26 of the Most Ridiculously Strict Rules the Royal Family Must Follow

Based on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tell-all interview, it’s clear that being part of the British royal family isn’t all tiaras and travel. There are some pretty stringent—and strange—etiquette guidelines and traditions that the Windsors adhere to. For example, did you know that members of the fam couldn’t eat garlic in the presence of the queen? Here, 26 of the most bonkers rules that the royal family must follow.

The One Surprising Royal Rule That Would Disqualify Heirs from Becoming King or Queen

1. They Must Accept All Gifts Graciously

Andrew Chin/Getty Images

While the royal family must accept every gift that they receive (even if it’s something super lame), it’s up to King Charles who gets to keep which gift.

2. They Can’t Just Propose Willy-Nilly

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

According to the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, royal descendants must seek the monarch’s approval before proposing.

3. Prince Philip Was Required To Walk Behind The Queen

Samir Hussein/Getty Images

During their marriage, Her Majesty’s husband had to always walk a few steps behind her. Time will tell if this tradition carries on with King Charles and Queen consort Camilla.

4. There’s A Strict Dress Code

WPA Pool /Getty Images

Members of the royal family are expected to dress modestly and never overtly casual. (Serious question: Can you imagine a life without sweatpants?) That doesn’t mean that they can’t have some fun, though.

5. And They Always Travel With An All-Black Ensemble

Carl Court /Getty Images

The royal family is nothing if not prepared. A respectable all-black outfit is packed with them on their travels in case of a sudden death where they must attend a funeral.

6. Two Heirs Cannot Fly Together

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

That’s in case something tragic were to happen. Once Prince George (who is second in line to the throne after Prince William) turns 12, he will have to fly separately from his dad.

7. No Politics Allowed

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Members of the royal family are not allowed to vote or even publicly express their opinion on political matters.

8. PDA Is Frowned Upon

The India Today Group/Getty Images

Although there is no formal law that forbids future monarchs from showing affection, Queen Elizabeth II set a precedent that encouraged royals to keep their hands to themselves. This is why you rarely see Prince William and Kate Middleton smooching in public, or even holding hands. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, on the other hand, clearly were not under as much pressure to adhere to this protocol.

9. The Monarch Is Not Allowed To Sit On A Foreign Throne

Pool/Getty Images

Even if the throne was from the Seven Kingdoms.

10. When The King Stands, So Do You

Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Getty Images

And don’t even think about sitting until His Majesty does.

11. They Leave The Table Discreetly

AFP/Getty Images

If a royal must use the restroom during a meal, they don’t announce it to the table. Instead, they apparently simply say “Excuse me,” and that’s that. (If only your toddler would do the same.)

12. Tiaras Are Only Worn By Married Women

Max Mumby/Indigo /Getty Images

No ring? No tiara.

13. There Are No Autographs Or Selfies Allowed

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

So put that selfie stick away.

14. Curtsies Are Encouraged

Samir Hussein/Getty Images

While the official website for the British Monarchy says that there are “no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting a member of the Royal Family,” it also states that many people wish to observe the traditional forms. That means a neck bow (from the head only) for men and a small curtsy for women.

15. They Rarely Eat Shellfish

Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

This isn’t a requirement, but a wise rule that many royals, including Queen Elizabeth, adhered to because of the increased likelihood of food poisoning.

You Won’t Believe the Delicious Foods the Queen Forbids from the Royal Family’s Diet

16. The Queen Signaled When A Conversation Was Over

Tim Graham/Getty Images

While King Charles will undoubtedly come up with his own signals, his mother used accessories to send messages during her rule. If Her Majesty moved her purse from her left arm to her right, then it was time to stop talking. That apparently signaled to her staff that she was ready to move on.

17. When The Monarch Finishes Eating, Then So Do You

Tim Graham/Getty Images

Dining with royalty? No extra portions for you.

18. Royal Wedding Bouquets Contain Myrtle

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

This tradition started with Queen Victoria and continued with the Duchess of Cambridge's marriage in 2011. This pretty flower symbolizes good luck in love and marriage. Aww...

14 of the Most Stunning Royal Wedding Dresses of All Time

19. Six Ravens Must Live At The Tower Of London

rabbit75_ist/Getty Images

According to legend, at least six ravens must remain at the giant fortress or else the monarchy will fall. But no one actually believes that, do they? Well, apparently so, since there are indeed seven (one spare) birds living at the Tower currently.

20. They’re Not Allowed To Play Monopoly

Samir Hussein/Getty Images

When the Duke of York was presented with the board game, he revealed that it’s forbidden in the royal household because “it gets too vicious.” Royals—they’re just like us.

8 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Kate Middleton’s Kids

21. You Must Address Royals Properly

Aaron Chown/WPA Pool/Getty Images

This one’s a little confusing. Apparently, when you first meet female members of the royal family, you should use “Your Royal Highness,” and then “Ma'am” in later conversation. For male royals, it's “Your Royal Highness” and then “Sir.” And under no circumstances should you address the king as “Charles.”

22. Never Touch the Monarch’s Accessories

Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images

According to Capricia Penavic Marshall (former U.S. chief of protocol and author of Protocol), the queen’s handbag wasn’t only for looks. In fact, the monarch used it to send non-verbal signals to her staff. And under no circumstances could anyone else touch it.

23. Wedding Dresses Have to Be Approved

Pawel Libera / Getty Images

It remains to be seen if King Charles will want to weigh in on fashion. But not only did Queen Elizabeth need to approve the wedding in general, she also had to say yes to the dress. Kate Middleton showed her grandmother-in-law her custom gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen in the design process, as did Meghan Markle.

24. Eating Garlic Is A “No-No”

Anwar Hussein / Getty IMages

According to the Sunday Express, “Garlic [was] banned from being included in foods eaten by royal family members. With many meetings between official visitors, it is thought to be advised against to prevent any awkward bad breath.”

25. They Must Avoid Bright Nail Polish

Karwai Tang/WireImage

If Middleton paints her nails, it must be a neutral color. Royals are supposed to refrain from wearing bright, distracting colors while carrying out official duties.

26. They Can't Speak Without Permission

HARPO PRODUCTIONS/JOE PUGLIESE

Markle revealed that she was “silenced” by the royal family once she started dating Prince Harry. During the CBS interview, Oprah Winfrey asked: “Were you silent? Or were you silenced?” The duchess immediately responded, “The latter.”

Markle continued, “Everyone in my world was given very clear directive—from the moment the world knew Harry and I were dating—to always say, ‘No comment.’ I would do anything they told me to do.”

Stay up-to-date on every breaking royals story by subscribing here.

Listen to ‘Royally Obsessed,’ the Podcast for People Who Love the Royal Family