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Family and non-family rules - When outsiders are introduced to the Queen, they naturally follow certain etiquette out of respect. However, the Queen is so high-ranking that even her own family must follow the same rules in her presence.

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Stand when the Queen stands -

Everyone who meets the Queen is informed of this basic protocol. When she stands, you stand. 

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Curtsy and nod -

When greeting the Queen, women are required to curtsy and men must bow their heads (even her own family). 

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The Queen walks away first -

The Queen must always be the first person to turn around and leave when a conversation is over. You should always see the back of her head and she should never see yours.

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Handbag signal #1 -

It's rumored that the Queen uses the position of her handbag to send a private message to her staff. If she moves her bag to her right hand, that means they need to come and rescue her from a conversation!

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Dinner conversation -

The Queen follows the same procedure at every dinner party. For the first part of the meal she speaks to the person on her right. When the second course is served she switches to the person on her left. Very diplomatic!  

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The Queen takes the last bite -

At dinner, the Queen decides when the meal ends. Everyone else must stop eating once she's taken her last bite. 

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Handbag signal #2 - When the Queen puts her bag on the dinner table, it's a signal that the meal must come to an end within five minutes. 

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Philip walked behind the Queen -

Since their marriage, Prince Philip was obliged always to walk a few steps behind the Queen.

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Philip walked behind the Queen - That was probably a tricky change for a man of his era! 

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Driver's license - The Queen is the only person in the UK permitted to drive without a driver's license. 

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No shellfish -

It's said that royals are banned from eating shellfish, most likely because of the risk of food poisoning. 

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No garlic -

It's also rumored that there's no garlic allowed at Buckingham Palace because the Queen doesn't like it. She's really missing out...

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No starchy carbs! -

The Queen has reportedly also banned bread, potatoes, and pasta from their meals. How do they even eat with all these restrictions?!

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Monopoly is banned - It's rumored that the game Monopoly is banned at the palace. Prince Andrew once revealed to the press that they were no longer allowed to play it as it became "too vicious." Oh, to be a fly on the wall during a family game of Monopoly at Buckingham Palace...

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Christmas presents - Unlike most British families, the royal family opens their Christmas presents on Christmas Eve instead of early on Christmas day.

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No fur - King Edward III banned the royals from wearing fur in the 12th century and technically the rule hasn't been changed, but it has definitely been breached on several occasions!

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Approval for marriage - Members of the royal family must ask the permission of the monarch, Queen Elizabeth, before making a marriage proposal. This rule was created in the Royal Marriages Act of 1772.

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Myrtle bouquet -

Traditionally, royal brides always carry a sprig of myrtle in their bouquets. The flower is thought to symbolize love and marriage. 

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The royal wedding party -

A royal wedding party must always include a gaggle of young children to act as flower girls and page boys. Adorable! 

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No PDA -

Royal family members are discouraged from engaging in public displays of affection. No kissing, or even hand-holding while in the public eye. 

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Accepting gifts -

Royals are obliged to accept all gifts graciously, no matter what they are. Here Kate Middleton accepts a blow up yellow duck with a delighted smile.

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No autographs or selfies -

The royal family members are not supposed to act like celebrities and sign autographs or take selfies with their fans. Obviously Meghan Markle found it a bit difficult to break her old habits! 

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Non-royals shouldn't touch royals -

It's rumored that people outside of the royal family aren't supposed to touch the royals. LeBron James is breaking all the rules here! 

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No nicknames - Members of the royal family are not allowed to have nicknames, even though they're widely used by the media. For example, Kate Middleton goes by Catherine within the family.

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No voting -

Royals are not allowed to vote or express political opinions publicly. 

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No political careers - They also aren't allowed to hold any kind of political office.

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The exception to the rules - The only royals who are completely above the Queen’s laws are her corgis. They can do as they please. 

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What next? -

The Queen is a fascinating and mysterious figure. Take a look at these rare photos from her younger days to get a more intimate look at the woman behind the crown. 

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