Shaping culture and breaking barriers
The only royals who are completely above the law are the family dogs. They can do as they please.
Sources: (Harper's Bazaar) (Marie Claire)
See also: If King Charles dies first, what will happen to Camilla?
Everyone who met Queen Elizabeth during her life was informed of this basic protocol. When she stands, you stand.
At formal dinners, the Queen would decide when the meal was over. Everyone else had to stop eating once she'd taken her last bite.
It's rumored that the Queen used the position of her handbag to send a private message to her staff. If she moved her bag to her right hand, that meant they needed to come and rescue her from a conversation!
A royal wedding party must always include a gaggle of young children to act as flower girls and page boys. Adorable!
Royal family members are discouraged from engaging in public displays of affection. No kissing, or even hand-holding while in the public eye.
Traditionally, royal brides always carry a sprig of myrtle in their bouquets. The flower is thought to symbolize love and marriage.
It's said that royals are banned from eating shellfish, most likely because of the risk of food poisoning.
It's rumored that there garlic was banned at Buckingham Palace because the Queen didn't like it. For the sake of the rest of the royal family's palates, hopefully King Charles will change that rule!
When greeting the King or Queen, women are required to curtsy and men must bow their heads (even their own family).
Royals are not allowed to vote or express political opinions publicly.
Royals are obliged to accept all gifts graciously, no matter what they are. Here Kate Middleton accepts a blow-up yellow duck with a delighted smile.
The royal family members are not supposed to act like celebrities and sign autographs or take selfies with their fans. Obviously, Meghan Markle found it a bit difficult to break her old habits!
The King or Queen must always be the first person to turn around and leave when a conversation is over. You should always see the back of their head and they should never see yours.
Since their marriage in 1947, Prince Philip was obliged always to walk a few steps behind the Queen. Will Camilla have to walk behind Charles?
It's rumored that people outside of the royal family aren't supposed to touch the royals. LeBron James is breaking all the rules here!
In the past, the Queen followed the same procedure at every dinner party. For the first part of the meal, she would speak to the person on her right. When the second course was served she would switch to the person on her left. Very diplomatic! Will King Charles do the same?
After Queen Elizabeth II's passing on September 8 2022, Prince Charles became the next King of the United Kingdom, now called King Charles III. Elizabeth's reign started in 1952 and lasted 70 years, so naturally, the crown continued to operate as it had in the 20th century in many ways. Will the new King Charles follow the rules in place, or shake things up?
Many of the royal traditions followed up until now make perfect sense, but some are totally bizarre and archaic. Click through the gallery to see some of the most interesting customs of the British royal family.
Inside the quirky rules and traditions of the British royal family
Will King Charles adhere to the same customs as his mother?
CELEBRITY Royals
All royal families must have some sort of rules to ensure they live up to the gravitas of their roles. Dignity and privacy are of the utmost importance to the British royals, and there are many protocols new members have to learn. It must have been a real culture shock for Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle!
After Queen Elizabeth II's passing on September 8 2022, Prince Charles became the next King of the United Kingdom, now called King Charles III. Elizabeth's reign started in 1952 and lasted 70 years, so naturally, the crown continued to operate as it had in the 20th century in many ways. Will the new King Charles follow the rules in place, or shake things up?
Many of the royal traditions followed up until now make perfect sense, but some are totally bizarre and archaic. Click through the gallery to see some of the most interesting customs of the British royal family.