Up Until 2013, Someone In Line For The Throne Couldn't Marry a Roman Catholic
On the surface, being a member of the royal family seems like a blast. Who hasn’t dreamed of trading lives with Kate Middleton or Prince William? When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in front of thousands of people, many people claimed it seemed like a real Disney princess love story. However, it’s not all tours across Europe and gorgeous Kate Spade dresses.
There are actually a lot of rules that members of the royal family are expected to follow, and some of them seem impossible for we commoners to even understand. Some of these protocols involve slight alterations to your everyday life (think about having to cross your legs at your ankles instead of the knees all the time). Here are some of the unusual rules Meghan Markle now has to follow since she is an official royal.
If you're a fan of English history, you're probably well-informed on the tension between the Anglican Church and Catholic Church for several centuries. Since the monarchs have been required to be Anglican for hundreds of years, it doesn't seem that surprising that up until very recently there were laws in place banning anyone from marrying a Catholic if they were within the line of succession to the crown.
Eye Contact Must Be Maintained During a Handshake
It wasn't until the Succession Act of 2013 was passed that this centuries old rule was able to be nulled.
When a royal shakes hands with a "commoner", the royal MUST maintain strong eye contact throughout the duration of the handshake. There are also strict rules that must be followed for said handshake.
No PDA EVER When Traveling Or In Public
The shake must stick to two shakes maximum, this is to avoid touching commoners for too long. We wonder what would happen if one of the royals broke this rule?
If you've paid any attention to Kate and William when they make public appearances, you've probably noticed that they don't engage in PDA on camera — not since after they've tied the knot, anyway. There's a rule in place that forbids it, so that every couple in the royal family always appears professional. This is an example that the Queen herself has set, and since then, it's just stuck and become kind of official.
Members Of The Royal Family Can't Play Monopoly
However, Meghan and Harry often do hold hands and appear affectionate, but that's only because they're not married yet. Once they are, you can expect that to come to an end.
This rule is less about offending the public (or the Queen) and more about maintaining peace among members of the family. According to what Prince Andrew said during an interview once, no one in their family can play Monopoly, because "it gets too vicious" when everyone is trying to win. That makes sense — this family is pretty competitive, after all — but it is kind of a bummer that Prince George and Princess Charlotte (and baby number three, whoever she or he may be) will grow up without this tradition that so many other families include during their get-togethers or holidays.
The Queen's Corgis Probably Eat Better Than Most People
Maybe there's another board game they play instead where everyone has less risk of getting nasty with each other? Operation is usually a good one, in case they're looking for suggestions.
Of course, the Queen of England's beloved dogs get the royal treatment. But the Queen's corgis are truly living their best life possible. The Queen's chef of 11 years, Chef McGrady is also responsible for feeding the Queen's corgis as well. She says, "When I worked at the palace, we actually had a royal menu for the dogs. It would be chosen and sent to us in the kitchen every month by Mrs.
They Have To Pack An All-Black Outfit While Traveling
Fennick, who took care of all the dogs at Sandringham. It would list each day what the dogs were to have. The dishes composed of delicacies such as meat, lamb, and rabbit, and the chefs would have to cut all of the meat into tiny bite-sized pieces for the pups and make sure there aren't any bones. We don't want to know what would happen if one of the corgis managed to choke on a tiny bone left in the meat.
This particular rule is a little morbid to think about, but when it comes down to it, it's absolutely necessary. Just in case a member of the family or a government official dies while other members of the family are traveling, they are all required to bring an all-black outfit so that they are able to show their respect to the deceased as they mourn. It's definitely a sad rule, but it's hard to argue with how practical it is.
Members Of The Royal Family Cannot Eat Shellfish
Think about it: It would be really awkward for Kate and Will to return from a diplomatic trip wearing bright colors if someone important to the family or the country had just died, wouldn't it? Black it is.
This is yet another food rule… but this one isn’t exactly dictated by the Queen’s demands. It’s another practical one, and it applies double when traveling. Royals are absolutely not supposed to eat shellfish when they’re away from home, because of the risk of food poisoning that it carries.
But The Queen Does Have Other Dietary Requirements
What could be worse than a royal being unwilling to fulfill his or her duties on a trip because he or she is stuck back at the hotel with their head in the toilet? While traveling, members of the royal family are also supposed to avoid rare meat and tap water — two things that can often cause foodborne illnesses. Better safe than sorry… and not a bad rule for us regular folks to follow when we’re in a foreign country, too.
When the queen is at the dinner table — eating super fast, apparently — there are two items she requires must be left off the menu at all times. According to Elizabeth herself, there is never to be any garlic or any kind of starch involved in her meals for any reason. She deems starches, like potatoes and rice, to be unhealthy, serving vegetables instead as her side dishes. And as for garlic?
And If The Queen Stops Eating, You Must Also Stop
Well, that's more about avoiding bad breath. It seems that at the Queen's table, you can usually find a fish or chicken dish for dinner, plus whatever veggies go best with the protein being served. Maybe that's how she has managed to live so long? Don't knock it — she might be onto something here.
There are about several hundred dining rules you must remember if you have the privilege of eating with the royal family. One of the most important ones you must remember is to always keep track of the Queen. The absolute second the Queen stops eating, you need to stop too, even if you're still hungry.
Two Heirs Aren't Supposed To Travel Together
This rule ventures all the way back to the era of Queen Victoria, who was famous for how fast she ate. Apparently, she could go through a seven course meal in about half an hour, which obviously didn't make things too easy on those eating alongside her. If Queen Victoria participated in any eating contests back then, she probably would sweep the floor with the competition.
The thing about being an heir to a throne as important as the one to the British royal family is that it comes with a lot of pressure... and a lot of making backup plans to be in place just in case the worst happens. There's a rule that members of the royal family cannot fly in the same plane as another heir, just in case something bad happens and the plane goes down.
There Must Be Myrtle In Every Bride's Bouquet
However, Prince William breaks this rule all the time, flying with his children (particularly, Prince George) all the time. In the past, he's made formal announcements that he's not going to fly without his children, so expect that fact to never change. They like to travel as a family!
If you were just as obsessed with Kate Middleton's wedding to Prince William as the rest of us were, you might have noticed that her bouquet included plenty of myrtle. This tradition started back with Queen Victoria, who was the first to carry it in her bouquet and then grow it in her garden. Now, every royal bride must carry that tradition on, and yes, the myrtle still comes from Victoria's garden.
George Can't Wear Pants
As a bonus? Myrtle represents love and marriage, so could there really be a better addition to a bride's bouquet on their wedding day?
You may have noticed that Prince George is never photographed wearing a pair of full-length pants — he's always wearing shorts. As it turns out, that's not just a fashion preference for when his mom, Kate, gets him dressed for the day — it's actually a sign of status. Young boys are to wear shorts, and they're not supposed to graduate to real pants until they're older since that's seen as a strictly adult wardrobe choice. We're a little worried about him having to wear shorts in cold weather, but fortunately, this rule doesn't apply for long.
Tiaras May Only Be Worn After 6 P.M.
Apparently, once he turns eight years old, he's allowed to wear full-length pants. Don't worry, George. Warmth is coming!
If you've ever wondered why Kate and the Queen don't don their tiaras when they make official public appearances during daylight hours, here's the reason why. Apparently, tiaras are so formal that they may only be worn at night, after 6:00 p.m., because it seems they're far too fancy to wear during the day. Before then, women are permitted to wear regular hats (something you see Kate and the Queen do quite often). And of course, Meghan herself won't get a crown until her wedding day, because only married women are allowed to wear tiaras.
No Gifts Opened On Christmas Day
It's a sign that a woman has been taken. If only that rule applied everywhere! Women all over the world would get to feel a lot more fancy on a daily basis.
Although George and Charlotte live lives most kids can only dream of, there’s one tradition that they don’t get to be a part of: tearing into those gifts left by Santa Claus on Christmas morning. Instead, their family takes part in a different tradition and exchanges gifts on Christmas Eve. Everyone retires to the Red Drawing Room at tea time, where gifts have all been laid out for each recipient.
You Cannot Turn Your Back On The Queen
Usually, the family elects to exchange funny gifts instead of more serious ones… like the time that Kate Middleton once gave Prince Harry a “grow your own girlfriend” kit. Now that he’s found Meghan, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be needing that one after all!
So many of these rules revolve around the Queen, because duh — she is the Queen after all. This rule makes it impossible for anyone to ever have their back toward her, and it also guarantees that she has the upper hand in all of her social interactions. For example, the Queen is always the first to leave (which would come in really handy at parties you don’t want to attend) and there’s specific etiquette that applies to people interacting with her.
The Queen Can Drive Without A License
Don’t speak to the Queen until she speaks to you first, and under no circumstances should you touch her. Michelle Obama broke that rule when she put her arm around the Queen for a photo, but fortunately, it didn’t seem to cause any international incidents.
Yet another perk to being the Queen coming down the pipeline! She’s actually the only person in the UK who is allowed to drive without a license, meaning that she doesn’t even have to take the test. In fact, she also gets to drive without having plates on her car — yet another privilege for that Queen Life that they call the “royal prerogative.” With all the stress that must be on her shoulders with that very important job she’s been doing, it seems she should get a few perks here and there, right?
Women Can Only Sit With Their Legs Crossed
So when she leaves the party first, she can also drive away free of license, plates, or photo ID. It’s gotta be pretty sweet to be the Queen sometimes, right?
In case you haven’t already heard of the “duchess slant,” here’s a fun fact for you. All women in the royal family are only allowed to sit in one position: their legs crossed, either at the knees or the ankles (and most women choose the ankles). This is a sign of modesty, which makes sense when you remember that these ladies are mostly wearing dresses and skirts, so it’s kind of important for them to keep their legs closed to avoid giving everyone a free show.
And Their Chin Placement Is Just As Important
Remember in The Princess Diaries when the Queen had to teach this very important skill to Princess Mia before they’d even allow her in Genovia for the first time? It’s that important, y’all.
Once the women of the royal family have mastered the all-important duchess slant, it’s time for them to learn the proper positioning of their chin — and yes, this is a real thing that they all have to follow. Their chin has to stay parallel to the ground at all times, and this rule has to do with keeping the public’s perception of them as positive as possible. If their chin is too low, it gives off the idea that they have low confidence, which isn’t too reassuring in someone the country looks up to.
No Nicknames Are Allowed To Be Used
And if their chin is too high, that gives off the impression that they’re haughty, or think that they’re better than everyone else. A nice, straight on look is the best way to convey that they’re open and friendly. It’s all about the body language, and this one might be a good lesson for us all in new social situations.
Even though we all call Kate Middleton by a nickname (since her true first name is Catherine), this isn’t something that’s supposed to happen in the royal family, especially once you’re married in. If you haven’t guessed by now, this fam likes to keep things formal, including names… and everyone is given a brand new one when they marry royalty.
There’s A Secret Purse Code The Queen Has
For example, Kate’s full title is now Catherine Elizabeth Mountbatten-Windsor, and she’s also formally Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. The official name and title that Meghan will take when she marries Harry isn’t certain yet, but it’s likely she’ll be known as Rachel, Duchess of Sussex, since her real first name is Rachel and Meghan is just her middle name.
There’s yet another cheat code that the Queen gets to use to avoid those awkward social situations, and this one will probably make you even more jealous than the others. It seems that her entourage has to keep a constant eye on the position of her purse, because it says everything. When the Queen puts her purse on her right arm, that means she’s ready for the current conversation she’s having to be over, and gives the signal for someone to come over and politely whisk her away.
The Royal Family Cannot Sign Autographs
When she puts her purse on the table during a meal, that means that the meal is officially over (according to her, anyway), and everyone must be finished eating in five minutes or less. Imagine if we all had this superpower?
If you ever get to meet a member of the royal family, don’t expect them to sign anything for you. Autographs are forbidden since it allows someone the chance to learn their signature well enough to commit forgery. It’s inconvenient for fans for sure, but at least it has a practical reason behind it.
They Don’t Vote
On that note, they also don’t take selfies, and this is a recent rule they’ve adopted. Like the Queen, they don’t want anyone to have their back to them, which is kind of impossible to avoid when you’re taking a selfie. Instead, they like to maintain eye contact with people when they’re talking and prefer to use the time they’re speaking with people to make a genuine connection with them.
In America, it’s pretty common to hear of politicians voting for themselves in elections, but in the UK, that’s a no-no — and so is the idea of heading to the polls at all. Apparently, not only is the royal family voting “unconstitutional,” but it also gets in the way of their main goal, which is being able to relate to the public.
They Must Accept Every Gift That Is Given To Them
If they show people their stance on certain issues, they could risk alienating certain populations, and that’s definitely something they don’t want to do. Instead, they stay quiet and neutral on all issues and always refrain from casting their votes so that they can remain relatable to everyone, not just the people who happen to agree with their beliefs.
Gifts are frequently given to the royal family — not just by the adoring public, but also by diplomats and other political figures while they’re away on their travels. The royals are absolutely required to accept all gifts that are given to them — unless it’s food, of course (because of that foodborne illness risk mentioned earlier). But here’s the kicker: Any gifts they’re given officially belong to the Queen, and she’s the one who gets to distribute those gifts as she’s seen fit.
Kate Middleton Can Wear a Tiara, But Meghan Can't
Between this rule, the thing about driving, and the fact that she constantly gets to be in charge of every meal and every social interaction, we’ve never been more convinced of how good it is to be the Queen. What are the chances she wants to trade places?
(At least for now…) One of the things someone who’s about to join the royal family might look forward to is having access to all those amazing jewels! Queen Elizabeth owns one of the most stunning and historic collections of jewelry in the world, and occasionally lends pieces out — Kate Middleton has been spotted in several borrowed gems. However, Meghan must wait a bit to wear a specific type of jewelry: tiaras.
The Queen’s Husband Must Walk Behind Her
According to British custom, unmarried royals are not allowed to wear them. In fact, a tiara is a “sign of status and would show you were taken and not looking for a husband,” according to etiquette expert Grant Harold. C’mon, May 19!
Prince Philip is married to Queen Elizabeth II but that doesn’t put him on the same footing as his wife. The Orders of Precedence in the United Kingdom states that the Prince must always walk a few steps behind his wife. The rule is especially important during formal occasions and state dinners. The Queen, as a sovereign, always walks at the front of any procession.
If The Queen Stands, Everyone Stands
The Duke of Edinburgh is just a consort, so he walks behind her. Initially, the Prince of Wales as heir to the throne ranked higher than the Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen issued a letters patent to accord the Duke position as higher than all other male members, except for special provisions to the Prince of Wales from the Parliament.
If your a member of the royal family and the queen suddenly stands up, you are obligated to follow suit. This practice has been a long-standing practice of royal protocol that is still followed in the 21st century. In fact, this is standard operating protocol even if you’re not part of the royal family.
A Baby’s Gender Is To Be Kept Secret Until Birth
It probably doesn’t surprise anyone to learn that the queen dictates everything that happens around her from walking to standing and much more. If you’re in the presence of the queen your best bet is to follow along with what everyone else in the room does.
Even if a member of the royal family finds out the gender of their child before birth they must keep the secret from prying eyes. The secret gender of each royal baby has become a betting sport with oddsmakers allow citizens to place bets. A favorite past time for many people involves watching the clothing color choices a princess or queen in the hopes of figuring out if they are going to give birth to a boy or girl.
The Queen’s Dinner Conversations Are Carefully Orchestrated
We’re not sure if this is a strict rule or just a tradition that the royal family has always followed. Either way, that’s a lot of pressure.
When Queen Elizabeth II is seated for dinner her conversations are carefully orchestrated based on who is sitting next to her. The Queen always speaks to the person seated to her right at the start of the meal.
During the second course, the Queen turns to the guest on her left and started a conversation with that individual. The royal family has a lot of dinner rules that revolve around the queen and this is one of the few that her Majesty must also follow during every public meal.