101. A Royal Child Must Have a Godparent from Foreign Royalty

Reason: To strengthen diplomatic ties and represent the international stature of the monarchy
Exception: British nobility, close family friends
The British monarchy has always played a significant role in the international political arena. One of the traditions that underscores this role is the practice of appointing a godparent from foreign royalty for a royal child. This is a way of symbolizing and reinforcing the diplomatic ties between the UK and other nations, as well as acknowledging the global stature of the monarchy.

A Royal Child Must Have a Godparent from Foreign Royalty © TetianaRUD/Shutterstock
Having a godparent from foreign royalty helps to foster international relationships from an early age and introduces the young royal to a global network of influential figures. However, this rule is not set in stone and exceptions are made, particularly for British nobility or close family friends who share a strong bond with the royal family. This flexibility recognizes the importance of personal relationships and national ties in addition to international diplomacy.

102. Royals Cannot Have Personal Social Media Accounts

Reason: To maintain privacy and control over the royal family’s public image
Exception: Approved, official royal accounts
For the royals, privacy is a treasured commodity. They are relentlessly in the public eye, scrutinized at every turn. To maintain their privacy and control their public image, they do not have personal social media accounts. This also serves to prevent the spread of false information or the risk of unfiltered, potentially inappropriate posts.

Royals Cannot Have Personal Social Media Accounts © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
However, in the age of digital communication, their public engagements and official announcements are made through approved, official royal accounts, controlled by the royal communications team. These channels provide the public with a curated, respectful glimpse into their lives and duties, maintaining the balance between transparency and privacy.

103. Dress Code for Royal Children: Formal Attire Only

Reason: To uphold the decorum and traditional image of the royal family
Exception: Private occasions
The British monarchy is steeped in tradition, decorum, and etiquette, all of which extend to the clothing worn by its youngest members. Royal children are often seen in public wearing formal attire.

Dress Code for Royal Children: Formal Attire Only ©Neil Mockford/Getty Images
This not only upholds the traditional image of the royal family but also teaches the children from an early age about the importance of appearance and decorum. However, children will be children, and so exceptions are made for private occasions where they are allowed to dress as children do elsewhere, in comfortable and casual clothing.

104. The Royals Are Not Allowed to Take Part in Commercial Endorsements

Reason: To ensure the royal family remains neutral and doesn’t seem to favor any commercial interests
Exception: None
Royalty and commercialism are two entities that do not mix. The British royal family is prohibited from taking part in commercial endorsements. This is to ensure that the royal family remains neutral, and doesn’t seem to favor or promote any commercial interests over others.

The Royals Are Not Allowed to Take Part in Commercial Endorsements @sophia971922/Pinterest
It also prevents their high status and influence from being exploited for commercial gain. This rule is pretty steadfast, with no known exceptions. It maintains the integrity of the royal family and ensures they remain above commercial and financial influences.

105. Royal Births Must be Witnessed by the Home Secretary

Reason: An old tradition to ensure the legitimacy of the heir
Exception: Abolished in 1948
This tradition may seem peculiar today, but there was a time when the Home Secretary was expected to witness royal births. This practice originated from the need to ensure the legitimacy of the heir and prevent any switch or deception.

Royal Births Must be Witnessed by the Home Secretary @sophia971922/Pinterest
But as societal norms evolved and the need for such verification faded, this tradition was abolished in 1948, ahead of the birth of Prince Charles. The birth of a royal baby is now a private event, shared publicly only through official announcements.

106. Royals are Prohibited from Expressing Dislike for Foods

Reason: To avoid causing any offense during state dinners or public engagements
Exception: Personal meals, private occasions
Imagine being at a dinner party and criticizing the chef’s choice of ingredients or the flavor of the dish. It would be considered rude, wouldn’t it? Now, magnify that a thousand times, and that’s the kind of diplomatic faux pas the royal family wants to avoid at state dinners or public engagements.

Royals are Prohibited from Expressing Dislike for Foods © WPA Pool /Getty Images
To prevent this, the royal family is prohibited from expressing a dislike for foods. This rule promotes politeness and respect for the diverse cultures and cuisines they encounter in their official duties. However, in their personal meals and private occasions, they’re free to indulge or avoid whatever foods they prefer.

107. Royal Women are Expected to Wear Hats to Formal Appearances

Reason: It’s a long-standing tradition that dates back to a time when it was considered inappropriate for women to show their hair in public
Exception: Evening events, informal occasions
The British monarchy has a fascinating history of fashion etiquette, and one of the most enduring aspects is that royal women are expected to wear hats to formal appearances. This tradition harks back to a time when it was considered inappropriate and unfeminine for women to show their hair in public.

Royal Women are Expected to Wear Hats to Formal Appearances © Thomas Dutour/Shutterstock
The hats, often elaborate and stylish, have become a signature element of royal fashion. However, this rule is not set in stone. In the evening or at less formal occasions, royal women often switch their hats for tiaras or choose to go without.

108. Royals Must Adhere to a Strict Code of Conduct While Hunting

Reason: Hunting is a royal tradition, and they are expected to uphold ethical practices
Exception: None
Hunting is more than a sport for the royal family; it’s a centuries-old tradition. However, it’s not all fun and games. Royals must adhere to a strict code of conduct while hunting, which includes respect for the animal, the environment, and the laws of the land.

Royals Must Adhere to a Strict Code of Conduct While Hunting © Tim Graham/Getty Images
This is to ensure the activity is carried out ethically and responsibly. There are no exceptions to this rule, and any breach could result in significant public backlash, considering the modern societal concerns about animal rights and environmental protection.

109. The Queen Must Approve the Royal Family’s Christmas Speeches

Reason: To maintain the integrity and coherence of the royal family’s messages to the public
Exception: Private speeches, non-broadcasted remarks
Christmas is a special time for the royal family, marked by traditions and ceremonies. Among them is the Queen’s Christmas Day message to the Commonwealth. But it’s not just the Queen who may deliver remarks during the festive season.

The Queen Must Approve the Royal Family’s Christmas Speeches © Pool /Getty Images
If other members of the royal family are to give a speech during this time, it must be approved by the Queen. This protocol ensures the coherence and integrity of the family’s messages to the public. However, when it comes to private speeches or non-broadcasted remarks, they are free to express their personal holiday wishes.

110. All Royal Decrees Must Be Signed in The Presence of a Witness

Reason: This is to ensure transparency and accountability of the actions of the royal family
Exception: Personal letters, non-official documents
In the interest of transparency and accountability, all royal decrees must be signed in the presence of a witness. This rule applies to official documents, laws, and declarations. It ensures that royal actions are not taken in isolation and that there’s a level of oversight.

All Royal Decrees Must Be Signed in The Presence of a Witness @BBC iPlayer /Pinterest
The witness is typically a high-ranking official or legal professional. However, for non-official documents, personal letters, or other informal writings, a royal signature can be placed without the necessity of a witness.

111. Royals Are Not Allowed to Play Competitive Sports against Commoners

Reason: The intention is to avoid any potential embarrassment or injury that might come from a competitive game
Exception: Charity matches, informal games
The royal family members enjoy a good game as much as anyone. However, when it comes to competitive sports, they’re not allowed to play against commoners. This rule is in place to avoid any potential embarrassment or risk of injury that might come from a highly competitive game.

Royals Are Not Allowed to Play Competitive Sports against Commoners © WPA Pool/Getty Images
It’s also designed to maintain a certain dignity and decorum associated with the royal status. There are, however, exceptions to this rule, such as charity matches or informal games where the competitive stakes are low and the focus is on fun and participation rather than winning.

112. Members of the Royal Family Cannot Hold a Regular Job

Reason: The primary duty of royals is to serve the monarchy, which requires full-time dedication
Exception: None
Working nine-to-five isn’t a reality for the royal family, because their primary duty is to serve the monarchy and the public, which requires their full-time dedication. This role comes with a broad range of responsibilities, including participating in ceremonial events, undertaking public engagements, supporting charities, and promoting British interests at home and abroad.

Members of the Royal Family Cannot Hold a Regular Job © Max Mumby/Indigo /Getty Images
However, this rule doesn’t exclude them from pursuing their passions or interests. For instance, before becoming a full-time working royal, Prince William had a career as an air ambulance pilot, while Prince Harry served in the military.

113. Members of the Royal Family Cannot Hold a Political Office

Reason: The monarchy is required to remain politically neutral at all times
Exception: None
Imagine if a member of the royal family ran for Prime Minister. It would fundamentally shake the British system of governance, which separates the monarchy and the government. To maintain this separation and the essential neutrality of the monarchy, the royal family cannot hold political office.

Members of the Royal Family Cannot Hold a Political Office © Denis Kuvaev/Shutterstock
As the embodiment of the nation, the monarchy must remain above the fray of party politics. The Queen, for example, has a constitutional role to play in the government but must not show any political bias. There are no exceptions to this rule; it is a fundamental part of the constitutional monarchy system.

114. Royals Must Adhere to a Strict Protocol When Meeting the Pope

Reason: Interactions with the Pope follow strict religious and diplomatic protocol to respect the sanctity of the Vatican
Exception: Private audiences, non-official visits
Religion and diplomacy often go hand in hand, and when it comes to interactions with the Pope, there are strict protocols to follow. These protocols reflect the respect the British monarchy has for the sanctity of the Vatican and its position within the Christian faith.

Royals Must Adhere to a Strict Protocol When Meeting the Pope ©Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo
This rule is vital given the historical conflicts between the Protestant and Catholic churches. When meeting the Pope, the royals must adhere to certain dress codes, present gifts, and use specific forms of address. However, in private audiences or non-official visits, the royal behavior may be less formal, although still respectful.

115. Royals Are Not Allowed to Eat Sturgeon, Except the Monarch

Reason: All sturgeon caught within the kingdom are considered the property of the Monarch
Exception: Given as gifts by the Monarch
Sturgeon is a rare and expensive fish, often associated with luxury and opulence. However, not all royals can enjoy this delicacy freely. According to a law from the 1300s, all “Royal Fish” (which includes sturgeon, whales, porpoises, and dolphins) caught within the kingdom are considered the property of the Monarch.

Royals Are Not Allowed to Eat Sturgeon, Except the Monarch ©Mamuka Gotsiridze/Shutterstock
This rule is more about the symbolism of the Monarch’s authority than it is about dining preferences. However, the Monarch can gift the sturgeon to others, which is one way other royals could potentially partake in this delicacy.