Everything a royal bride-to-be must know

The 'confusing' curtsy

When meeting royal family members, men are expected to bow and women to curtsy, a formality that even world leaders have sometimes found a challenge.

Markle won't need to perform a big curtsy, but a simple one with a nod of the head, hands behind the sides and one foot behind the other, while bending knees and keeping her back straight.

After marrying Harry, who will be sixth in line to the throne after the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her third child in April, Markle will have to formally greet the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this way.

If Markle is with Prince Harry, she takes on her husband’s status, with royals below Harry in seniority expected to curtsy before her. But if Markle is on her own, she will have to curtsy for “blood princesses” including Anne, Beatrice and Eugenie.

The Royal Family rarely greets each other in such a formal manner outside official engagements, but Markle (and all members of the Royal Family) must greet the Queen this way, no matter where they are.