Being a member of the British royal family comes with many advantages. However, there are plenty of rules that must adhered to at all times, whether they are within or outside of Buckingham Palace.
Ranging from banned foods at the dinner table to a strong dislike for one particular board game, here are 11 weird and odd rules members of British royalty must follow.
Permission to Marry
In order for any high-ranking member of the royal family to marry, they must first ask the reigning monarch for permission.
According to the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013, the first six people in the line of succession must ask for permission to tie the knot. So anyone wishing to marry must first seek the approval of King Charles III.
Two Paces Behind the Queen
Prince Philip, the late husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was often pictured walking directly behind his wife and seldom beside her. This was due to an unusual rule.
Philip was forced to walk two paces behind his beloved wife because he was a consort, not a co-monarch.
Dress Code for Dinner
When the royals sit down in the evening for their meal, they must come dressed in formal attire.
So, if invited to dine with Prince William, Princess Catherine, or King Charles and Queen Camilla, avoid jeans and opt for a nice suit.
No Carbs for the Queen
The former queen, Elizabeth, followed a stringent diet, according to a former royal chef, Darren McGrady.
“No potatoes, rice, or pasta for dinner,” he said during an interview with Express. For supper, they’ll usually have “something like grilled sole with vegetables and salad.”
Garlic Is Banned from the Menu
During her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth II had a strong dislike for garlic, and so banned it from any meal.
During an interview, John Higgins, who served as a chef at Buckingham Palace, said, “At Buckingham Palace, you don’t cook with garlic” (via Eat This, Not That). He continued, “I suppose in case you get the royal burp.”
Don’t Bring Your Monopoly Board
Queen Elizabeth appears to have greatly despised the popular board game Monopoly, so much so that she banned the royal family from playing it.
While the rule wasn’t seriously policed, it was still a rule set into place by the former monarch herself, according to CBS News.
Unconstitutional to Vote
Seldom will a member of the royal family share any kind of political view. This is because the British nobles are not allowed to vote in public elections.
According to Newsweek, on the United Kingdom’s Parliament webpage, “It is considered unconstitutional for the monarch to vote in an election.”
Only Black at Funerals
Members of the royal family are only permitted to wear black outfits when they attend funerals.
According to Alexandra Meservy, founder of the prestigious English school, The English Manner, “Generally it is thought that black is not usually worn unless in mourning, although Diana Princess of Wales did occasionally wear it for evening functions” (via Marie Claire).
Hats for All Events
Wearing hats to formal events is one rule upheld by all female members of the royal family.
“Up until the 1950s, ladies were very seldom seen without a hat as it was not considered ‘the thing’ for ladies to show their hair in public,” said Diana Mather during an interview with the BBC. “But all that has changed, and hats are now reserved for more formal occasions.”
Unusual Christmas Rules
One unusual royal rule takes place during the festivities around the Christmas period.
According to CBS News, members of the royal family must all be weighed right before they sit down to eat their Christmas dinner and right after. Those who gained the most weight are said to have enjoyed themselves the most.
Nude Pantyhose for Public Appearances
Nude pantyhose for any kind of public appearance has been a long-standing rule for the royal family.
“They are generally a rule for more formal or conservative royal events,” said a royal fashion expert in an interview with E! Online.
