Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister in Scotland, has shown a self-respect and respect for democratic niceties that is unusual with British politicians. She has refused to curtsey to Liz Windsor, the hereditary head of state.
Instead Ms Sturgeon, who has a democratic legitimacy that Windsor lacks, shook Widsor’s hand when visiting her at Holyrood Palace, Windsor’s official residence in Scotland, on 5 July.
According to news media reports Ms Sturgeon has previously bowed from the neck when greeting Windsor, rather than doing the full curtsey expected by Britain monarchists. This time she did not do even that.