Being a royal is everyone’s childhood fantasy. It comes with many perks like an abundance of wealth, living in castles and palaces, and fans from all over the world. However, the fancy façade covers the strict rules and regulations the royals have to follow.
The royal position requires certain standards of dress and behavior that befits the adjective royal. This royal etiquette for a commoner might seem a bit restricting and pretentious. That is because it is. In this article, you will learn about 10 things the British Royals are prohibited from doing.
Related: How Old Was Queen Elizabeth II When She Ascended The British Throne?
Top 10 Things British Royals Can’t Do
1) No Shellfish In The Diet
Members of the Royal Family are banned from eating shellfish because of the risk of food poisoning. Since the royals have a busy schedule, anything that might create disturbance is swept under the rug. That includes foreign tap water and rare meat. However, Prince William has revealed that he likes sushi, despite the royal rule.
2) No Kisses In Public
The Royal Family has a strict rule against public kissing. This is because it might make onlookers, guests, or other dignitaries feel uncomfortable. Most importantly, they have to go on tours to many conservative countries, wherein public show of affection can be considered inappropriate.
3) No Signing Autographs
This is a very legitimate rule because this stops them from being the victim of forgery. British royals are not allowed to sign autographs for security reasons, to prevent people from forging their signatures.
King Charles, when he was a Prince, countless times was seen replying to the public, “I’m sorry, they don’t allow me to do that.” However, Meghan Markle has famously broken this rule by signing a 10-year-old Caitlin Clarke’s autograph book with a heart and smiley face.
4) No To Politics
King will open Parliament with his Speech every year and that’s pretty much it. The Royal Family is prohibited from voicing any of their political opinions. They are also prohibited from running for elections. They are prohibited from voicing out their political standpoint in order to relate to all members of society regardless of political affiliation.
5) No To Immodest Dresses
Royals are expected to dress modestly and adhere to strict dress codes. Even when dressed casually in public, royal ladies must wear a smart dress or trousers with a jacket or cardigan. While men should wear a blazer with a shirt and chinos. As married women, the Duchesses are required to wear a diamond-encrusted tiara at formal indoor evening events.
Royal expert Victoria Arbiter claims that the royals always wear nude stockings. “I would say that’s really the only hard, steadfast rule in terms of what the queen requires.”
In case you missed it: Why Did Queen Elizabeth II Have Two Birthdays?
6) No To Monopoly
In Royal Family, monopoly has ruined many friendships, families, and relationships. Even the makers of the game revealed that half of all the games end in fights. That’s why it is too much of a risk for a royal family. In 2008, Prince Andrew was given a copy of the board game, he said, “We’re not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious”.
7) No To Sitting One Leg Over The Other
It was noted by the royal etiquette trainer that sitting with one leg crossed over the other is said to be frowned upon in royal circles. Royal ladies are expected to sit with their knees and ankles together slanted to one side. This is called ‘duchess slant’. It’s a camera-friendly pose when a duchess is wearing a skirt.
8) No Social Media
Royals are expected to not have a personal social media account. Prince Eugenie is the only member of the youngest generation of royals who has a personal media account. The rest of the royals use Kensington Palace’s official account to share photos. Meghan Markle notably deleted her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages when she got engaged to Prince Harry.
9) No Eating Before Or After The King
To maintain a poised demeanor, royals are expected to learn royal dining etiquette. One of the foremost and main rules is that no one should start eating before the King. The royals must also not continue eating if King finishes eating.
10) No To Selfies
British royals at any time are expected to avoid taking selfies with the public. Selfies require turning your back on a royal which commoners are supposed to avoid and also the close proximity which could pose a security concern.
However, William broke the rule when a fan asked for a selfie in the Commonwealth Arena in 2013. Meghan Markle has stood by the rule several times when fans have asked her for a selfie wherein she politely let them know that she is not allowed to.
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