Behind Palace Walls

Every time a State Visit, Royal Visit or Official Visit abroad is announced by the Press Office at Buckingham Palace the public in general starts asking questions about how these visits are arrangements and of course, the all important question of “Who pays for it?”

Often the media fails to inform the general public on this issue, and for whatever reason allows people to be misinformed in regards to how a visit is planned, and who covers the cost of traveling, etc…

It is indeed quite sad, as that subsequently fuels comments that are aimed at critising the true value of Royal Diplomacy.

As an American, I find the idea of curtseying antiquated and even a little... classist (is that a word?) And yet, so many Americans get confused and even flustered when in the presence of royalty- so much so that they agonize for weeks over how to properly curtsey (read: Serena Williams, Wimbledon 2010).