Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has ordered an end to the practice of kissing his hands. The king has reminded us all that it is only our mothers and fathers who deserve this respect and affection. The king’s order indicates his humility and modesty.

The ban should also extend to the unusual practice of kissing the shoulder which is often seen here in the Kingdom.

Royal court officials now instruct visitors who wish to greet the king and other elderly princes that the greeting should be a handshake rather than a kiss. Nonetheless, despite the king’s order, some citizens still insist on kissing the shoulder or hand of the king, the crown prince and other princes.

Royal receptions are telecast internationally and, on several occasions, I have heard people abroad asking if the kissing of the shoulder is part of the protocol of meeting the Saudi king. This idea is personally disturbing to me, particularly when I know that the king himself is not in favor of the practice. After the televised announcement of the royal order, I do not think anyone will try to continue the practice.

I hope that those who insisted on kissing hands will also realize that kissing shoulders is equally distasteful to the king. The proper greeting for royalty is now clear: a handshake rather than a kiss.