As the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall walked down the aisle, there was the customary wave effect produced by women curtsying to them. Many people find this sort of thing servile. Andy Burnham has been mocked for signing off letters to Prince Charles “I have the honour to remain, Sir, Your Royal Highness’ humble and obedient servant”. It may even damage his chances of becoming Labour leader. But such politeness is attractive, and it is a pity it is extended only to royalty nowadays. The word “curtsy”, after all, is a corruption of the word “courtesy”. Once upon a time, women curtsied (and men bowed) to all sorts of people – their elders, for example – out of respect. In a republican country like the United States, people call men “Sir” as a general rule, not to be fawning. Why should we feel it is democratic to be rude?