The complex royal etiquette dictating who Meghan Markle must curtsy to

Navigating and embracing the various traditions of a partner’s family can be challenging for any newlywed.

Given she’s marrying into a family with centuries of protocol behind it, Meghan Markle arguably has it tougher than most.

There are plenty of Royal Family rules the future Duchess of Sussex will have to abide by, dictating everything from her clothing choices to how she expresses political views.

Meghan will need to brush up on her curtsying rules. (Getty Images)

However, the strict etiquette surrounding when the 36-year-old should curtsy, and to whom, is surely the most intimidating.

According to the Daily MailDaily Mail, the way royal women greet one another is governed by a very political pecking order.

You might assume this is related to the line of succession, but it has more to do with something called the ‘order of precedence’.

WATCH: We look back on Meghan Markle's pre-royal life.

When this ranking is applied to the women of the royal family, the sovereign is typically positioned at the top - quelle surprise - followed by the Queen consort, Queen dowager, and wife of the sovereign’s eldest son.

So, when applied to the current Royal Family, Queen Elizabeth would be immediately followed by Camilla, Duchess of York, given the sovereign is a woman and the Queen Mother is no longer alive.

However, this changed in 2005 when a document was issued privately among the royals to clarify Camilla’s placement in the order of precedence after she married into the family.

The royal women don't just curtsy to anyone. (Getty Images)

She was effectively moved down a peg to sit behind Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra - because of the circumstances and evolution of Camilla’s relationship with Charles, Wilson explains.

So, how will all of this impact Meghan Markle after she marries Prince Harry next May? It’s certainly significant when it comes to greeting her peers.

For instance, Meghan will be required to curtsy to her future sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, who is just ahead of her in the ranking.

LISTEN: The Life Bites podcast explores how women can help one another get ahead. (Post continues.)

However, when it comes to someone like the Countess of Wessex, who isn’t a “blood princess” like the Queen’s descendants, things get more complicated.

Meghan will only be required to Sophie when her husband Prince Edward is in the room, because his presence ‘validates’ her status and allows her to assume his rank.

It’s a similar story with Prince Harry’s cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

Meghan is reportedly having 'Duchess lessons', and who can blame her? (Getty Images)

Meghan will curtsy to them because she isn’t a royal by blood, but they will curtsy to her if Harry is in the room, because he takes greater precedence.

Phew. Are you keeping up with all this?

Honestly, it's no wonder Meghan Markle is reportedly undertaking ‘Duchess training’ ahead of the wedding.