14 Shocking Royal Etiquettes That Even The Queen Can’t Break!
Expertise: Beauty, Health, & Wellness
Experience: 2 years
Indrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... more
Image: Shutterstock
Being a monarch is a lot of responsibility, but it also comes with its set of fun perks! For example, the monarch doesn’t need a driving license or passport; they can celebrate two birthdays, and also own an ATM machine! So who wants to wake up as a monarch now?! However, all that glitters is not gold, and there are some rigid rules that are beyond any monarch’s power to modify. Curious to know them? Go through the list to know all the laws that bind even the highest-ranked society members, including the King!
1. There Should Be More Than 6 Ravens At The Tower of London
Image: Shutterstock
“If the ravens leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall….” Talk about being superstitious, but this is a rule that has been followed by the British since 1987, and they take good care of the birds (1). They even have names! Say Hi to Harris, Poppy, Rocky, Jubilee, Gripp, Erin, and Merlina if you ever visit the castle!
2. Royals Cannot Be Touched By Non-Royals
Image: Shutterstock
Royals usually don’t let physical contact happen between them and non-royals. So don’t get offended if they don’t entertain your extended arms! However, if they give out their hand for you to shake, you can shake their hand. (Lucky you).
3. Royals Cannot Vote
Image: Shutterstock
The royal family chose not to cast their vote since their choice may unjustly affect public opinion. Instead, they stay ahead of controversies by working with the ruling party and ensuring that politics runs smoothly.
4. They Are Barred From Holding Political Office
Image: Shutterstock
No one from a royal family is granted any authority to influence public opinion or utilize that position for personal benefit (2). This is done to ensure the smooth running of the kingdom without any interference from internal corruption.
5. They Cannot Eat Seafood
Image: Shutterstock
Rather than a requirement, this is more of a precaution. Royals, including the monarch, should avoid eating shellfish and other forms of seafood altogether to avoid allergies (3). But as for King Charles, he’ll happily slurp down a mollusk!
6. Seating Arrangements Must Be Maintained In Proper Sequence
Image: Shutterstock
In processions, the order of precedence is strictly enforced. If a royal wedding occurs, the royal family must arrive in rank order, with the monarch leading the way.
7. Royals Cannot Be Roman Catholics
Image: Shutterstock
Even though this statute was amended in 2011 to remove the restriction on the royal family marrying a Roman Catholic, the royals themselves must stay faithful to the Church of England (4).
8. They Must Dress According To The Rules
Image: Shutterstock
The refined and beautiful dress sense of royalty is supposed to set trends. As a result, their clothes must be clear in their statement, modest but trendy.
9. No Fur Can Be Worn By Them
Image: Shutterstock
Even in medieval times, when Edward III ordered that no one, not even members of the royal family, might wear fur, the rest of the world followed his lead (5). However, there were occasions when the Late Queen was seen in fur. Let’s just pray it was faux fur!
10. They Have To Be Together For Christmas
Image: Shutterstock
Royal family members celebrate Christmas together every year, as is tradition. When Catherine spent Christmas with her own family instead of doing it with her royal family. That didn’t sit well with the Late Queen, according to rumors.
11. One Cannot Eat After The Queen Has Finished Eating
Image: Shutterstock
Guests are not allowed to eat after the monarch has finished their meal (6). Let’s just pray the Monarch is a slow eater. Otherwise, no one will ever get to the dessert! This is done for every meal and even when dining with her family.
12. Royals Cannot Play Monopoly
Image: Shutterstock
This was first hinted at by Prince Andrew, the Duke of York (7). At a public appearance, he was given a property trading game. He then admitted that they were not allowed to play it as it would instill vicious nature among the children. So if the Royals were your friend, you would have to pick another board game to entertain yourself!
13. They Must Be Courteous When Receiving Presents
Image: Shutterstock
All royal family members must accept presents with grace, no matter what their nature. However, since all presents are the property of the Crown, it is up to the Monarch to determine who gets to keep which one.
14. They Are Unable To Travel Together
Image: Shutterstock
Direct heirs are not allowed to travel great distances together, which made sense at a time when traveling posed numerous dangers. However, now that it’s safer and more pleasant to travel in groups, royals are more likely to do so.
No matter what kind of ruling system a country abides by, they have rules that bind them all. It helps to maintain law and order and maintain good relations with other countries. So, which of these rules surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments section!
