Taboos on jeans and garlic and other strange rules that members of the British royal family must follow

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

For the second month now, the world community has been discussing the news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have renounced all titles and privileges. While some are wondering what caused this decision (paparazzi pressure, control by the queen, rumors …), others believe that the former actress is simply tired of living "by protocol." But if you think about it, it is quite possible that the "megsit" happened precisely because the Duchess of Sussex simply could not master the new rules that she must follow as a member of the royal family. After all, they regulate not only how to behave in society, but even dictate what color of nail polish or model of shoes should be chosen for publication. We have put together some unexpected rules for you to follow the members of the British royal family.

Never turn your back on the queen

From the same series "do not touch the queen". You will ask why?" The explanation is simple: it is considered a sign of disrespect and rudeness. Note that even the Queen's consort, the Duke of Edinburgh Philip, always walks a few steps behind Her Majesty.

However, foreign guests, even the most senior ones, sometimes find themselves in curious situations, violating the protocol. For example, before arriving in London in the spring of 2009, then US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle carefully studied the rules of the royal family and stood with their backs to the cameras for almost the entire meeting because they talked with Elizabeth II. The media were able to "catch" them only when it was time to take official photographs. However, the first lady of America still went wild, hugging the queen slightly. British subjects were so offended by this gesture that Buckingham Palace had to make an official statement that the hugs were mutual.

But the current President of the United States, Donald Trump, did not bother studying the royal protocol: in 2018, having arrived on a visit to the United Kingdom, not only did he stand with his back to Elizabeth all the time, but he almost did not pay attention to her and walked straight in front of her. And later, the US leader and his wife Melania simply shook hands with the surprised queen, instead of curtsy and bowing. Apparently, the desire to touch the royal personage was stronger.

Strict dress code for royal children

Have you noticed that the eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton George wears shorts in any weather? Of course, his parents can afford to buy more than one pair of trousers for the heir. But wearing shorts by little members of the royal family is another protocol requirement. The fact is that trousers are usually worn by little boys who are members of the middle class, or those who live in the suburbs. And none of the members of the family of Elizabeth II wants to be equated with either the first or the second. Therefore, the pants will appear in George's wardrobe only when he turns 8 years old.

However, this rule also applies to his sister Charlotte. Of course, there can be no question of any trousers on a girl who is a representative of the aristocracy. But you will never see the daughter of William and Kate in lush pink dresses with ruffles (usually, after all, real princesses are represented in such an outfit). The royal protocol says that girls should have a "traditional and clean look." Therefore, little Charlotte's closet is bursting with all kinds of cute, but simple dresses and cardigans.

Don't forget about the dress code for women - members of the royal family

It is much more difficult to follow protocol for girls who are fortunate enough to become relatives of the queen. There are so many rules for them that they can be used to compile a separate full-fledged article. For example, colored varnish is a taboo. Only neutral manicure is allowed. In addition, Elizabeth does not like wedge shoes, so none of her family members and associates wear such shoes and sandals. But once this ban was violated by Kate Middleton (who would have thought). In 2013, the whole world saw a photo in which the Duchess of Cambridge plays volleyball in wedge shoes. Apparently, the queen was not with her at that moment.

By the way, not all royals can wear a tiara. This is the privilege of married women only. For the first time, girls are allowed to try on such an accessory only on their wedding day. And after the tiara, you can wear it only for special solemn events. On the day of her wedding to Prince William, Kate Middleton wore a piece of jewelry "inherited by her" from Princess Diana.

Also, for royal persons there is a taboo on jeans, and wearing tights is recommended, but this condition is optional (but you know what lies under these words). By the way, Meghan Markle, who is most likely the record holder for protocol violations, was without stockings during the announcement of the engagement with Prince Harry.

"Spare" clothing should always be with you

Royals must always be prepared for the unexpected. And therefore, when going on a trip or just making any visit, everyone should have in store items of wardrobe that are appropriate for one occasion or another. Therefore, little George always has five pairs of shorts in different colors with him, and Charlotte has at least 10 hairpins.

But back to the adult representatives of blue blood: each of them must take a mourning outfit with them on a trip. This tradition appeared in 1952. Then Elizabeth was not yet queen, and during a trip to Kenya she was informed that her father George VI had died. The heiress did not have a black dress with her, so she had to wait on the plane when the mourning robe was delivered to her. Only after changing clothes, the future queen appeared in front of her subjects.

By the way, for safety reasons, members of the royal family never fly together (except for children who are under 12 years old - they are accompanied by their mothers). Great Britain should not be left without heirs, so if something happens to one of them, the other will probably survive.

Speak only one at a time

The royal dinner is a special ritual. Needless to say, everyone present at it should eat at the same pace as the queen and finish the meal at the moment when Her Majesty put down her fork and knife. But you will not see people talking nicely during official meetings at the table: those present can talk to Elizabeth at a certain time.

So, guests of honor usually sit to the right of the queen, and, as a rule, she communicates with them during the serving of the first course. And when the second is brought, Her Majesty turns her attention to the one to her left. Those who do not know these rules may find themselves in a difficult situation. So, once the eminent race car driver Lewis Hamilton, during a visit to Buckingham Palace, spoke out of turn, and he was made to understand that he was behaving inappropriately.

No garlic

Monarchs can afford the most exquisite dishes prepared by the best chefs. But on the Queen's table, you will never see seafood, raw meat, crustaceans and raw water. The fact is that these products are not only absorbed by the stomach for a long time, but can also cause serious food poisoning. It is considered unreasonable to endanger your health from the side of the heirs to the throne.

But it is not known why garlic did not come to the court. Buckingham Palace kitchens don't have this ingredient at all. Perhaps Elizabeth II simply cannot stand his smell. Also, representatives of blue blood do not like pasta, rice and potatoes.

No "Monopoly"

It would seem that "Monopoly" is an ordinary board game, created for entertainment purposes only. But members of the royal family are allowed to choose any type of vacation except this one. For a long time it was not clear why this strange taboo appeared. But when Monopoly was presented to Prince Andrew, the son of Elizabeth in 2008, he admitted that the game creates competition, and it turns from cute to vicious and vicious. We told you just a small part of the requirements that must be met members of the British royal family. Although in fact, representatives of Buckingham Palace claim that there is no protocol. It's hard to believe it. So maybe Meghan Markle is right that she decided to live by her own rules?