The Bizarre Rules of the Royal Family


 

Life as a royal isn’t all high tea and regattas. There are a plethora of rules and regulations that one must follow should they be born, or marry, into the royal family.

Many you can understand, especially ones pertaining to the safety and privacy of both the individual and family at large. But some of the rules are just downright bizarre.

Shall we?

Members of the Royal Family are Never Allowed to Play Monopoly

This one was outed a few years back by Prince Andrew, son of Queen Elizabeth II. He confessed that the royals are not permitted to partake in the board game as it is known to become too “vicious”, putting people and relationships in jeopardy.

I’ve known Monopoly to ruin a friendship or two from time to time, so I can whole heartedly understand this having been enforced within the monarchy. That being said, it’s still a very bizarre thing to have to abstain from considering this game wasn’t even in existence back in Victorian times.

by Horst Frank – Wikimedia Commons

Pasta, Potatoes or Rice are Never to be Included on a Dinner Menu

Her Majesty The Queen detests any form of starch. She doesn’t want to see it on her plate and she doesn’t want to read it on a menu.

There will never be any form of pasta, potatoes or rice served at a royal dinner, in the royal kitchen or even as a royal snack. She much prefers a simple fish grill and some good old vegetables (no starch in these, nope).

Tiaras are to Replace Hats After 6pm

Provided one is married, then they are allowed to don a tiara once the clock strikes six. If not, then I guess you’ll have to wear your hat so that everyone knows just how undesirable you are.

Jokes aside, all royal women must wear hats to public events. The married ones must switch to crown jeweles after 6pm. This really does date back to yesteryear when married women needed to show that they were taken and no longer in search of a man. Glad we’ve progressed past this outdated ritual, oh wait…

Kate Middleton – by Nick Warner – Wikimedia Commons

Any Member of the Royal Family who is Traveling Must Have one All Black Outfit on Hand

Should a member of the royal family be traveling abroad when tragedy strikes and another member passes away, one cannot be caught dead (excuse the pun) in something other than black in public.

When royals die the public tends to watch the remaining members’ every moves. The announcement of a death simply cant be proceeded by Prince Harry in a hula shirt while on vacation in Hawaii. He mourns with his people; he wears all black to the beach instead.

If the Queen Stops Eating, So Should You

Dining in the presence of the Queen is considered to be a privilege. Upon you acceptance of the invite to join her for dinner, you also accept that you will stop eating the minute she herself does.

Saving that juicy leg of lamb for last? Too bad. Once she’s done and you’ve yet to touch it, consider it gone for good. Moral of the story, if you’re ever invited to dine with the royals, eat all the good stuff first!

Queen Elizabeth – by Carl Albert Research and Studies Center, Congressional Collection – Wikimedia Commons

Prince Philip Must Always Appear Two Paces Behind the Queen

Tour guides for London’s guided walking tours will sometimes mention this as part of their interesting facts of history.

Queen Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Philip, must always appear at least two paces behind her if they are strolling within the public eye. They are often pictured in the royal gardens, she in front and he well in the back. This is very curated and not by choice.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip – by Peter Ellis – Wikimedia Commons

Garlic is Not Permitted Inside of Buckingham Palace

The Queen has one of those rare and devastating deviant genes that make on utterly detest the smell and taste of garlic; similar to how some people taste something completely different to others when it comes to cilantro.

The royal kitchen is not permitted to cook with it at all, nor bring it within the palace grounds.

She also doesn’t like too many onions, but these are still permitted with caution.

Sheer Pantyhose are to be Worn at All Times

As with anything in history, the women have a bunch more rules to follow than the men. One being that a royal female shall never expose her legs to the public unless they are covered by sheer pantyhose.

Take a close look whenever you see Miss Meghan or Duchess Kate out and about, they will always have stockings perfectly matched to their flesh under their dresses.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markel – by Northern Ireland Office – Wikimedia Commons

Members of the Royal Family May Not Vote

No member of the royal family is permitted to cast a vote in a British election. They are neutral, and except from the politics that rule the rest of the nation.

They are also not permitted to ever run for office.

Members of the Royal Family are Forbidden from Wearing Fur

Back in the 12th century, Edward III made a proclamation that stated that no members of the royal family shall be permitted to wear fur of any kind. This was quite a statement considering the harsh winters of the time, but it stuck nevertheless.

There have been a few exceptions made since then, but for the most part this rule is still honored. I supposed this rule is exercised with the same severity as the shellfish rule: royal family members are expect to abstain from eating shellfish due to it’s high risk of food poisoning. While most definitely follow it, there are always exceptions.

The Royal Family – by Carfax2 – Wikimedia Commons

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