Princess Catherine’s Shocking Royal Secret: What’s Banned in Her Life at 42?
While life as the Princess of Wales may seem like a fairy tale, it actually comes with a series of restrictions and royal rules that most people would find surprising. Even at 42, with her poised and graceful public image, Princess Catherine adheres to a code that imposes certain bans on everyday activities. Here’s an inside look at some of the things surprisingly banned in Catherine’s life as a royal.
Behind the Glamour: The Royal Rules Princess Catherine Must Follow
Many people envision Princess Katherine’s life as a perfect fairy tale, but life in the royal family is governed by strict rules that may surprise most. Beneath the glamour and celebrations lies a comprehensive set of protocols that Royals must adhere to carefully. Today, we’ll explore some lesser-known restrictions that Princess Catherine has had to navigate over the years, as well as how she occasionally bends these royal rules.
Selfies
Unlike most celebrities or public figures, members of the royal family are traditionally discouraged from taking selfies with fans. While they frequently interact with the public, royal protocol typically limits them to handshakes and polite greetings. However, in recent years, Princess Catherine has begun to bend this tradition. For instance, she posed for a selfie during a visit to Foxes Nursery, suggesting that the no-selfie rule might be outdated.
Autographs
Royalty is prohibited from giving autographs due to the risk of forgery. At the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, when a young girl asked Princess Katherine for her autograph, she had to decline, explaining, “I’m not allowed to write my signature.” However, she didn’t leave the girl empty-handed; instead, she drew a flower for her and made illustrations for other children at the event, showcasing her creativity while adhering to royal rules.
Dining Etiquette
Princess Catherine must follow strict dining etiquette during royal meals. According to tradition, no one is allowed to go to bed before the monarch, and once the king or queen finishes eating, everyone else must stop as well. This means Catherine must time her meals to align with King Charles, ensuring that she sets down her plate when he does, even if she hasn’t finished her food. This custom is designed to demonstrate respect for the monarch.
Makeup and Dress Code
Royal women are expected to maintain a natural and understated look, which includes keeping their nails in neutral or subdued shades. Although Princess Catherine typically follows this guideline, she was recently spotted wearing bright red nail polish for the first time since her marriage to Prince William, marking a subtle departure from tradition.
The royal family also enforces strict dress codes. Princess Catherine’s wardrobe is expected to be modest, conservative, and in muted tones. Short skirts, revealing outfits, and plunging necklines are off-limits. While not strictly enforced, royal women are encouraged to wear tights during formal public events. Additionally, Catherine avoids wearing fur due to the royal family’s stance against animal cruelty, and they are advised against removing their coats in public, which is why you often see them in coat dresses during colder seasons.
Shopping and Security
Though she enjoys shopping for groceries and visiting boutiques, Princess Catherine must be cautious about shopping alone. Strict safety regulations require her to be accompanied by a security team whenever she leaves the palace, ensuring her safety while following royal protocol.
Family Game Night
Believe it or not, there’s even a rule in the royal family regarding Monopoly. Years ago, Queen Elizabeth II banned family members from playing the iconic board game due to its competitiveness. Prince Andrew even admitted that the game can become too vicious when played at home, which is why it’s now off-limits for royal family game nights.
Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
Public displays of affection are another area where Royals must tread carefully. Royals are expected to maintain a professional demeanor while representing the British monarchy, which means you won’t often see them kissing or holding hands in public. While there’s no formal rule against it, many Royals, including Princess Katherine and Prince William, tend to keep their affection private during official engagements.
Accepting Gifts
When it comes to accepting gifts, the royal family must exercise caution. They are allowed to accept small items like flowers, food, or books from the public, but anything valued at over £50 must be declined. This rule is in place to prevent potential conflicts of interest or inappropriate influence.
Travel Protocol
Lastly, while there’s no official rule stating that heirs to the throne cannot fly together, it is recommended that they avoid doing so to protect the royal lineage in the event of an accident. While Prince William and Princess Catherine have occasionally traveled with their children, including Prince George, who is second in line to the throne, they must seek permission from King Charles before doing so. Ultimately, the King has the final say on whether the family can fly together, balancing royal protocol with practicality.
