Royal watchers have been left split after Princess Charlene of Monaco was seen curtsying to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain during an official visit marking 150 years of diplomatic relations between Monaco and Spain.
The visit, held in Madrid, saw Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed at the Palace of Zarzuela by King Felipe VI.
The meeting focused on bilateral relations, international cooperation and shared priorities, followed by a private lunch hosted by the Spanish monarch.
The couple’s trip forms part of wider commemorations marking the establishment of Monaco’s diplomatic mission in Spain in 1876.
Later in the programme, the royal couples, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, alongside King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, attended engagements at Madrid’s Royal Botanical Garden, including an exhibition highlighting five centuries of shared history between the two nations.
The visit marked Charlene’s first official appearance in Spain in her capacity as Princess of Monaco, which she became in 2011.
Footage shared on social media showed Princess Charlene curtsying to both King Felipe and Queen Letizia.
The gesture prompted debate among royal watchers about whether it aligned with modern royal protocol.
Royal fans have been left divided over Princess Charlene of Monaco’s curtsy to the Spanish King and Queen
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Some critics argued that the curtsy was unnecessary given Charlene’s position as consort of a sovereign prince.
One royal fan wrote on social media: “Princess Charlène's protocol error: Although the title is that of Princess, she is the consort of a head of state, therefore, she should not curtsy to the Kings.”
Others disagreed, suggesting that differences in royal style still carry weight in formal settings. One supporter said: “It’s not the same to be ‘His/Her Serene Highness’ as to be ‘Majesty’; it’s a higher rank.”
They added that even Princess Grace of Monaco was known to observe similar courtesies when meeting monarchs of higher status.
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Queen Letizia, Prince Albert, King Felipe and Princess Charlene pictured at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Madrid
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A further response framed the gesture as a matter of tradition rather than strict protocol, writing: “They are serenissimus highnesses and the king's majesties.
“They are neither royal highnesses; therefore, Charlene's reverence is perfect.”
A Serenissimus Highness is a formal honorific style of address used for members of sovereign, princely families, of which Monaco belongs.
Unlike the United Kingdom, which is a monarchy under King Charles III, Monaco is a principality, ruled by Prince Albert II.
King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco visit the exhibitions marking the 150th anniversary of the first diplomatic mission between Spain and Monaco
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Another commenter added: “It is not a breach of protocol, as out of respect, one can bow to a Royal House older than the one to which you belong.”
The debate reflects the broader ambiguity surrounding European royal etiquette, where rules are not formally standardised and customs vary between households.
While some observers view such gestures as outdated hierarchy, others see them as symbolic courtesy between dynasties.
The Madrid visit itself has been widely viewed as a successful reaffirmation of relations between Monaco and Spain, with both sides highlighting cooperation in diplomacy, culture, environmental initiatives and scientific exchange.