Tunku Dara Naquiah guides us through the do's and don'ts when meeting any royal
For the daughter of the late Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ja'afar, royal protocols and etiquette have always been part and parcel of Tunku Dara Naquiah's life.
Be it meeting and greeting or dining and entertaining, Tunku Dara is extremely well-versed in the art of royal etiquette and she has even opened a finishing school to extend her knowledge to the younger generation.
"My finishing school lasted for 10 years but I still teach etiquette upon invitation. Every year, I will also host a three-hour class on social etiquette for the Upper-Six students of Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar to prep them before they graduate."
Here, the gracious Tunku Dara shares with us the many things we need to know about royal protocols when meeting a member of the royal family.
Always 'junjung duli' when you meet the King and Queen
Traditionally, when you meet the Sultans (rulers of individual states) or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the King), the first thing you need to do is perform the act of 'junjung duli' – a royal tradition of bowing.
When you are invited to greet the Sultans or the Agong, along with their consorts, simply place your hands together and raise them above your head. Then tilt your head down slightly for a small bow toward them.
Tunku Dara says "While a new government ruling has been imposed in the Federal Territory stating that people only need to bow or curtsy when they meet the King and Queen, this royal tradition is still upheld to this day by all the other states."
Read more: 'Tengku' or 'Tunku'? A Guide To Malaysian Honorary Titles