yet -- allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, and Abdullah was not used to being driven by a woman, let alone a queen,” Cowper-Coles continued. “His nervousness only increased as the queen, an Army driver in wartime, accelerated the Land Rover along the narrow Scottish estate roads, talking all the time. Through his interpreter, the Crown Prince implored the Queen to slow down and concentrate on the road ahead.”

Cowper-Coles said the anecdote was verified by Abdullah, who later became Saudi Arabia’s king and considered the drive truly terrifying; the ambassador called the story “too funny not to repeat.” The story of Queen Elizabeth’s pointed “tour” of Balmoral stands as a reminder: the Queen was a woman of many talents and not one to suffer foolish stereotypes gladly.

To share Queen Elizabeth's inspiring life story with children, we recommend the picture book "Queen Elizabeth II: A Little Golden Book Biography" for ages 4 to 8 (https://www.amightygirl.com/queen-elizabeth-ii-golden-book) and the illustrated biography "Who Is Queen Elizabeth II?" for ages 8 to 12 (https://www.amightygirl.com/who-is-qeii)

There is also a delightful picture book about Queen Elizabeth's relationship with her beloved corgi: "The Corgi and the Queen," for ages 4 to 8 at https://www.amightygirl.com/the-corgi-and-the-queen

For books for adult readers, we recommend "Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch" (https://amzn.to/3d2YDjF), "Queen of Our Times: The Life of Queen Elizabeth II" (https://amzn.to/3x8PJrE), and "The Platinum Queen: Over 75 Speeches Given by Britain's Longest-Reigning Monarch" (https://amzn.to/3cXSVjc)

For a fascinating two-part book series about Queen Elizabeth II, we recommend "The Crown: The Official Companion, Volume 1" (http://amzn.to/2BIPA2U) and "The Crown: The Official Companion, Volume 2" (https://amzn.to/3n9mOxw)