20+ WEIRD RULES THE BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY HAS TO FOLLOW

Image: Wikimedia/Carfax2

The British Royal Family is a stickler for rules and customs, some of them are too weird they'll surprise you! But that makes them even more interesting, right?

THE QUEEN’S BELOVED CORGIS HAVE THEIR OWN ROYAL MENU

Image: Flickr/Bernard Spragg

These royal dogs live better lives than most of the world’s population, and that is not even an exaggeration. Their food is cooked by chefs, who would prepare for them rabbit, meat, or lamb that are cut into bite-sized pieces.

NO SHELLFISH ALLOWED ON THE MENU 

You may see the likes of shrimps, crabs, and clams ever so majestically displayed on the royal family’s dinner table, but did you know that they are prohibited from eating them? Shellfish poses a much higher risk of food poisoning compared to other edibles, so they basically can’t put them in their mouths.

AN ALL-BLACK ENSEMBLE IS A MUST WHENEVER THEY TRAVEL.

 In the event that a prominent personality in the country they’re stopping by or one of their family members succumbs to death, at least they’re good to go.

THE QUEEN’S BAG IS MORE THAN JUST IT.

Heard through the grapevine the Queen got secret codes in her handbag! Also, if she puts the said thing on the floor, it is a clear indication that the conversation already bores her and that she already wants out. And, if she places her bag on top of the dinner table, the even must end in five minutes.

GARLIC IS BANNED IN THE BUCKINGHAM PALACE.

Well, no one knows the definite reason why garlic can’t be found inside the palace. The only absolute fact at the moment is that they couldn’t care less about the poor thing.

THEY DO NOT VOTE

Image: The White House

But, they totally can! No law on earth prohibits them from voting whoever they feel is deserving of their support, however they just choose not to as they want to exhibit impartiality during election times.

THEY CAN’T WEAR ANYTHING THAT’S NOT APPROPRIATE

The royal family has to appear modest at all times because a lot of people see them as role models. They are not allowed to don themselves with clothes that may stir public outcry. But, this doesn’t mean they can’t look chic and fashionable!

NO GIFT SHOULD BE TURNED DOWN

 Gifts of all prices and sizes are accepted with utmost courtesy. A very young Prince Andrew was once gifted with a baby Gambian crocodile and he accepted it gracefully, though it was later transferred to the London Zoo.

NON-ROYALS ARE PROHIBITED FROM TOUCHING THE ROYAL FAMILY

Remember that time when a completely oblivious Lebron James put his arm around Kate during a photo op? Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge didn’t look too pleased, however props to the two for handling the situation with grace and class.

HATS ARE DITCHED FOR TIARAS AFTER 6 PM.

The ladies are supposed go full-on royalty and appear with their lavish tiaras at public events. Way back, such practice was done to indicate that a woman was already married and that no gentleman should pursue her.

NO TWO HEIRS SHOULD TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES TOGETHER

Image: Flickr/UK in Italy

Well, this was the case until Will, Kate, and an infant Prince George flew to New Zealand and Australia together in one plane in 2014. Such rule has been imposed to avoid—knock on wood—multiple deaths among the family.

NO EATING AFTER THE QUEEN’S DONE

That being said, having a dinner with the Queen means keeping up with her eating speed. What if she’s not in the mood to eat? Well, that’s most certainly not her dilemma.

THEY CAN PLAY ANYTHING BUT MONOPOLY. 

Another Prince Andrew anecdote: When the Duke of York was given a Monopoly board as a present during a public appearance back in 2008, he turned it down and quipped, “We're not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious." Aren’t they missing out on life big time because of this?

WHEN THE QUEEN STANDS, EVERYONE STANDS

No one is exempted.

BOWING AND CURTSYING IS A REQUIREMENT.

Men of the royal family perform a neck bow, while women curtsy when greeting the Queen.

NO PDA

Image: Wikimedia/British High Commission, New Delhi

Royals refrain from holding hands in public.

MYRTLE IS A MUST FOR EVERY ROYAL WEDDING BOUQUET

DINNER CONVERSATIONS ARE FORMULATED

At dinner parties, the Queen usually converses to the person seated to her right first. During the second course of the meal, she chats to the person to her left.

ROYALS DON’T SIGN AUTOGRAPHS OR TAKE SELFIES.

Don't ever dare approach one of them with a selfie stick!

THEY CAN'T WEAR FUR.

King Edward III banned all royals from wearing fur, although this is one rule that has been oft- broken.

 UNMARRIED ROYAL LADIES DON'T WEAR TIARA. 

A princess who attends an event without a tiara means she's up for the marriage market.