30 Rules You Never Knew The Royal Family Has To Follow

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Credit: PA Images[/caption] I've accepted that the world will never officially recognize me as the princess that I know I am. Took me a while to get there, but I managed in the end. But to be honest, I don't think I'd want to be an official princess after reading this list of dos and don'ts. They're mostly don'ts and they suck. Being a royal isn't as fun as it would seem because there are so many limitations to what is expected of your conduct - everything from your fashion choices to social graces. It's one thing if you're brought up in that world, but marrying into it has got to be quite the culture shock, especially if you're used to having all of your personal freedoms. Here's a list of all the most shocking expectations, traditions, and customs that are enforced and expected of the members of the royal family... [post_page_title]#1 When the Queen Stands[/post_page_title] Ok, this one isn't that shocking, it's a bit expected. We've seen loads of films - historical and not-so-historical - that feature the monarchy, and everyone stands when the king or queen stands or enters the room. That isn't that bad. [caption id="attachment_2896" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] However, could you imagine if a monarch is constantly coming and going from the same room? How annoying would that be?! Talk about a cardio workout if you get stuck with an antsy Queen. Catholics would probably be the only ones who'd be able to keep up with that rigorous up and down. And yes, the lapsed Catholic in me only feels 78% guilty for writing that.

[post_page_title]#2 Curtsies and Bows[/post_page_title] Again, Catholics would probably be the only people that could keep up with the repeated up and down motions that come with greeting the Queen. Both men and women are expected to curtsey and bow accordingly to her. [caption id="attachment_2878" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] This tradition is obviously for all members of the Royal Family. Can I just ask, given that the Queen is also your relative, is it awkward bowing or curtseying to your grandma? Or even worse, your mom? Is it just me that thinks this would be super awkward?

[post_page_title]#3 Separate Travel for Heirs[/post_page_title] For security reasons, particularly the security of preserving the line to the throne, two heirs can't travel together. Not only is this really macabre to think about, but it's also got to put quite the damper on family vacations. As of right now, Kate and William have broken said tradition by traveling with their son George, but come his 12th birthday, father and son will probably be required to fly separately... how sad. [caption id="attachment_2879" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Half the fun of a family vacation is traveling together to your destination all while getting on each other's nerves. Then you arrive at your destination and after a nap and some food, all is well again. So if you think about it, parents and children in the Royal Family never get to experience the joyful stress of traveling together. Same with siblings. I suppose if it's a tradition you don't really know what you're missing.

[post_page_title]#4 There is a Secret Code to the Purse[/post_page_title] The Queen uses her purse as more than just an accessory. This one is pretty trippy and kind of cool. I might start implementing it in my life so my wife knows what I want in public without me having to discreetly tell her. [caption id="attachment_2874" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] There are actually little codes tied to the famous handbag so she can send subtle hints to others, without coming across as rude. When she places her clutch on the tabletop at dinner time, it means that dinner is wrapping up - so eat fast! And if she swaps her bag from her left hand to her right, the conversation you're having is coming to an end - try to be less boring next time.

[post_page_title]#6 PDA[/post_page_title] This one seems like a no-brainer. I mean, have you ever seen a member of the Royal Family get all cuddly and gross with one another? No. I mean, I'm sure in person behind closed doors it's a different story, but in public they are very stoic. [caption id="attachment_2918" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] The no-PDA rule really applies most when members of the Royal Family are traveling abroad. This is because they're expected to never make others form more conservative cultures feel uncomfortable by publicly showing signs of affection.

[post_page_title]#7 Marriage Proposals Require Permission[/post_page_title] When I got engaged, my wife asked my dad for his blessing. More than anything, that was more of a gesture of respect towards traditional Mexican dad, it wasn't law. However, there is an actual rule that applies to members of the Royal Family, and it dates back to the Royal Marriages Act of 1772. [caption id="attachment_2876" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] According to this marriage act, all unions of the royal descendants must have their monarch's approval. The Queen has approved of all marriages of her children, plus all her grandchildren. Luckily for all of them, she has approved. But how awkward would it be if she'd said no?!

[post_page_title]#8 Bridal Parties Always are Made of Kids[/post_page_title] We've all seen royal weddings televised on TV. Have you ever wondered why there is not a whole lot of adults there? That is because royal weddings require bridesmaids and pageboys - i.e. kids. [caption id="attachment_2919" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] They are responsible for pretty much everything, from scattering flower petals to carrying the bride's train. As far as adults having a role in the royal wedding, the most they can hope for is the role of matron of honor and a best man.

[post_page_title]#9 Bridal Bouquets Have to Include Myrtle[/post_page_title] This traditional wedding custom dates back to Princess Victoria. Since then, royal brides carry a sprig of myrtle in their bouquet. Myrtle is a symbol of hope and love. Isn't that cute? Any brides-to-be can take a cue from the traditions of the royals. [caption id="attachment_2875" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Recently, the latest members to join the Royal Family, like the Duchess of Cambridge, have upheld the tradition by including a sprig or two of myrtle in their bouquets. Meghan Markle also did, but hers also included flowers handpicked from Kensington Garden by Prince Harry.

[post_page_title]#10 Royals Couldn't Marry a Catholic until 2011[/post_page_title] Anyone who knows the complicated history of English Monarchy, knows that in the 1500s there was a little hiccup between the Catholic Church and Henry VIII. Since then, England went protestant and never looked back. Then in 1701, there was the 1701 Act of Settlement, which explicitly forbad members of the Royal Family from marrying a Catholic. [caption id="attachment_2920" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] That was all was overturned in 2011 - finally! Now, Royal Family members can marry a person of any faith system, so long as the Queen approves of course.

[post_page_title]#11 No Nicknames[/post_page_title] You'll never hear any married royal couple call each other "pookybear" or "snugglebums" in public. That's not because they're uptight or unromantic, it's because they're not allowed. Furthermore, you'll never read a news article where they're mentioned by a shortened version of their name. That's because royals are expected to be referred to or addressed by their full, given names. [caption id="attachment_2880" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Remember when Kate Middleton was Kate Middleton? Then, after she was married, she began being referred to as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. I'm sure in person her family and husband call her Kate still, but in public, it's Catherine. However, there's an exception to every rule. Prince Harry's full name is Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Windsor... yet the world still calls him Prince Harry.

[post_page_title]#12 Hats[/post_page_title] Hats are an expectation of female Royal Family members to wear at all formal appearances during the day. Most socialites and members of the aristocracy do this. However, after 6 pm it becomes a completely different story. [caption id="attachment_2873" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] For formal events and appearances after 6 pm, the hats get ditched, and instead, the tiara gets emphasized. Every female royal has a tiara or two in her own personal wardrobe. Sometimes, she can get one on loan from the crown jewels. But while hats are not expected after 6 pm, only married women in the Royal Family are allowed to wear tiaras at evening functions.

[post_page_title]#13 Bright Hats for the Queen[/post_page_title] You won't catch the Queen wearing drab dark-colored or neutral-toned hats - unless she's in mourning. But other than that, it's always bright colors. That's because she likes them. [caption id="attachment_2877" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] And her love of bright-colored hats and attire has actually been worked into the royal protocol. That is because bright hues make her easier to spot in a crowd. Talk about getting your passions to work in your favor.

[post_page_title]#14 Members Travel with an All-Black Outfit[/post_page_title] All-black is reserved for funerals or evening gowns. The Queen herself has instituted a decree that all members of the Royal Family have to pack at least one all-black outfit when traveling. [caption id="attachment_2921" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] This is in case there is a sudden death in the family and some family members are abroad. They can then mourn while abroad. I'm no psychologist, but I wouldn't be surprised if her rule stems from her own personal experiences.

[post_page_title]#15 All Wedding Dresses Need the Queen's Approval[/post_page_title] A bride-to-be's most favorite part of the wedding planning is picking out her dress. Can you imagine finding the right dress that you feel so great in, and then you get told no? Well, there is a rule that requires the Queen to give her approval on all royal wedding dresses. [caption id="attachment_2922" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Yes, the royal getting married does get some flexibility in terms of choosing the style and silhouette, but ultimately, the Queen gets the final say in terms of the gown's design and aesthetic. So if she doesn't like it, you're not wearing it.

[post_page_title]#16 Modesty[/post_page_title] Throughout the decades, women of the Royal Family have always been fashion icons in their own way. It's just normal that they would be looked to for style aesthetic. I mean, how many articles have we read that feature the Duchess of Cambridge and her outfits that make us want to replicate her classy look? [caption id="attachment_2881" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] But there are rules when it comes to royal fashion - the biggest rule being modesty is key. If you've noticed, all royal women, while being fashion icons, are always dressed very modestly. That is because they are required to, and can't go for outfits that are deemed too racy or provocative. For example, cleavage is a big no-no - just think back to the time that Princess Diana famously covered her chest with her evening bag when she was climbing out of a car in order to shield her cleavage from the paparazzi.

[post_page_title]#17 Clutches have a Double Function[/post_page_title] Ever noticed that the royal women always carry a clutch or some kind of similar bag when attending events? And they're not just evening events either, this applies to all royal appearances. [caption id="attachment_2883" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] That is because there is a deeper reason than just covering up or carrying their lipstick with them. Holding their clutch or bag with both hands allows them a polite excuse to avoid shaking hands with commoners... that one hurts.

[post_page_title]#18 Young Princes Wear Shorts[/post_page_title] Ever noticed that Prince George always seems to be caught wearing shorts in pictures? There is no coincidence that this happens. It's a royal tradition. Here's his dad doing the same thing. Traditionally, trousers are reserved for young adult males and grown men. [caption id="attachment_2923" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Boys in the Royal Family typically wear exclusively shorts until they are eight years old. Prince George will get his pants when he's older. And his little brother Prince Louis will be wearing shorts once he transitions into a young toddler.

[post_page_title]#19 Royals Have Tricks to Avoid Wardrobe Malfunctions[/post_page_title] We all remember 2011 and the Duchess of Cambridge's Marilyn Monroe moment while on a visit to one of the bases of the Royal Airforce. It was a little wardrobe malfunction seen around the world. [caption id="attachment_2900" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] However, the Queen has a personal hack to avoid such embarrassing moments. According to designer Stewart Parvin, who designs outfits for the Queen, her secret to combat sneaky breezes is to sew pennyweights into the hemline of all skirts and dresses. And that's expected of the Queen's wardrobe. If only the Duchess had adopted the practice as well.

[post_page_title]#20 Duty to Serve[/post_page_title] Those in the Royal Family are expected to set the ultimate example of service to their country by serving in the military. While it isn't a requirement that royals enlist in the military, it most certainly is an expectation. [caption id="attachment_2889" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] That expectation is also extended to the wedding day. The royals are expected to wear their military uniforms on their wedding day. That is why we've seen both Prince William and Prince Harry look dapper in their military uniforms on their wedding days.

[post_page_title]#21 No Shellfish[/post_page_title] Since the royals are certainly well-off, one would expect them to be feasting on lobster all day, every day. That is actually not the case at all. In fact, if you are in any way an enthusiastic fan of shellfish, you'd be out of luck joining the Royal Family. [caption id="attachment_2901" align="aligncenter" width="412"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Shellfish of any kind is not allowed to be served at royal meals since its seen as the food that is most likely to cause food poisoning or allergic reactions. I for one could never give up shellfish. I mean, shrimp, lobster, and crab are just too damn delicious.

[post_page_title]#22 No Garlic[/post_page_title] Continuing with the rules for the royal diet, there is no garlic allowed. However, the reason isn't the same as shellfish. It's because the Queen isn't a fan of garlic. Dinner must be pretty boring tasting at the royal house since garlic is left out of all food preparations for dinners that she both hosts and attends. [caption id="attachment_2902" align="aligncenter" width="601"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Personally, how can you not like garlic? It adds great flavor to any dish. Then again, I'm Mexican and Puerto Rican so I'm used to flavorful food.

[post_page_title]#23 Always Two Steps Ahead[/post_page_title] Ever notice how Prince Phillip always walks behind the Queen? That is because there's a rule for that. In order to show that he respects her title and role as Queen, he is required to always walk two steps behind his wife. [caption id="attachment_2891" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Not going to lie, that must be such a drag in public always having to be behind your spouse rather than beside her, holding her hand. But it's the price paid for being part of the Royal Family.

[post_page_title]#24 Proper Way to Drink Tea[/post_page_title] As Americans, tea is a bit of a foreign concept. Americans definitely don't get as into tea as they do their coffee. Their tea game is a little weak. Plus, tea is always seen as a stereotypically a British thing. So it's only natural that the Royal Family would have the ultimately "British" way of drinking tea. And as it turns out, there's a rule as to how the Royal Family members take their tea. [caption id="attachment_2903" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Royal members are expected to partake in afternoon tea, also known as high tea. The rules for the royals are quite specific. There is a specific way of holding the teacups which is to pinch the top of the handle between your thumb and index finger while supporting the bottom of the handle with your middle finger. The handle of the cup should be kept at three o'clock. There is a further rule for royal women, which is they should always sip from the same place in order to avoid getting lipstick all around the rim.

[post_page_title]#25 Don't Touch the Dogs[/post_page_title] We all know the Queen loves her corgis, and boy, do they lead the life of Riley. I think in my next life I'm coming back as one of the Queen's corgis. They are allowed to roam freely throughout the palace, they get daily walks by the Queen herself, plus the best part - they are served daily gourmet meals prepared by one of the palace chefs and personally delivered by a footman. Talk about the royal treatment! [caption id="attachment_2924" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] The particular rule about not reprimanding the dogs mostly applies to the staff of both Buckingham and Kensington palaces. No one can reprimand the Queen's dogs except her... and something tells me that she goes rather soft on her furbabies.

[post_page_title]#26 Dinner Parties are Full of Protocol[/post_page_title] You know you've reached adulthood when you've planned and thrown a dinner party. I personally love throwing dinner parties as I love to cook and entertain friends. But mine are nowhere near as strictly regimented as those of Buckingham Palace. For starters, the seating arrangements are planned to the most minute detail. The Queen actually subtly plans her dinner conversations with the guests who sit beside her. They're on a timer: she speaks to the person on her right through the first course, then switches to the person on her left during the second course. [caption id="attachment_2925" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] Also, if a member of the Royal Family needs to excuse themselves from the table before they've finished their meal, they must cross their utensils so the staff doesn't remove their plate before they've finished. If they're done, they must place their utensils side-by-side at an angle with the handles facing the bottom right of the plate. So complicated! But given that when the Queen is done eating, so is everyone else, I'd assume that most Royal Family members would want to shovel it in before leaving the table in case the Queen gets full.

[post_page_title]#27 Royal Kids Didn't Have Last Names...Till Now[/post_page_title] Until recently, the royal children didn't have last names. Until the 20th century, they were simply called by the house or dynasty to which they were a part of. They didn't really have a need for a last name since they were homeschooled. [caption id="attachment_2926" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] However, that changed with Princess Diana. She sent William and Harry to private schools outside of the palace, therefore they were in need of last names for like the first time ever. Now, the kids go by a singular surname instead of their royal title. So for example, at school Prince George is simply known as George Cambridge.

[post_page_title]#28 Chin Placement[/post_page_title] The royal women have instructions to always stand or walk down the stairs with the chins parallel to the floor. A weird rule, I know, and we're not really sure why? Perhaps because you avoid a double chin that way? [caption id="attachment_2885" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] But besides the chin parallel to the ground rule, royal women are expected to keep their hands by their sides when descending the stairs. This one sounds a bit dangerous, would you not be allowed to hold a handrail, especially when wearing heels or a floor-length gown? If you think about it, it's a miracle that royal women haven't fallen down the stairs if they can't see where they're going because their chins are kept parallel to the ground and their hands are down by their sides.

[post_page_title]#29 Handshakes Have Rules[/post_page_title] Two shakes minimum and maintain eye contact during the handshake. Those are the two rules to handshakes that the royals must follow when they are mingling with the commoners. [caption id="attachment_2890" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] These rules are in place so that members of the Royal Family can avoid touching commoners for too long - ouch! - or to abstain from appearing as though they're giving preferential treatment to one handshake over another. Guess everything must appear equal.

[post_page_title]#30 Driving without a License[/post_page_title] If any of us drove without a license we would be immediately fined. Well, ok, once I was let off with a warning by a very lovely cop, but that was only because the cop remembered me from the week before when he'd issued me a speeding ticket. But overall, we commoners can't get away driving without a license. [caption id="attachment_2927" align="aligncenter" width="760"]

Credit: PA Images[/caption] But the Queen can. And she's the only one in fact, who is allowed to drive without a license. Doubt she even has a license since she is not required to drive with one. She can also get away without having plates on her car. If any of us did that, again, we'd get fined big time. I guess for everything the Queen can't do - like eat shellfish or wear a crop top - there are some perks to what she can do.