18 rules the British Royal Family have to follow
The royal rules include no tiaras before marriage and a ban on Monopoly.
By Harper’s BAZAAR International
THE WORLD OF the British Royal Family is a secretive one, with countless checks and balances in place to ensure their way of life remains largely, well, secret.
However, on several occasions, royal rules and protocols have come into public knowledge. From strict bans on certain board games to the accessories unmarried women can wear; below, discover some of the British Royals’ most fascinating (and eyebrow-raising) rules.
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Monopoly is a forbidden game.
Quite possibly the weirdest rule, the Royal Family can’t play Monopoly. (Though we imagine this is a “rule” that can be broken).
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A Royal wedding bouquet must contain myrtle.
Every royal bride carries myrtle in her wedding bouquet.
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Dinner conversations are formulated.
At dinner parties, the Queen would always begin by speaking to the person seated to her right. During the second course of the meal, she switched to the guest on her left.
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PDA is looked down upon.
The Royal Family even refrain from holding hands — especially when travelling.
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No autographs.
The family isn’t allowed to sign autographs. On May 22, Kate Middleton politely declined to sign an autograph for school children during a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show in London. While touring the exhibitions at the world-renowned garden show, students asked the Princess of Wales whether she could sign their sketches.
“I can’t write my name,” she reportedly said, “but I can draw.”
Kate then drew a three nature-inspired symbols for separate students, including a flower, tree and pond surrounded by plants. When quizzed as to why she couldn’t sign her name, the royal explained: “My name’s Catherine. I’m not allowed to write my signature, it’s just one of those rules.”
It’s believed members of the royal family avoid signing autographs with the risk of forgery.
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Approval is needed before a proposal.
According to the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, royal descendants must seek the monarch’s approval before proposing.
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When a Royal travels abroad, they’re required to pack an all-black outfit.
Every family member must be prepared with a funeral-appropriate ensemble, in case of a sudden death.
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Until 2011, the Royal Family was prohibited from marrying a Roman Catholic.
Now, the family can marry someone of any faith.
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The family can’t eat shellfish.
Shellfish is off limits to the family, namely because it is more likely to cause food poisoning than others.
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No tiaras before marriage.
Tiaras are reserved for married women, and a woman who attends an event sans tiara is on the market.
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The family do not open presents on Christmas Day.
Instead of opening presents on Christmas day, the Royal Family exchanges gifts in the Red Drawing Room during tea time on Christmas Eve.
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Utensil placement is important.
If royals need to exit the room during dinner, but haven’t finished their food, they cross their utensils so the staff doesn’t remove their plate. If they’re finished with a meal, they place the utensils at an angle, with the handles at the bottom right of the plate.
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As is tea-cup holding.
Royal Family members pinch the tea cup handle with their index finger and thumb, while their middle finger secures the bottom.
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Every Royal wedding party must include a crop of children.
Royal wedding parties are usually made up of younger children.
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They can’t wear fur.
In the 12th century, King Edward III banned all royals from wearing fur — but this rule has been repeatedly broken.
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Women must wear hats to all formal events.
The fancier, the better.
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But no hats after 6pm.
If an event is held indoors after 6 pm., women swap their hats for tiaras.
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A version of this article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.
