Many of us envision Princess Catherine’s life as a fairy tale, but the reality of royalty is far more intricate than it appears. Beneath the glitz and glamour of their majestic lifestyle lies a long list of strict regulations that they must follow. Let’s take a closer look at the royal rulebook and the things Princess Catherine is banned from doing over the years.
1. Posing for Selfies
Members of the royal family often interact with the public and fans, but they are prohibited from posing for selfies. They can only engage in handshakes and greetings. However, in recent years, Catherine has begun to break this royal protocol, stopping for selfies as seen in her latest video at the Fox Club’s nursery, suggesting that the no-selfie rule might be outdated.
2. Giving Autographs
The royal family does not give autographs because signatures could be forged and misused. At the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, when a young schoolgirl named Ruby asked for her autograph, Catherine responded, “My name's Catherine; I’m not allowed to write my signature. It’s just one of those rules.” To make up for the disappointment, she drew a flower for Ruby and provided illustrations for other children at the picnic.
3. Bedtime and Dining Etiquette
Catherine cannot go to bed whenever she likes, as doing so is considered impolite and a sign of poor upbringing. According to Sir William Heseltine, a former private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, no one would leave the dinner table before the Queen finished eating. This unwritten rule dictates that once the monarch is done, other family members must also set down their plates, even if they haven't finished their meals. Like her fellow royals, the princess must adjust her eating pace accordingly.
4. Makeup
The makeup of a royal woman should be as natural and understated as possible, and any experimentation with nail colors is typically forbidden. Catherine's hands must be well-groomed, with manicures limited to nude or subdued shades. Notably, this past Easter marked the first time she was seen with bright red nail polish since marrying William in 2011.
5. Wardrobe Choices
Royal protocol mandates that the princess wear modest, conservative clothing in muted tones. Styles that are overly revealing, such as short skirts or plunging necklines, are strictly prohibited. Additionally, due to the royal family's stance against animal cruelty, wearing natural fur is not allowed. While this rule may not be strictly enforced, the late Queen preferred that royal ladies wear tights for formal events. Royals are also advised against removing their coats or outerwear in public, which likely explains the prevalence of coat dresses during colder seasons.
6. Shopping Alone
Despite enjoying shopping for groceries and visiting boutiques, Catherine is strictly forbidden from doing so alone. Middleton must always leave the palace accompanied by security guards in accordance with safety regulations.
7. Playing Monopoly
Years ago, the late Queen Elizabeth II banned family members from playing Monopoly. Prince Andrew once admitted that the game turned overly competitive, stating, “We’re not allowed to play Monopoly at home; it gets too vicious.”
8. Keeping PDA to a Minimum
The royals are known for rarely engaging in public displays of affection. Some royal watchers might assume that etiquette prevents couples from showing PDA, while others believe certain royals choose to remain professional when out in public as representatives of the British monarchy.
9. Accepting Gifts
While the royals receive hundreds of gifts from well-wishers during public engagements and tours, there are rules about what they can accept. They may accept small gifts, such as flowers or food, and reasonable amounts of consumables or non-controversial books from the public. However, anything valued over £150 cannot be accepted.
10. Flying Together
Although there isn’t an official rule against it, heirs are technically advised not to travel on the same flights to protect the royal lineage. Practically speaking, direct heirs have been seen traveling together multiple times, but they must seek permission from the King, who has the final say on the matter.
In summary, while the life of Princess Catherine may appear glamorous from the outside, it is governed by a complex set of rules and expectations that shape her daily existence as a member of the royal family.
