30+ Rules That The Royal Family Must Follow

Reason: To honor and defer to the King
Exception: None

The King of England is precisely that: the head of state. The Royal Rules on this list are all about showing respect for and honoring this sacred status, which has existed for over a thousand years. The Royals have maintained their formality, and guests visiting one of the House of Windsor’s strongholds are required to follow these formal norms. For example, when King Charles III stands, everyone else does, and no one sits until he does, too.

Reason: Risk of someone forging a Royal signature
Exception: None

Prince William, Kate Middleton, King Charles, and other members of the Royal Family frequently attend events with large crowds. In 2023, Princess Kate will gently deny a request for her autograph. She said that the cause was “just one of those rules.” The limitation on Royals signing autographs makes sense, given the possibility of these Royal signatures being reproduced or falsified. Regular individuals have a hard enough time avoiding identity theft at their local PNC, Chase, or Key Bank—can you imagine how difficult it must be for the Royals?

Reason: To preserve the line of succession
Exception: Young children (such as Prince George)

The line of succession is extremely important for the Royal Family since it determines who will inherit the throne. Common law, religion, legitimacy, and gender have all influenced this succession, and the path to the throne has resulted in bloody confrontations over the years. However, things have cooled down among the Royal Family (slightly), while rigorous rules are still in place to maintain the line. For example, two direct heirs cannot fly together, lest the worst-case situation occur. The only exception is for little children, who must be accompanied by a parent. The Royals prefer to travel in their own private jet rather than on a JetBlue or British Airways flight.

Reason: It’s a sign of respect for their elevated status
Exception: If they offer a hug or handshake first

According to the official royal website, there are no “official” norms or codes of conduct when dealing with a member of the Royal Family. However, some expectations do exist. For starters, it’s advisable to avoid physical contact with the Royals. The late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, established this precedence. If a Royal extends a hug or handshake, you may engage, but it is advisable to wait and watch rather than make the touch yourself.

Reason: PDA is too informal
Exception: Handholding, a pat on the back

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip established this precedent, encouraging individuals to keep their hands to themselves. It is not just urged that civilians do not touch the Royal Family; even the Royal Family is not permitted to contact them. Royals must act properly and formally in public, which is why they rarely participate in PDA. They may occasionally hold hands or lightly pat each other on the back, but kissing and snuggling are not permitted in public.

Reason: To make sure guests got enough to eat
Exception: None

Those who have watched Spencer will be familiar with this custom, which was not merely dramatized for the movies. Christmas dinner is a bit of a contest, though most of us wouldn’t want to participate. The Royal Family weighs people before and after Christmas supper, a ritual that dates back to the early 1900s. The practice is to weigh everyone after the huge lunch to ensure that everyone ate enough. Apparently, being a lightweight is the last thing you want in the WWE or the Royal Family.

Reason: It’s part of the Royal etiquette protocol
Exception: They can’t accept gifts that would place them “under obligation”

We’ve all received gifts we didn’t want and had to smile and say thank you, knowing we’d donate or regift them once we got home. This also applies to the Royal Family. They are frequently showered with presents when on tours and formal trips. They must always accept gifts from national organizations and leaders with grace, regardless of the nature of the gift or the giver. King Charles III makes the final decision on who gets to keep what, and many gifts are now placed in the Royal Collection, a museum of Royal Family valuables that has been open since 1660.

Reason: The Orders of Precedence demand it
Exception: Informal situations

When you look at images of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, you may see that he was usually a few steps behind her. That is because Prince Philip was a consort, not a king. Because of the Order of Precedence, his rank to the Queen was lower, thus he had to show respect for the Order by trailing behind her while they were out together. Time will tell whether this custom will continue with Queen Consort Camilla and King Charles. In 2012, WBD labeled the Prince as “the man behind the queen.”

Reason: Mark of respect for the British monarchy
Exception: None, not even for fictional thrones

This is a long-standing, historic tradition, not a law (though the two may have equal force). Tradition dictates that British monarchs only sit on British thrones, never foreign ones. Stack Exchange and other sources describe this legislation as a “age-old mark of respect.” Queen Elizabeth took this regulation extremely seriously. When she was invited to the Game of Thrones set, she graciously declined to sit on the Iron Throne (although she admired its design).

Reason: The Royal Marriages Act 1772
Exception: No, if married without they lose their place in the line of succession

The Royal Marriages Act was passed in 1772, and it established ground rules for royal engagements, weddings, and other events. One major custom, which is being maintained today, is that royal descendants must obtain the approval of a king before proposing. Both Prince William and Harry had to get permission from Queen Elizabeth II before proposing, and future Royal weddings will have to go through King Charles. The rationale for this ban is simple: the Royals wish to ensure that no weddings damage the House of Windsor’s status. The New York Times archive still contains pieces from the early 1980s discussing the “pros” and “cons” of Charles’ proposal to Diana.

Reason: They have to be “above” political matters
Exception: None

Have you ever observed that the Royal Family seldom expresses its political views? They don’t speak up for the Labour or Conservative parties, and there’s a solid reason for it. As a constitutional monarch, King Charles III and the House of Windsor must be “above” politics. They undoubtedly have their own political beliefs, but they are unable to express them openly and do not vote.

Reason: Appears to be a Royal preference
Exception: It’s not enforced too strictly

This one is a little disputed, since some claim it isn’t true while others insist it is. It is fair to say that the Royal Family has rigorous style guidelines, and many Royal women have chosen to wear neutral tones to numerous formal occasions. However, this rule, which some claim the late Queen instituted, does not appear to be strictly enforced, as Princess Kate has occasionally worn red fingernail. Perhaps this is better regarded as a royal preference rather than a strict rule.

Reason: It symbolizes luck, fidelity, and love
Exception: None

Myrtus communis, called Myrtle, is a flowering evergreen shrub native to Europe, West Asia, India, North Africa, and Micronesia. It is gorgeous, and it is a Royal tradition that all wedding bouquets include this flower. After her wedding, Queen Victoria planted myrtles from her own bridal bouquet in her personal garden. The plant has thrived for over a century and is still utilized in royal weddings today. Myrtle is said to signify constancy, luck, and, of course, love.

Reason: It’s part of Royal protocol
Exception: None

As this list has shown, the Royal Family must adhere to a number of severe rules, particularly those governing marriage. For example, when you marry as a Royal woman, you cannot keep your maiden name. Women who marry Royal men in the line of succession must assume their husbands’ titles. In the late 1910s, King George V decided to make “Windsor” the Royal surname, named after Windsor Castle. And thus it has stayed ever since, with ladies marrying into the Royal family legally adopting that surname at their wedding.

Reason: Donning a tiara is a sign of “adulthood”
Exception: None

Even if you are a member of the Royal Family, you cannot casually throw on a diamond tiara. The Royal Family’s jewelry collection is worth millions, and diamond tiaras are among the most valuable pieces. Tiaras are only to be worn during formal evening functions. Only married ladies are entitled to wear these million-dollar trinkets, which is why Kate Middleton never wore one until her wedding to Prince William.

Reason: It’s British tradition
Exception: They can have a best man/maid of honor

If you’ve ever noticed, photos of Royal wedding parties often include a large number of children. Brides and grooms in the United States often prefer that no children be present at their weddings, however this is strictly prohibited in the Royal Family. Elle claims that it is a British practice to have children as pageboys and bridesmaids. Though royal weddings can have maids of honor, they do not follow the traditional bridesmaid/groomsmen arrangements found in most other weddings.

Reason: They have to be above politics
Exception: Humanitarian causes (banning landmines, for example)

As indicated on this list, the Royal Family does not vote because they are expected to remain above politics. They do not become involved with the MPs since these leaders of state must remain impartial on all political issues. While the Royal Family may advocate for general humanitarian causes (which cannot be discussed), they are not permitted to express political views on tax legislation, current concerns, or scandals. The media has frequently worked itself ragged speculating on which side the Royal family leans, to no avail.

Reason: It preserves the etiquette of the event
Exception: None

When dining with the Royal Family, there are rigorous regulations about dinner talks. During the first course, King Charles, for example, speaks with the individual to his right. During the second meal, he engages in conversation with the individual to his left. People at the table are expected to converse softly with the person seated next to them; there will be no yelling across the table to get their point across. The King is particular about his seating arrangements, preferring to sit among people with whom he feels he will have an intriguing conversation.

Reason: The risk of food poisoning is too high
Exception: King Charles III sometimes can’t resist

Shellfish and rare meat are both common causes of food poisoning, which can result in cramping, nausea, vomiting, and a variety of other unpleasant symptoms. Food poisoning can be fatal in severe cases, especially among the old and infirm. Though not a strict “law,” the Royal Household generally avoids shellfish and raw meat due to its proclivity to cause disease. However, according to rumors, King Charles III is sometimes unable to resist the appeal of these dangerous meals.

Reason: Disrupting dinner is a no-no
Exception: An emergency situation (choking, heart attack, etc.)

Shellfish and rare meat are both common causes of food poisoning, which can result in cramping, nausea, vomiting, and a variety of other unpleasant symptoms. Food poisoning can be fatal in severe cases, especially among the old and infirm. Though not a strict “law,” the Royal Household generally avoids shellfish and raw meat due to its proclivity to cause disease. However, according to rumors, King Charles III is sometimes unable to resist the appeal of these dangerous meals.

Reason: It’s considered part of dining etiquette to show respect
Exception: None

There are numerous Royal Rules that accompany a formal supper. While gathering around the table as a family may appear informal, this is not the case with the Royals. For example, when dining with King Charles III, no one can eat until he does. Similarly, no one can continue eating after finishing a meal, whether it is KFC takeaway or a ten-course banquet. According to Tasting Table, the late Queen was known to move her food around on her plate, even when she was full, to allow others to finish.

Reason: The Fur Act of 1337
Exception: None

The Fur Act was enacted in 1337, during King Edward III’s reign. It prohibited the wearing of fur by anyone who was not a baron, earl, knight, or Church of England prelates. The only exceptions were wealthy individuals who spent more than $124 per year. This also featured Royal Family members. For seven centuries, the Royal Family has adhered to this guideline. Furthermore, the Act mandated all British people to wear clothing created in Britain, however the Royals have mainly ignored that provision.

Reason: Royals don’t want people turning their back on/approaching them
Exception: None

Prince William follows this norm, as does the entire Royal Family. It makes sense once you think about it. Even though their millions of adoring followers want them to, the Royals rarely take selfies. This is because, according to Cosmopolitan’s Greg Agnew, the Royals do not want people turning their backs on them, which is a typical way to obtain a decent selfie. They also do not want people to approach and converse to them at random, as this could jeopardize their (the Royals’) safety.

Reason: The tiaras belong to the monarch
Exception: None

When Queen Elizabeth II was still alive, she had a very specific Royal Rule: she always chose the tiara for a Royal woman getting married. This restriction was made public after the Queen replied “no” to Meghan Markle’s wish to wear an emerald and diamond tiara. Meghan couldn’t wear the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara because the late Queen thought it was inappropriate, so she had to find something else. The Queen was not one to micromanage other people’s fashion choices, but when it came to tiaras, she was very particular.

Reason: Senior Royal Family members changed protocol
Exception: None

Reason: To show respect for another country’s cultures/traditions
Exception: Attending a funeral

When a member of the Royal Family makes a State visit to another nation or country, they must dress diplomatically. This entails adopting elements and symbols of the other country’s culture, religion, and customs. Colors, jewelry, and designs are all carefully chosen to flatter the other country and demonstrate the Royal Family’s desire to participate in their customs. Furthermore, as the old saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Reason: The Corgis were spoiled
Exception: None

If you wanted to witness some of the world’s most spoilt dogs, go no further than the late Queen of England’s Corgis. These puppies had an excellent nutrition. The Royal chefs, not the Queen, prepared their cuisine. The canines’ diets included rabbit, chicken, liver, and rice, all of which were prepared in the Royal kitchens alongside the “human food.” To help the canines live longer lives, their regimens included homeopathic therapies.

Reason: The Royal Corgis could do no wrong
Exception: None

In addition to enjoying royal meals prepared in the palace chefs and homeopathic treatments to extend their lives, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Corgis were free from censure. When the Queen was alive, she established a strict rule that no one on the Royal staff was to criticize or punish her dogs. If a Royal attendant is caught saying anything unkind to the puppies, he or she will face the Queen’s “fury.”

Reason: All of the licenses in the UK are issued in their name already
Exception: None

As a king, King Charles III does not require a driver’s license. This also applied to Queen Elizabeth II. The monarch is not required to have a license in the UK because all licenses are already issued in the king or queen’s name. Technically, neither the King nor the Queen are required to undergo driving tests. They can drive about without a license, because what officer would stop the monarch to issue them a speeding ticket? However, this privilege is limited to the king and does not extend to any other members of the Royal Family.

Reason: It makes any outfit formal
Exception: If the situation practically prevents you from carrying one

Carrying a pocketbook lends a level of formality to any look, especially if it is designer. The Royal women usually carried a pocketbook for this reason, and the Queen was very strict about this regulation. The late Queen’s purses, which she frequently carried in a Launer bag, served as both a functional accessory and a means of surreptitiously communicating with attendants when she needed them to bail her out of a conversation. All she had to do was swap her purse to the other arm, and they’d arrive to save her.

Reason: Bare legs are very informal
Exception: Non-official, non-Royal occasions

Another key component of the Royal dress code was a ban on women wearing bare legs. You may have observed that royal women virtually always wear pantyhose, which can be seen in press images, regardless of how sheer they are. This restriction only applies to formal, official Royal occasions, as enforcing it for any event would be excessive. Bare legs simply aren’t formal enough for the image that the Royal family wishes to project, so pantyhose are essential.

Reason: It’s more formal and allows for the best photo possible
Exception: When not officially posing for photos

Reason: Table manners
Exception: When not at an event or formal occasion

When we take a sip of tea or coffee, we usually don’t think about how we’re holding the cup. However, Royal Family members keep a close check on them and have strict etiquette requirements, including drinking. When out at an occasion, the Royals must pinch the teacup’s handle with their thumb and index finger, while their middle finger secures the bottom. The explanation for this rule is nothing more sophisticated than basic table manners.

Reason: Lets staff know when to take their plate
Exception: None

At a Royal meal, the crew is always fast to respond, rushing in almost unnoticed to carry away dishes and provide attendees anything they need. To avoid having your plate taken, you must pose your silverware in a specific manner. If a Royal needs to leave the room during supper, maybe for a bathroom break, he or she crosses their utensils. This directs the staff not to remove their plate. When the Royal has finished the meal, he or she positions the utensils at an angle, with the handles facing the bottom-right corner of the dish.

Reason: Too informal
Exception: When in private and not at formal events

Kate Middleton is always referred to as “Kate” by the press, however she is known as Catherine in the royal household. Certainly, when she is with her family in private, things are less formal, but Catherine and William make it a point not to use nicknames in public. Nicknames are simply too informal, and the Royal Family prefers to maintain an image of formality and fanciness when in the public eye. You will not see King Charles strolling around calling himself “Chuck” at meet-and-greets.

Reason: To honor nationalism and the country’s military
Exception: None

Since the 1800s, the Royal Family has worn military uniforms for State occasions. Princes William and Harry both donned military attire to their weddings, and other Royals have proudly worn their gear at ceremonies. This is significant because it celebrates the titles they have been awarded while also demonstrating support for England as a country. The Queen frequently donned military dress to functions after becoming the first woman in the Royal Family to join the Armed Forces full-time in 1945.