Royal Secrets: Inside the Strict Etiquette of the British Monarchy

The British royal family is shrouded in mystery, with a plethora of rules and traditions designed to keep their lifestyle under wraps.

Among them, Princess Catherine of Wales stands out not only for her elegance but also as a devoted mother of three.

Balancing motherhood with royal duties is no small feat, especially for someone who is constantly in the spotlight and held to standards that most can hardly imagine.

Royal protocols have occasionally leaked into public knowledge, revealing some fascinating insights.

One of the longstanding traditions states that members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla and the princes, must refrain from wearing diamonds before 6 PM.

According to royal etiquette expert Micah Mayer, daytime events are reserved for metallics, gemstones, and pearls, while the glamorous sparkle of diamonds is saved for evening affairs.

This practice aims to prevent a display of ostentation during the day.

When attending events indoors after the sun goes down, women in the royal family are expected to swap their hats for tiaras.

However, there's a catch—tiaras are typically worn by married women.

A woman without a tiara at such an event is often perceived as single, adding another layer of intrigue to royal appearances.

As the Prince and Princess of Wales prepare to take on more prominent roles, they are seen as a fresh force within the monarchy.

Experts believe that Catherine and William have the potential to reshape royal fashion and tradition, projecting a modern image of royalty that resonates with the public.

Their youthful energy could signal a shift in how the monarchy is perceived in contemporary society.

Despite the strict rules, it seems some members of the royal family, including Princess Catherine, have occasionally bent the rules.

Both she and her sister-in-law have been known to wear tights with dresses and skirts, defying a long-standing expectation set by the late Queen.

This particular guideline was one of the few hard-and-fast rules that the Queen insisted upon.

Another etiquette rule that has stood the test of time is the proper way for royal women to sit.

Crossing one's legs at the knee is frowned upon; instead, legs must be kept together, although crossing at the ankle is acceptable.

This protocol applies to all royal women, from young princesses to the reigning queen herself.

In terms of modesty, Princess Diana famously used a clutch to cover her chest when exiting vehicles, a strategy designed to avoid any unwanted exposure.

This practice remains relevant, as royal women are expected to dress conservatively, ensuring that cleavage is kept under wraps during public appearances.

Dining etiquette is equally intricate within the royal family.

The Queen traditionally engages with the guest to her right first, then shifts her attention to the left during the second course.

If a royal must leave the table before finishing their meal, they cross their utensils to signal to the staff that their plate should remain untouched.

Interestingly, royals do not participate in the voting process, as they are considered above politics.

The King, serving as both the head of state and the Church of England, must maintain political neutrality.

This detachment from political affairs is part of the royal family's longstanding tradition.

Public displays of affection among senior royals are rare, particularly during travel.

This decorum is intended to respect cultural sensitivities, especially in conservative nations.

However, the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex often broke this norm, frequently seen holding hands and sharing kisses in public.

Marriage within the royal family has its own set of rules as well.

Until recently, royals were not allowed to marry Roman Catholics.

And when it comes to weddings, there's a quirky requirement: the bridal bouquet must include myrtle, a symbol of hope and love dating back to Princess Victoria.

In the past, royal family members were never put on the same flight to avert the risk of losing future heirs in a tragic accident.

While this may seem morbid, today, it's common to see Prince William and Prince George traveling together.

However, this practice might change when George turns 12 in July 2025, following the precedent set by William when he reached the same age.

As the monarchy continues to evolve, the blend of tradition and modernity remains a captivating aspect of royal life, offering a glimpse into a world that balances heritage with the demands of contemporary society.