Behind the Royal Curtain: The Unseen Rules of Princess Catherine’s Life

Many people envision Princess Catherine's existence as a picturesque fairy tale, but the reality is far more intricate.

Beneath the glittering surface of royal life lies a labyrinth of stringent regulations that she must navigate daily.

Let's delve into some of the lesser-known rules that govern her life and the lives of other royals.

First off, let's talk about selfies.

While members of the royal family often engage with fans, there's a strict no-selfie policy in place.

They are only allowed to shake hands and greet people.

However, in a recent video at the Fox Club's nursery, Catherine broke this protocol, stopping for selfies with delighted fans.

This playful act raises an interesting question: should the royal selfie ban be reconsidered?

Next up is the topic of autographs.

Surprisingly, royal signatures are off-limits due to the risk of forgery and fraud.

During her visit to the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, when a young girl named Ruby requested an autograph, Catherine had to explain, “I'm not allowed to write my signature.

It's just one of those rules.” To soften the blow, she drew a flower for Ruby, showing that while she adheres to the rules, she still finds ways to connect with her admirers.

When it comes to bedtime, Catherine faces another set of unwritten rules.

According to royal etiquette, it's considered impolite to retire before the monarch.

Sir William Heseltine, a former private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, noted that no one would dare go to bed before the Queen.

This extends to mealtimes as well; once the monarch finishes eating, everyone else must do the same, regardless of their own dining pace.

Makeup is another area where strict guidelines apply.

Royal women are expected to keep their makeup natural and understated, with nail polish limited to n^de or muted shades.

However, in a notable departure from tradition, Catherine was recently spotted wearing bright red nail polish during Easter, marking a bold statement after Queen Elizabeth II's passing.

Fashion choices are also tightly regulated.

The princess must don modest, conservative attire in muted colors, steering clear of revealing outfits or plunging necklines.

Given the royal family's stance against animal cruelty, natural fur is a no-go, and while not strictly enforced, it was rumored that the late queen preferred royal ladies to wear tights at formal events.

Shopping is another activity that comes with restrictions.

Although Catherine enjoys wandering through grocery stores and boutiques, she cannot do so alone.

Security protocols dictate that she must always be accompanied by guards when leaving the palace.

Interestingly, there's even a ban on playing Monopoly within the royal household.

The late Queen Elizabeth II found the game too competitive, leading Prince Andrew to reveal, “We're not allowed to play Monopoly at home.

It gets too vicious.” It seems even light-hearted family fun can have its limits in royal circles.

Public displays of affection (PDA) are also kept to a minimum.

Royals rarely kiss or hold hands in public, which might seem surprising.

This restraint is largely due to their roles as representatives of the monarchy, where professionalism takes precedence over personal expression.

When it comes to receiving gifts, the royals face strict guidelines as well.

While they can accept smaller tokens from the public, such as flowers and non-controversial books, anything valued over £150 is off-limits.

This ensures that their gifts remain manageable and appropriate.

Lastly, let's touch on travel arrangements.

Although there's no formal rule against heirs flying together, it's generally advised to avoid it for safety reasons.

Direct heirs often seek permission from the king before traveling on the same flight, ensuring the continuity of the royal lineage.

In the end, the life of Princess Catherine is not just about glamour and glory.

It's a balancing act of tradition and modernity, where every action is scrutinized under the lens of royal protocol.

As she navigates these complex rules, one can't help but wonder how they shape her identity and public persona.