Strict rules the royal family follows - from heirs travelling apart to avoiding shellfish
The royals often follow strict protocolBeing part of the royal family might seem like a life of privilege and glamour, but it comes with a set of strict rules and guidelines it seems.
From dining etiquette to travel guidelines, here are some of the strict protocols that shape life as a member of the monarchy.
Strict rules the royal family follows include travelling
While not a hard rule, heirs are reportedly encouraged to avoid flying together to ensure royal lineage remains intact. Permission from the monarch is required if they do.
For example, Prince William and George have travelled together on royal tours, but these decisions are made carefully and with consideration of potential risks.
The Queen has occasionally granted exceptions. A notable example occurred in 2014 when Prince George, then just nine months old, joined his parents, Prince William and Kate, on a tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Despite this exception, traditional rules are sometimes upheld within the royal family. For instance, when William and Kate Middleton visited New York in December 2014, George did not join them.
Avoiding shellfish
Shellfish is largely avoided to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Former royal family chef Darren McGrady confirmed the late Queen adhered to this rule.
However, younger members, like Princess Kate, have been known to enjoy seafood on occasion.
Former butler Grant Harrold has revealed that the family typically avoids shellfish while dining, citing the risk of food poisoning and its potential impact on their busy schedules.
“We don’t want a member of the royal family having a serious reaction to food poisoning. Especially if [they] are on an overseas tour. Therefore you will not normally find this on the royal menu,” he explained.
Despite this precaution, King Charles was seen breaking the rule in 2013 when he was photographed enjoying oysters during the Whitstable Oyster Festival.
No autographs or selfies – but the royal family have broken this rule before
Royals aren’t supposed to sign autographs to prevent forgery. While they may sign official guest books or documents, personal signatures are off-limits.
Similarly, while the practice of taking selfies has grown more relaxed in recent years, royals generally avoid posing for selfies with fans. The late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly found the trend “disconcerting,” as she preferred eye contact over screens.
However, some royal family members have broken the no autographs rule.
In May 2024, Prince William signed a plaster cast for a boy in Newquay. During the encounter, he jokingly whispered: “Shhh, don’t tell anyone. I’m not meant to do that!”
Meghan Markle has also signed her name for fans in the past.
Even King Charles signed “Charles 2010” for a flood victim during a visit to Cornwall.
However, at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, Kate Middleton explained to a child: “I can’t write my name… it’s just one of those rules.”
Minimal PDA
Public displays of affection (PDA) are rare among the royals. While not explicitly forbidden, it is considered unprofessional for royal couples to hold hands or kiss during official engagements.
“They are almost always seen in photographs taken during official engagements, so they are at ‘work’ and it would be unprofessional to hold hands,” royal editor Emily Nash explained.
For example, the Prince and Princess of Wales often reserve moments of affection for less formal settings, such as sporting events. Kate Middleton and Prince William shared a rare moment of PDA at the 2023 BAFTAs. Kate cheekily patted William’s bottom as they walked into the venue.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were known for their PDA.
From their kiss at the 2017 Audi Polo Challenge to a smooch at the 2018 Sentebale Polo Cup, the couple frequently broke royal protocol.
Travelling with black clothes at all times
When travelling abroad, royals must pack black mourning attire in case of a sudden death.
This protocol ensures they are appropriately dressed upon return to the UK, as seen when Queen Elizabeth II’s father passed away during her trip to Kenya in 1952.
She was unable to leave her plane because she hadn’t packed a black dress.
This led to a protocol requiring royals to always travel with mourning attire.
Dining etiquette
The reigning monarch sets the pace during meals. Once the monarch finishes eating, everyone else must put down their forks.
While Queen Elizabeth II was known to eat quickly, she often slowed her pace to accommodate others.
Permission for marriage
Some senior members of the royal family must seek the monarch’s permission to marry.
This rule, rooted in the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, ensures that potential spouses align with the royal family’s values and obligations.
Once the monarch’s approval is granted, engagements are formally announced, often followed by a press briefing.
Prince Harry needed Queen Elizabeth II’s blessing to propose to Meghan Markle in 2017.
When he finally asked during a hunting outing, the Queen responded cryptically. “I suppose I have to say yes,” she said.
Prince William also followed this rule, seeking permission to marry Kate Middleton.
Dress codes
The late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly preferred female royals to wear tights during formal events.
Princess Kate and Meghan have adhered to this, though the rule has become less rigid over time.
The Duchess of Sussex broke royal tradition by skipping pantyhose during her November 2017 engagement photos and again at a charity event in September 2018.
In contrast, Kate has always adhered to the protocol of wearing nude stockings.
Bowing and curtsying to the monarch is a traditional rule for the royal family
When greeting the monarch, men are required to bow, while women traditionally curtsy.
These gestures don’t need to be elaborate, but they remain a formal mark of respect.
In the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, Meghan Markle described her first curtsy to Queen Elizabeth II.
She compared it to a theatrical bow, which sparked criticism for being disrespectful.
Keep political views private
By tradition, royals remain strictly neutral on political matters.
While the king is allowed to vote, it is considered unconstitutional for the monarch to participate in elections or express political opinions publicly.
However, in 2016, Meghan called Donald Trump “divisive” and “misogynistic” on The Nightly Show. Later, as royals, she and Harry encouraged voting during the US election.
This prompted Buckingham Palace to clarify that Harry’s views were personal and not reflective of the monarchy.
No gifts are allowed under strict rules for the royal family
The royals often receive gifts during public engagements, but strict rules govern what they can accept.
According to the royal gifts policy of 2003, no gift should place the recipient under any obligation.
Small, personal gifts like flowers or books are usually acceptable, while anything exceeding £150 in value is typically declined.
The palace publishes an annual list of gifts received to maintain transparency.
Arriving in order of rank
At formal events, the royal family typically arrives in order of precedence, with the most senior members arriving last.
This hierarchy reflects the structure and traditions of the monarchy.
King Charles III was reportedly upset when Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived late to his coronation in May 2023.
According to royal biographer Robert Hardman’s book, The Making of a King, the Prince and Princess of Wales were supposed to arrive eight minutes before the King and Queen, but they were “a minute and a half late”.
This required a last-minute change to the event’s schedule. Despite the minor hiccup, the coronation proceeded smoothly.
Sitting and sipping tea
Female royals are discouraged from crossing their legs at the knee. Instead, they are advised to keep their knees and ankles together and sit with a slight slant to the side.
The royals also adhere to strict etiquette when drinking tea.
Cups are held with the thumb and index finger at the top of the handle and sipped from the same spot to avoid multiple lipstick stains.
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