Virginia offers etiquette tips for queen's visit

RICHMOND, May 4 (Reuters) When in the presence of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Americans are not expected to bow but should not shake her hand until the queen extends her hand.

Hats are acceptable attire in the monarch's presence but they are generally not worn after 6:30 pm Women are not required to wear gloves but those who do should not remove them before they meet the queen. The gloves need not be white.

Those among a list of tips on etiquette put out in an advisory from the office of Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, who is hosting the queen on her visit to his state.

''When The Queen enters a room, everyone stands,'' the advisory says. It adds that while the queen is addressed as ''Your Majesty,'' her husband, her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, should be addressed as ''Your Royal Highness.'' ''Bowing is not expected of US citizens; shaking hands is acceptable but only after Her Majesty has presented her hand to do so,'' the governor's office said.

The royal couple's visit comes as Virginia marks the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, England's first permanent settlement in North America.

The queen and her husband arrived in Richmond yesterday, then went to Williamsburg and was to visit Jamestown and Williamsburg today. They also will go to the Kentucky Derby and visit President George W Bush in Washington.

In addition to the etiquette suggestions, the Virginia governor's office points out that the queen's favorite pets are her five Corgi dogs -- Emma, Linnet, Monty, Willow and Holly.

REUTERS SLD ND0928