Because the Queen can do what she wants, because she is the Queen. Even the head of the British blue blood has to adhere to the rules – and some of them are tough! You can see the craziest rules in the video above.
The protocol of the English court is considered to be one of the strictest in the world. So it's no wonder that new members in the golden cage like Duchess Kate have to go to the royal school desk for years to internalize all the regulations. But it's not just William's wife and loved ones who have to follow strict instructions. There are rules that not even the head of the British royals is allowed to break – whether the Queen likes it or not.
1. You are not allowed to vote!
The Queen or Kate at a polling station? No way! Your crosses could ultimately influence the opinions of the rest of the population.
2. You are not allowed to hold any political office!
Same principle: This is to ensure that no member of the royal family can influence public opinion or use the office for personal gain. If this rule were to apply to everyone …
3. You are not allowed to eat shellfish
Granted, this rule is more of a precaution than a requirement. Basically, it serves to prevent allergic reactions or food poisoning. How forward-looking!
4. The order must be observed on official occasions!
Kate enters the hall first? That will never happen! Who stands, walks or sits where is strictly regulated. The one with the highest rank – in this case the Queen – always goes first.
5. You can only eat when the Queen picks up the golden spoon!
Means: If the Queen eats, the others are allowed to eat too, if the Queen stops, this also applies to everyone – by the way, also to all other royals. If you are really hungry, eat quickly here. You never know …
6. You must not be of Catholic faith!
British royals have always had to be loyal to the English Church. In 2011, however, the law prohibiting members of the Crown from marrying anyone of Catholic faith was relaxed.
7. They must not be touched by non-royals!
A handshake is certainly not meant. But throwing your arm around, as celebrities often do when posing with William, Kate or Harry, is actually strictly forbidden. How good that normal mortals don't know that and that Kate and Co. are too nice to say anything. It would be a shame, wouldn't it?
8. Your clothing must not send ambiguous messages!
Not only the skirt length is precisely specified in the protocol. The clothing of the royals should be modern and elegant, but never convey a political or social message. (A blue ribbon on the lapel as a protest against the entry ban into the USA? Unthinkable!)
9. You are not allowed to wear fur!
This rule goes on Edward III. dating back to the 12th century. Nevertheless, the Queen, Duchess Camilla and even Kate have already been seen with one or the other hairy accessory. Tze tze.
10. You must gratefully accept gifts!
Oh, there are rules, you can only pity the royals * irony off *. No matter what you get, you have to take it. And since all presents belong to the crown, the queen decides who gets which present.
11. You have to spend Christmas together!
At least that was always the case until 2016. In one year Kate broke with tradition and spent the holidays with William and the two children with their family in Bucklebury. The Queen was supposedly not amused about it.
12. There must always be at least six ravens at the Tower of London!
This rule goes back to an old legend which says that when there are no more ravens at the tower, the kingdom will fall. Pretty melodramatic, but safe is known to be safe.
Do you still want to be a princess? In any case, our heads are already smoking. How good that rules are always there to be broken. In theory at least …
Can it be even more extreme?
This is all just the tip of the iceberg – we have put together the craziest rules and regulations of the Royal Family for you in the video above!
Video recommendation: