When we think of Princess Catherine, it’s easy to picture a life filled with fairy-tale moments and royal splendor.
However, the reality is far more intricate than it appears.
Beneath the surface of glamour lies a strict set of rules that dictate how she must conduct herself as a member of the royal family.
Let’s delve into the royal rulebook and uncover what Catherine can and cannot do.
First off, let’s talk about selfies.
While interacting with the public is part of her royal duties, Catherine is officially prohibited from taking selfies.
Royal protocol allows only for handshakes and polite greetings.
Yet, in a recent appearance at the Fox Club’s nursery, she broke this tradition by stopping to take selfies with fans.
This bold move suggests that perhaps the no-selfie rule could use a little updating.
Another surprising restriction is the ban on giving autographs.
The rationale behind this rule is to prevent potential forgery.
At the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, when a young girl named Ruby asked for her signature, Catherine politely explained, “I’m not allowed to write my signature.
It’s just one of those rules.” However, the princess didn’t leave the girl empty-handed; she drew a flower for her instead, showing her warmth and creativity.
Dining etiquette within the royal household is also strictly enforced.
Catherine must adhere to an unwritten rule that states she cannot go to bed before the king.
This is seen as a matter of respect.
Moreover, during meals, once the monarch is finished, everyone else must also stop eating, even if they haven’t completed their meal.
This means Catherine has to adjust her dining pace to match that of her father-in-law.
Makeup and fashion choices are equally regulated.
Royal women are expected to keep their makeup natural and understated.
As for nail polish, manicures should be in n^de or subdued shades.
However, during a recent Easter celebration, Catherine surprised many by sporting bright red nails for the first time since her marriage in 2011, signaling a possible shift in her adherence to these guidelines.
When it comes to clothing, modesty is key.
The princess must wear conservative outfits in muted colors, steering clear of revealing styles and short hemlines.
Additionally, the royal family has a longstanding aversion to animal cruelty, which extends to a prohibition on wearing natural fur.
Although not strictly enforced, there’s a preference for royal ladies to wear tights at formal events, a tradition that Catherine follows closely.
Catherine also faces restrictions when it comes to shopping.
Despite her love for grocery runs and boutique visits, she cannot shop alone.
Security protocols require her to have bodyguards accompany her whenever she leaves the palace, ensuring her safety at all times.
Interestingly, the royal family has its own rules regarding leisure activities.
Monopoly, for example, is banned due to its competitive nature.
Prince Andrew once humorously noted that the game tends to get “too vicious,” highlighting the need for harmony within the family.
Public displays of affection are another area where discretion is advised.
Royals are rarely seen kissing or holding hands in public.
While some might attribute this to royal protocol, it’s often a matter of maintaining a professional demeanor while representing the monarchy.
Gift-giving is also regulated.
While the royals receive numerous gifts during public engagements, they can only accept smaller tokens from individuals, like flowers or non-controversial books, with a limit of £150 on more substantial gifts.
This ensures that they remain impartial and avoid any appearance of favoritism.
Lastly, while there’s no official rule against traveling together, heirs to the throne typically do not fly on the same aircraft.
This precaution is meant to safeguard the royal lineage.
However, in practice, direct heirs have been known to travel together, but they must seek permission from the king before doing so.
Princess Catherine’s life may seem like a storybook, but it’s filled with challenges and restrictions that most of us can hardly imagine.
From her public interactions to her personal choices, every aspect of her life is governed by a complex set of rules.
So, the next time you see her in the spotlight, remember the unseen weight of royal expectations that she carries.
