It’s a well-known fact that for the royal family, there is a specific set of rules that every member of the family is expected to follow. These rules are extensive and cover everything from what you can eat to what you can’t wear.
For most people, bending the rules every once in a while is normal, but for the Royals, it is practically unheard of. But that doesn’t mean a little rule breaking never happens. In fact, Queen Elizabeth herself has quite publicly ignored some of the family’s longest standing rules.
The rules range from perfectly normal to bizarre
If you thought your parents were strict, they’ve got nothing on the royal family. The royal family rules dictate everything from behavior, to diet, and fashion. Sometimes the rules can be a little extreme or sometimes just plain weird.
When it comes to dress, all members of the royal family must dress formally at all times. No casual apparel or anything revealing. Women must wear hats to all formal events, but only until 6 pm. After six, tiaras are to be worn, but only if you are married.
For meals, the rules can be pretty restrictive. Everything from the seating arrangements to the utensils is covered by the rules. Garlic is prohibited in Buckingham Palace, as are rice, pasta, and potatoes.
Ready for the really obscure? Members of the royal family are not allowed to play Monopoly. They must accept any gift given to them and they always have to black an entirely black outfit when they travel.
Rules are meant to be broken
View this post on Instagram
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at a reception at the British Ambassador’s residence to meet people from different sectors of Moroccan society. See more on @kensingtonroyal.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on
Duchess Meghan Markle has been in the news quite a few times for bending the royal rules. So much so that Fashion Magazine has an entire list dedicated to the rules the duchess has broken. What are some of the duchesses most notable offenses? Well for starters, her fashion. Everything from burgundy nail polish, a crossbody bag, and a sleeveless dress have been pointed out as rule violations.
In addition to her fashion choices, practically everything about her marriage to Prince Harry has broken protocol. As we know, Markle has been married before. Marrying a divorced person is a big no-no for the royal family. Additionally, the couple was married in May, a month that is said to be unlucky by Queen Victoria. Prince Harry broke the rules as well. Traditionally, only women wear rings after the wedding. But not for the Prince and Duchess of Sussex. Both Prince Harry and his wife exchanged rings at the ceremony.
Queen Elizabeth has a history of changing the rules
View this post on Instagram
Today The Queen marked the centenary of @gchq at Watergate House – the organisation’s first home as the ‘Government Code and Cypher School’ and former top secret location. GCHQ was first established in 1919 after the success of signals intelligence used during World War One and today is one of Britain’s three intelligence agencies tasked with tackling the most serious cyber, terrorist, criminal and state threats. Alongside the National Cyber Security Centre, its aim is to make the UK a safe place to live and do business online. PA images
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on
While it appears that Queen Elizabeth follows most of the rules, Her Royal Highness has actually broken the rules quite a few times. Most notably, the queen doesn’t hold her tongue when it comes to politics. Members of the royal family are required to abstain from anything political. This means no voting, no public offices, and no political talk of any kind.
But Queen Elizabeth has discussed politics on more than one occasion. Recently, the queen has made several comments about BREXIT. Many outsiders have suggested that Markle’s vocal activism for liberal causes have emboldened the queen to speak up.
Change can be good
View this post on Instagram
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall attended an event to mark the centenary of Australia House. King George V laid the building’s first foundation stone in 1913 but it was not until 1918 that the building officially opened. Australia House provides a home for diplomatic, defence and trade workers.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on
The queen’s recent statements are not the first time she has modified the rules. In fact, there are many instances where the queen’s decisions can be seen as progressive and appropriate. In 2013, the queen enacted a law that would allow members of the royal family to marry someone of the Roman Catholic faith without losing their spot in the line of succession. Royal family members had previously been prohibited from marrying a Catholic since 1701.
Speaking of marriages, according to royal rule, members of the royal family are not allowed to marry someone who has been previously divorced. This rule was first broken when Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles. The queen gave further concessions when she allowed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to marry in a church, something that had been denied to Prince Charles.
Source: Read Full Article