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Becoming a member of the British royal family brings with it many privileges, but it also means adhering to a number of rules and protocols that most of us would find rather odd, old-fashioned even. When Kate Middleton married Prince William, she immediately had to conform to these decrees. And the life of a princess can be a strict one. So, what are the everyday things she can't do?
Click through and find out the royal etiquette Kate has to follow.
She's today known as Catherine, Princess of Wales, but becoming so meant Kate Middleton had to say goodbye to much of her everyday life. So, what can't she do anymore?
While she can pose for numerous photographs, Catherine, Princess of Wales is forbidden by royal protocol from signing autographs. The reason for this rule comes from the fear that someone could falsify documents on behalf of a member of the royal family.
Catherine, Princess of Wales cannot profit from any work she undertakes.
So, for example, as a keen photographer she would not be able to sell any photographs she's taken. Instead, her photos are released officially through the royal family, so she does not receive a paycheck for her efforts.
In keeping with a time-honored tradition, members of the royal family are not allowed to express or share their political opinions, including Kate.
Furthermore, Catherine, Princess of Wales has no right to vote. She is forbidden from going to the ballot box for any political election.
Royal protocol frowns upon working royals posing for selfies. But William and Kate have rather changed the rules on this one. Catherine, Princess of Wales is often seen smiling into a phone next to a delighted bystander.
Similarly, royal rules forbid any member of the royal family having their own personal social media account, and that includes the Princess of Wales.
Instead, individual posts are uploaded to an official account managed by palace PR staff.
As is the case with other members of the royal family, the Princess of Wales cannot travel without packing an all-black garment. This is in case another family member dies during their trip. This rule came as a result of Queen Elizabeth II being away in Kenya when her father, George VI, passed away, and she did not have a black dress in her luggage.
While pretty much everything else is on the menu, including ice cream, Catherine, Princess of Wales and other members of the royal family are not allowed to eat shellfish.
This is because the risk of food poisoning from things like oysters and mussels is too great.
Catherine, Princess of Wales and other members of the entire royal household do not eat foie gras either, after King Charles III banned it over concerns about animal welfare.
Strictly speaking, no one is allowed to touch the Princess of Wales, or any other member of the royal family. But Kate Middleton has made an art out of the royal walkabout and is quite happy to shake hands with complete strangers, though hugging or embracing is definitely off limits.
Her fashion sense is flawless, but Catherine, Princess of Wales is discouraged from wearing dark nail polish and in fact is encouraged to use a light color palette. Kate's manicure usually has two shades: Soft Pink 28 Rose Lounge (Bourjois) and 423 Allure (Essie). But there are no hard and fast rules governing this particular aspect of her style.
The royal family is entirely against animal cruelty. In this modern era, the wearing of fur is forbidden. Kate happily complies for her own ethical reasons. And even if she wears leather, she can only do so if the animals have not been sacrificed.
As the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton is required to dress modestly and, on occasion, quite conservatively. Provocative clothing such as mini skirts and fabrics that are too loud are out. But we needn't worry. Her elegance and good taste is simply dazzling!
Following royal protocol, Catherine, Princess of Wales, along with other members of the royal household, must stop eating when King Charles III does so, whether it's during a state banquet or a private function.
While millions around the world were waiting for that kiss on the balcony, Kate's public displays of affection with her husband is these days limited to a quick peck on the cheek.
As a rule, anything more ambitious is frowned upon by Buckingham Palace. Fortunately, the obligatory post-polo match smacker is still allowed.
We can only speculate as to the way Kate Middleton used to drink tea. Since marrying into the royal family, however, strict etiquette dictates that if she indulges in a cuppa, Kate and the rest of the royals must use their thumb and index finger to hold the top of the handle, while the middle finger should support the bottom. And pinkies should be hidden, firmly tucked away in the palm.
A simple "excuse me" will suffice. Members of the royal family never announce their intention to go to the toilet, no matter how obvious it may be.
And in keeping with the posh image, the word "toilet" plus other words such as "couch" or "living room"—so-called 'common' descriptions of services and items—are nearly always avoided by members of the royal family, Kate included.
While Kate has always shown her sporty side, there's one game she can't play as Catherine, Princess of Wales—Monopoly!
The popular board game is forbidden in the royal family, a decree that dates back to the time of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who thought it was "too vicious" and banned it from the royal household, according to Hello! magazine.
The jury is still out on this one, an old rule that dates back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II when the previous Princess of Wales, Diana, was not allowed to go to bed before Her Majesty. It's very doubtful this rather dated decree still applies—Charles is now sovereign and Kate and William are very much the epitome of a new, more modern royal family.
Senior members of the royal family cannot travel together on the same plane, boat, or train. This is to prevent prevent potential heirs of the British throne from dying together.
It's unthinkable that Kate can travel with her husband and father-in-law, King Charles III, at the same time. However, William and Kate, pictured here in Belize, have previously traveled abroad together, and on one occasion with Prince George. But according to Cosmopolitan magazine, George reportedly won't be allowed to fly with Prince William after he turns 12.
See more: Fashion rules the Royal Family must obey
The unusual rules that Catherine, Princess of Wales has to follow
Everyday things that Princess Kate can't do
CELEBRITY British royal family
Becoming a member of the British royal family brings with it many privileges, but it also means adhering to a number of rules and protocols that most of us would find rather odd, old-fashioned even. When Kate Middleton married Prince William, she immediately had to conform to these decrees. And the life of a princess can be a strict one. So, what are the everyday things she can't do?
Click through and find out the royal etiquette Kate has to follow.