Q. Much to my delight, two dear friends have invited
me to attend, with a few others, the registration of their civil partnership on 21 December, the first date, I believe, on which this contract can be entered into. The formalities are to be followed by a dinner and overnight stay at what I know to be a very expensive hotel, as guests of the ‘happy couple’. I would very much appreciate your advice as to the etiquette attaching to a guest at such an event as this. Lady Trowbridge, I fear, would not be of any help in this instance. Or, maybe, she would?
M.C., London, SW19 A. You must play the occasion straight as a poker and retain a rigid formality certainly in the run-up to and throughout the ceremonial signing. Afterwards, you can relax to a certain extent although you should be careful to avoid making the classic mistake of indulging in Kenneth Williamsstyle camp innuendos or patronising winks, or of being caught responding to other guests’ face-pullings.
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