The British monarchy follows a complex set of rules and traditions that have been passed down through generations. These customs shape the daily lives of royal family members in ways that might seem strange to outsiders. From strict protocols governing behavior to unique practices around food and travel, being part of the royal family comes with many expectations.
Royal Christmas Dinner Weighing Custom
The royal family follows an unusual practice during their Christmas festivities. Each family member steps on a scale before and after the holiday meal. This odd tradition aims to measure how much weight they gain from the feast. A weight increase is seen as a sign that the person enjoyed the food. The custom adds a unique twist to the royal Christmas celebration.
Weighing Guests
The royal family follows an odd custom of weighing visitors before and after meals. This practice started with King Edward VII, who ruled in the early 1900s. He wanted to make sure his guests ate enough food. The custom still exists today. Some royals don’t like it. A recent movie showed Princess Diana feeling upset about this strange habit. Many find it invasive and outdated.
No Monopoly for the Royals
The royal family avoids playing Monopoly. Prince Andrew once turned down a gift of the board game, explaining it was not allowed in their home. Family game nights with Monopoly apparently got too intense. The popular property-trading game seems to bring out a competitive streak in the royals. They decided it was best to stick to less contentious pastimes for family bonding.
Royal Family Members Don’t Vote
The British royal family stays out of politics. They don’t vote in elections to remain neutral. This rule isn’t a law, but it’s seen as part of their role. The monarch especially avoids voting. It helps the royals connect with all parts of society without taking sides.
The royal family stays out of politics. They don’t share their views on big issues. When newspapers say they do, the palace often denies it. This happened with Brexit in 2016. A paper claimed the queen didn’t like the EU. The palace said this wasn’t true. The paper had to take back what it said.
Royal Marriage Approval
The British monarchy follows strict rules for royal weddings. The reigning monarch must give written consent before any marriage. This rule applies to the first six people in line for the throne. Without this approval, they and their children lose their right to become king or queen. The rule comes from the Succession to the Crown Act. It shows how the royal family keeps control over important decisions. This practice goes beyond just asking parents for blessing. It’s a formal step in royal tradition.
When Prince William wanted to marry Kate Middleton, he needed Queen Elizabeth‘s OK. She gave it in a fancy document called the “Instrument of Consent.”
This paper wasn’t just any old note. It had beautiful handwriting and art that showed things about William and Kate. To make it official, the Queen put a red wax seal on it.
Royals Reserve Black Attire for Funerals
The British royal family follows a unique dress code. They rarely wear black clothes except for funerals and other somber occasions. This tradition sets them apart from the general public.
Royal members typically choose bright, eye-catching colors for public events. This helps them stand out in crowds. They save their black outfits for times of mourning.
Some royals have broken this rule for special events. But it remains a strong custom within the family. Their colorful wardrobes reflect their public roles and duties.
Princess Diana once chose a black taffeta dress for her first royal event after her engagement. This bold choice caused a stir in royal circles. Black attire was seen as inappropriate for such occasions, typically reserved for mourning. The incident highlighted the strict dress codes royals are expected to follow. Fashion choices carry great weight in royal life, reflecting tradition and protocol.
Royal Travel Requires Black Attire
Royal family members pack a black outfit for every trip. This practice ensures they are prepared for unexpected mourning situations. If a death occurs while they are away, they have proper clothing to show respect. The black outfit rule applies to all royal travels, from short trips to long vacations. Royals follow this custom to be ready for any sad news that may come while they are far from home.
Royal family members pack a black outfit when traveling. This practice stems from a past incident involving Queen Elizabeth II. While on vacation in Africa, she learned of her father’s passing. She lacked proper mourning clothes for her return to the UK.
To avoid similar situations, royals now carry somber attire. This ensures they’re ready for any sudden news. It allows them to step off planes looking appropriate, even in difficult times.
The rule highlights the constant public scrutiny royals face. They must be prepared to handle both joyful and sad events at a moment’s notice. This small but important detail shows how royals balance personal experiences with public expectations.
Wearing Nude Pantyhose at Royal Events
Royal women often wear nude pantyhose to formal occasions. While not an official rule, it is a common practice for royal family members at big events. Nude stockings give a polished look that fits with the royal style. Many people think pantyhose are required, but they are more of an unwritten custom. Royal women pick nude shades that match their skin tone for a natural appearance.
Meghan Markle’s outfit at her first event with the British monarch sparked talk. She wore navy and cream with flesh-colored pantyhose. This was a change from her usual pantsuits. People thought it meant she was adopting the royal style rules. The royal family has many dress guidelines. These unwritten rules shape how they look in public. Royals often wear pantyhose to formal events.
Women wear hats to formal royal events
Royal women follow the custom of wearing hats on formal occasions. This practice began long ago and still continues today. In the past, it was not proper for upper-class ladies to show their hair in public. Now, hats are only needed at special events.
The hat rule applies to all royal women. They must wear hats to things like weddings, christenings, and garden parties. Hats can be small or large. They come in many styles and colors. Royal women often match their hats to their outfits.
Royal ladies have turned hats into wearable art. These fancy headpieces, called fascinators, make a bold statement at formal events. One famous example is the pink pretzel-shaped fascinator worn by Princess Beatrice in 2011. It caused quite a stir at a big royal wedding. Fascinators come in many eye-catching shapes and sizes, adding flair to royal outfits.
Tiaras: An Evening Affair
Royal tiaras sparkle only after sunset. These jeweled headpieces are strictly for indoor formal events that start at 6 p.m. or later. Before that time, royals wear hats instead. This rule stems from old traditions of changing into evening dress. When the clock strikes six, out come the glittering tiaras and family jewels for a night of royal glamour.
Brides in the royal family get a special exception on their wedding day. They can wear a tiara no matter what time it is. Many royal brides put on their first tiara when they marry. Kate Middleton did this in 2011. She wore a Cartier tiara as she walked to the altar.
Royal Family’s Autograph Policy
Members of the British royal family don’t give out autographs to fans. This rule exists to protect the royals from potential forgery. Instead of signatures, they may chat with people or pose for photos during public events.
Prince Charles made an unusual exception to royal protocol in 2010. During a visit to flood-stricken Cornwall, he signed an autograph for victims. This was a rare break from tradition, as royals typically don’t give out signatures. Charles got paper from his security and wrote “Charles 2010” for the requesting couple.
Dark nail colors are discouraged
Royal women often stick to light nail shades. Clear, nude, and pale pink polishes are common choices. This unwritten rule stems from a preference for subtle, classic looks. Some royals do break this guideline. Modern princesses and duchesses sometimes wear bolder colors for special events. But light, neutral nails remain the norm for most royal appearances.
Royal family members occasionally cause minor stirs with their nail polish choices. In 2018, a certain duchess sparked interest by wearing dark opaque polish at a fashion event. Another royal has painted her toes for red carpet outings. Years ago, a beloved princess often sported bright red nails in public, even pairing them with a famous black dress. These small departures from tradition show how royal style continues to evolve.
Heirs Travel Separately by Air
Royal rules say that direct heirs to the throne must fly on different planes. This keeps the line of succession safe if an accident happens. King Charles and Prince William can’t travel together by air. The rule aims to protect the royal family’s future.
Prince George faces a big change when he turns 12. He’ll have to fly on his own plane, away from his dad. This rule keeps the royal line safe. In the past, the family often flew together. But they needed special okay from the queen to do so. This shift marks a step toward royal duty for the young prince.
Avoid Shellfish at Restaurants
Royals follow strict rules about what they can eat when dining out. Shellfish is off the menu. This food can make people sick more easily than other options. The family needs to stay healthy, so they skip dishes like lobster and shrimp. They pick safer foods instead to avoid getting ill.
Royal Bedtime Customs
The British royal family follows unique customs around bedtime. Family members typically gather in the sitting room for an hour or more before retiring. They chat and socialize during this time. The monarch sets the pace for the evening. Other royals are expected to stay up until the monarch goes to bed. This shows respect for the head of the family. Some find these long evenings tiring. A few have even left early, though this breaks tradition. The practice aims to bring the family together at day’s end.
Food Limits for Royals
Royal family members face some eating restrictions. They can’t have meat cooked rare or spicy foods. When traveling, they avoid tap water. Seafood like shellfish is also off-limits. These rules aim to prevent food poisoning. But not everyone follows them strictly. Some royals enjoy shellfish now and then despite the guidelines.
No Fur for Royals
King Edward III banned fur for royals in 1337. The rule stopped most people from wearing fur clothes. Only knights and clergymen could wear fur. This old rule tried to limit fancy outfits. But some royals have broken it over time.
The royal family sometimes bends its own guidelines. Fur clothing, once a common sight, has become a touchy subject. Some royals wore fur hats at Christmas in 2010, upsetting animal rights groups. But times are changing. The queen stopped using new fur in her outfits in 2019. She now asks designers to use fake fur instead. This shift shows how royal practices can evolve with public opinion.
Keeping Track of Royal Presents
The royal family must log every gift they get. This rule helps them stay organized and transparent. They write down details about each present, no matter how big or small. The royals keep careful records of who gave them what and when. This system lets them easily find and track all their gifts. It’s a key part of how they manage the many items they receive from people around the world.
When the monarch finishes, everyone finishes
Dining with royalty comes with strict rules. One key rule is that guests must follow the monarch’s lead at the table. When the king or queen puts down their utensils, it signals the end of the meal for everyone. Diners are expected to stop eating at that moment, even if they have not finished their food.
Royal Makeup and Dining Rules
Royals follow specific makeup and dining guidelines. Those who wear lipstick aim to sip from one spot on their cups. This helps keep makeup marks on glassware to a minimum. At meals, royals use knives in their right hands and forks in their left. They also limit chats to the people sitting right next to them. These customs help maintain a polished image during public events.
The Queen’s Unique Driving Privilege
The monarch of the United Kingdom has a special privilege when it comes to driving. Unlike other citizens, the Queen doesn’t need a driver’s license to operate a vehicle. This unique rule applies only to the reigning monarch. The Queen never had to take a driving test or display license plates on her cars. This freedom from usual driving rules is one of the perks that comes with being the head of state in the UK.
Queen’s Automotive Expertise
The queen had impressive driving skills. She learned to drive and repair vehicles while serving in World War II. When away from public view, she enjoyed taking her Range Rover out for a spin. Her automotive knowledge went far beyond what many might expect from a royal figure.
Royal Couples Limit Public Affection
Royal couples rarely show affection in public. This custom stems from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s example. They kept touching to a minimum during public appearances.
William and Kate follow this tradition. They maintain a professional demeanor at most events. The couple may share a quick hug or hand hold at special times, like Olympic celebrations. But these moments are rare exceptions to their usual reserved approach.
Some royal couples show more warmth in public than others. Prince Harry and Meghan often display their bond openly. They hold hands, share smiles, and even kiss at events. This was seen at the 2022 Invictus Games, where Meghan kissed Harry on stage. Their actions contrast with the more reserved approach of other royals.
Royals Enter Rooms in Order of Succession
The royal family follows a set order when entering rooms for official events. This order matches the line of succession to the throne. The monarch goes first, followed by the next in line. Prince William and Kate come after, with other family members behind them.
Royal family members don’t always stick to strict order rules. At a 2019 Buckingham Palace event, people were surprised to see royals enter the room in no particular sequence. This casual approach is normal for less formal gatherings. The usual order only comes into play at big state events and diplomatic functions. Royal experts say this shows the family can be flexible when needed. It’s a reminder that even royals can relax the rules sometimes.
Royal Bouquets and Myrtle Tradition
Royal brides carry myrtle in their wedding bouquets. This custom began with Queen Victoria and continues today. Myrtle stands for love and happy marriages. Kate Middleton brought back this practice in 2011. The small white flowers come from a special bush. Royal brides pick sprigs to add good luck to their big day.
Royal brides follow a sweet custom for their wedding flowers. Every bouquet includes sprigs of myrtle. This plant stands for love and good fortune. Princess Beatrice used myrtle in her 2020 wedding bouquet. She mixed it with other pretty flowers like jasmine, roses, and sweet peas.
How to Shake Hands Like Royalty
Royal family members learn proper handshake etiquette from a young age. The ideal royal handshake involves two to three pumps with open palms and thumbs pointing down. This technique helps royals maintain a polite and respectful greeting while avoiding prolonged contact. By following these guidelines, royals can gracefully meet and greet people at official events and public gatherings.
When meeting royals, it’s important to let them make the first move. Don’t offer a handshake or touch them. This rule applies to everyone, even famous people. Some celebrities have accidentally broken this rule. For example, a singer once grabbed a prince’s arm. Another time, a politician touched the queen’s back. These actions, while friendly, go against royal protocol.
Young Princes Sport Shorts Until Age 8
Royal boys follow a clothing custom that has them wearing shorts for most of their early years. This practice stems from old aristocratic traditions. Young princes typically don shorts until they turn 8 years old. At that age, they start wearing long pants. This clothing rule helps set royal children apart from others. It’s one of many customs the British royal family keeps alive.
Young royal boys typically wear shorts year-round, even in chilly weather. This tradition applies to princes like George, William, and Charles. They usually don’t switch to long pants until they start prep school.
In winter, royal boys may wear knee-high socks with their shorts for extra warmth. They might also add layers like sweaters or coats. The royal family values tradition, so this dress code continues despite changing seasons.
Words to Avoid in Royal Company
The royal family has strict rules about language. Some words are not allowed. For example, don’t say “toilet” around royals. This word comes from French. Better choices are “lavatory” or “loo.”
There are more than 12 banned words for royals. These rules help maintain a certain image and show the family’s traditions and history.
The royal family has some interesting language quirks. They don’t say “dessert” when they want something sweet after dinner. Instead, they ask for “pudding.” This rule applies even if the treat isn’t actually pudding.
They also avoid words like “patio,” “perfume,” “lounge,” and “couch.” These terms are seen as too casual for royal speech.
Royal Baptism Requirement
Members of the British royal family follow a strict rule about baptism. This practice marks the start of their connection to the Church of England. The monarch leads both the family and the church, so every royal must go through this religious ceremony. It’s a key step in their royal duties and faith.
Royal baptisms are important for all family members. Even adults joining the family go through this ceremony. In 2018, Meghan Markle was baptized before marrying Prince Harry. The Archbishop of Canterbury performed the private event. This shows how baptisms are a key part of royal life for both babies and grown-ups.
Ending Conversations Properly
Royal family members follow specific rules when finishing talks. The monarch typically leaves the room first after a chat ends. This custom shows respect for their position. Other people stay put until the royal exits.
The royal family follows many special rules. One rule says people should not turn their backs to the queen. When talking to the queen, most people face her the whole time. Even when leaving, they try to back away without turning around. This shows respect for the monarch’s position. The rule applies to both royal family members and others who meet the queen.
No Photos with Royals
Members of the British royal family don’t take selfies with fans. This rule stops people from asking for pictures during public events. Instead, royals talk to people face-to-face. They want real connections with the public, not just quick photos.
Prince William has taken a few selfies with fans, going against royal customs. He’s been spotted posing for photos with school kids and other well-wishers. These moments show William’s willingness to connect with people, even if it means bending traditional rules.
No inheritance tax for the UK’s royal family
The British monarch enjoys a unique tax advantage. When the throne changes hands, the new ruler doesn’t pay inheritance tax on their windfall. This rule sets the royal family apart from other wealthy Brits who face hefty taxes when inheriting large estates.
King Charles III avoids paying a substantial inheritance tax on his mother’s estate. The U.K.’s 40% tax on inherited wealth does not apply to the monarch. This exemption allows Charles to keep about $200 million that would have gone to the government if he were a regular citizen.
Royal Women Prefer Dresses and Skirts
The British royal family follows certain fashion customs. Women in the royal family often wear dresses and skirts. They are rarely seen in pants. This tradition seems to come from Queen Elizabeth II’s style choices. She liked dresses and skirts best.
Some royals have started to move away from strict dress codes. Pants have become more common for royal women at public events. This shift shows a willingness to blend modern styles with royal traditions. Fashion choices now reflect personal tastes while still maintaining a polished image.
Royal women carry handbags on their left arm
Female members of the British royal family follow a custom of carrying their handbags on their left arm. This practice extends to various types of bags, from small clutches to larger purses. Even Queen Elizabeth II was often seen with her handbag on her left arm during public events.
Wrapping Up
Royal life is not as glamorous as it may appear. Family members must adhere to guidelines that affect everything from how they dress to how they interact with the public. While some rules are rooted in history and protocol, others seem odd or outdated by modern standards. This mix of tradition and quirky customs makes the British monarchy a source of ongoing fascination.