Should You Curtsy If You Spot Meghan Markle During Her New York City Vacation?

Meghan Markle is stateside – so what should you do if you happen to bump into our favorite American royal?

The Duchess of Sussex is in New York City to celebrate the upcoming arrival of her first child with a baby shower hosted by some of her closest friends. While a run-in is unlikely during her visit, proper protocol of the occasion may surprise royal fans.

Beaumont Etiquette founder Myka Meier tells PEOPLE that etiquette rules always follow the protocol of each respective country.

“In American culture, we do not curtsy or bow as a sign of respect, and therefore you would not do so if you came upon a royal in the United States,” she explains. “Just as when Kate Middleton and Prince William visited America in 2014, we saw then-President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama simply extend a handshake to welcome them, it would be the same if you were to greet the Duchess of Sussex in NYC.”

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So is it okay to approach Meghan and shake her hand? Sadly not!

“The correct protocol when in the presence of a royal is to never approach, and instead wait to be introduced,” Meier says.

While your first instinct may be to pull out a phone and snap a photo of Meghan if your paths cross, it’s best to resist the urge.

“As tempting as it may be, to show respect, you should only take a photo of a royal when they pose for it,” says Meier.

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Toronto-based stylist Jessica Mulroney, whose three children served important roles in Meghan’s bridal party at her royal wedding, is among those expected to host Meghan’s baby shower. Friends rumored to be in attendance include former Suits costar Abigail Spencer (who shared a photo of herself on Instagram making her way through an airport on Monday), Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra and Misha Nonoo. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, could also fly in from Los Angeles for the celebration.