BEING a member of the Royal Family means you are bound by a number of rules and restrictions.
From the clothes you wear to the way you behave, the royals have a strict code of conduct they must follow at all times.
From bizarre bans to bedtime etiquette, here we’ve taken a deep dive to find the ten surprising things that Kate Middleton is banned from doing.
Forbidden foods
As per the royal guidelines, The Princess of Wales should avoid risky foods when in public.
It has been previously reported that according to former palace chef Darren McGrady, shellfish could give her food poisoning, so must not be consumed when travelling.
Not only this, but carbs are also banned, as the late Queen was allegedly not a fan of pasta or potatoes.
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Foie Gras is also apparently forbidden too as in 2008 the then-Prince Charles set the ban due to animal welfare worries.
No touching
Whilst there are no official rules forbidding public displays of affection, casual touches by strangers are a big taboo for senior members of the Royal Family.
It’s a custom that’s believed to date back to the Middle Ages, as Lucy Hume, from Debrett’s, told Reuters: “Best not to initiate personal physical contact with a member of the royal family.”
In reality, such protocol, such as shaking hands, has been broken several times without drastic official reaction or consequence.
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No bedtime before the monarch
According to Sir William Heseltine, one of the Queen's former private secretaries, it was considered bad form to go to bed before Her late Majesty. This is expected to continue now with King Charles at the helm.
He revealed in an interview for the book The Royals in Australia: "Nobody felt it right to go to bed before the Queen did.
"For Diana the long royal evenings were agony. She’d excuse herself and go to bed, which was thought to be rather bad form."
Autographs are a no no
Kate Middleton is no stranger when it comes to hundreds of public engagements throughout the year, but not only are selfies not allowed, autographs are forbidden too.
The long-standing rule of no autographs remains in place for all royals because of the risk of the signature being forged.
Despite being handed pictures, teddy bears, and notepads for signatures, the royals are asked to decline all autographs, with Charles’ go-to response being: ‘Sorry, they don’t allow me to do that.’
Voting isn't allowed
Not only is Kate not allowed to sign an autograph, but it’s expected that she can’t vote too.
On the parliament website, it states: "Although not prohibited by law, it is considered unconstitutional for the Monarch to vote in an election."
Although this only applies directly to the Head of State, all members of the Royal Family are said to abide by this.
Follow a strict dress code
Members of the Royal Family are also expected to dress appropriately, modestly and smartly to official engagements.
Female royals tend to be scrutinised more for their outfits and reportedly must wear tights, skirts that reach the knees and no bright nail varnish.
According to reports, royals such as Kate are also banned from wearing fur. This 700-year-old rule came into being in 1337, when King Edward III banned anyone, including royals, from wearing fur clothing.
Footwear rules apply
Not only does Kate have to follow a strict dress code, but she’s also banned from wearing wedge shoes.
During the Queen’s reign, OK! Reported that in the presence of the Queen, Kate would never be seen wearing wedge shoes.
Although the Duchess is thought to be a fan of wedges and has worn them to several sporting events, she was banned from wearing these heels in front of the Queen.
A source told Vanity Fair: “The Queen isn’t a fan of wedged shoes. She really doesn’t like them and it’s well known among the women in the family.”
No diamonds before 6pm
Not only will you not see Kate in wedges, but apparently, diamonds aren’t forever too.
She is also prohibited from wearing diamonds before 6pm as it's thought they should be only worn in the evening.
Barring tiaras and any other religious accessories, it’s supposedly an unspoken rule that Kate Middleton shouldn’t bust out her bigger rocks before 6pm.
In an interview with royal etiquette expert Myka Meier, News.com.au discovered that you’re not likely to see the women of the royal family flashing diamonds in the daytime. Instead, they’re generally saved for evening occasions.
Gifts can’t be received
Finally, the tenth rule that Kate must adhere to – according to royal protocol, when it comes to receiving presents things can get pretty complicated.
The Royal Family website reads: "Gifts offered by private individuals living in the UK not personally known to the Member of the Royal Family should be refused where there are concerns about the propriety or motives of the donor or the gift itself."
Reportedly, the royals are only allowed to keep hold of gifts sent by the public if their value is less than £150, and items like flowers and certain foods are permitted.
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According to the BBC, all gifts must be used by the Royal Family, used for displays, or given to charity or members of staff.
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