These 10 Crazy Royal Rules Will Shock You

Platinum Jubilee Pageant, outside Buckingham Palace, June, 2022. Photo courtesy of Number 10 under CC BY 2.0.

While life as a member of the British royal family may seem like a fairy tale, it actually comes with a long list of unusual rules and traditions. From travel protocols to dining etiquette, the royals must adhere to strict guidelines dating back generations. Here are 10 of the most surprising rules they must follow.

1. Everyone Gets Weighed Before and After Christmas Dinner

The peculiar requirement that everyone gets weighed both before and after Christmas dinner was started by King Edward VII. It was meant to ensure that guests had thoroughly enjoyed their meal by gaining a few pounds during the festive feast.

2. Follow the Monarch’s Lead for Eating and Sleeping

A 2011 state banquet at Buckingham Palace, May, 2011. Official White House photo by Lawrence Jackson. Public domain.

When dining or spending the evening with the monarch, the rest of the royal family must follow the monarch’s cues. No one can continue eating once the monarch has put down their utensils, and everyone must stay awake until the monarch decides to go to bed.

3. No Playing Monopoly^®

The royal family has banned the popular board game Monopoly in their households. According to Prince Andrew, the game has been forbidden because it gets “too vicious,” causing conflicts and overly competitive behavior among family members.

4. Always Pack a Black Outfit When Traveling

Princess Diana wearing one of her most famous ensembles, November, 1985. Photo courtesy of unknown White House photographer. Public domain.

Whenever a royal family member travels abroad, they are required to bring a black outfit. This ensures they are prepared for a sudden funeral or a period of mourning, no matter where they are. The rule became widely known after Queen Elizabeth II had to return from an overseas trip without appropriate mourning attire upon the unexpected death of her father.

5. Two Direct Heirs Cannot Fly Together

To safeguard the royal lineage, two direct heirs to the throne are not permitted to travel on the same plane unless special permission is granted. This rule minimizes the risk of losing multiple heirs in a single tragic accident and is generally enforced once an heir reaches the age of 12.

6. Handbags Must Be Carried on the Left Arm

The former Queen Elizabeth visiting Birmingham as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour, July, 2012. Photo courtesy of West Midlands Police under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Royal women are expected to carry their handbags on their left arm, leaving their right hand free for greeting, waving, or shaking hands. This helps the royals present themselves as poised and approachable in public.

7. Shellfish Is Off the Menu

Due to the risk of food poisoning, members of the royal family are advised to avoid eating shellfish, particularly when dining out.

8. No Autographs Allowed

To prevent the risk of their signatures being forged, members of the royal family are prohibited from signing autographs for fans.

9. Avoid Certain Words

Royal etiquette extends even to everyday language. Words like “toilet” and “perfume” are considered too common and should be replaced with terms like “lavatory” and “scent.”

10. Boys Wear Shorts Until Age 8

King Charles with his parents and sister Anne, October, 1957. Photo courtesy of Government of Canada - Library and Archives. Public domain.

Traditionally, young boys in the royal family are dressed in shorts until they reach 8 years of age. This custom, which dates back centuries, is considered a marker of a child’s place in society. Long trousers are reserved for older boys and men, signifying a transition to a more mature stage of life.

Being a member of the royal family means adhering to a set of unique and sometimes strange rules that may seem out of place in today’s world. From strict dress codes and dietary restrictions to unusual travel guidelines, these traditions help preserve the mystique and heritage of one of the most famous families in the world.

References: Weird rules about being a British royal | A look at strict royal rules of etiquette and strange traditions