14. When Royals Meet the Pope, They Must Follow a Strict Protocol

Reason: To preserve the holiness of the Vatican, contacts with the Pope are conducted according to stringent diplomatic and religious procedures.
Private audiences and unofficial visits are an exception.
There are precise norms to follow when interacting with the Pope, and religion and diplomacy often go hand in hand. These procedures show how much the British monarchy values the Vatican’s holiness and status among Christians.
When Royals Meet with the Pope, They Must Follow a Tight Protocol ©Alamy Stock Photo/Associated Press
In light of the historical disputes between the Protestant and Catholic faiths, this rule is essential. The royals have certain dress rules, modes of speech to utilize, and gifts to give the Pope when they meet. The royal demeanor may be less formal but still courteous in private audiences or unofficial visits.