Behind the dazzling jewels, historic palaces, and centuries-old ceremonies lies a world of strange customs and strict etiquette. The British Royal Family may appear glamorous, but their lives are bound by rules so peculiar that even the most dedicated etiquette expert might struggle to keep up. From what they eat to how they sit, the monarchy is governed by traditions that seem more medieval than modern. Curious to peek inside this extraordinary world? Let’s uncover some of the weirdest and most fascinating royal rules that still shape the daily lives of the Windsors.

Introduction

The British Royal Family has always been a source of global fascination. Known for their grandeur, elegance, and tradition, the royals maintain a carefully curated public image that embodies continuity and stability. But beneath the pomp and ceremony lies a set of unusual, sometimes baffling, rules. Many of these customs date back centuries, originally created to protect the monarchy’s mystique, ensure discipline, and safeguard succession.

From packing mourning clothes before every trip to swapping hats for tiaras after sunset, these quirky regulations provide a glimpse into the highly ceremonial — and sometimes surprisingly restrictive — lifestyle of the royals. While the monarchy has adapted to modern times, these protocols remain reminders of an age when symbolism mattered more than practicality.

In this feature, we’ll explore 15 bizarre royal rules that range from charmingly old-fashioned to downright strange.

1. Royals Must Always Travel With a Mourning Outfit

Fashion may seem trivial, but for the royals, it’s an essential part of protocol. Every member of the Royal Family must pack a black mourning outfit whenever traveling abroad. This stems from 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, was in Kenya during her father King George VI’s death. Without a mourning dress, she had to wait until one was flown in before returning to Britain.

Why it matters: This rule ensures that if a national tragedy occurs, royals can immediately appear appropriately dressed, maintaining dignity and respect in public view.

2. Monopoly Is Banned in the Royal Household

The world’s favorite board game is off-limits in Buckingham Palace. Why? Because it gets too competitive. Prince Andrew revealed in 2008 that Monopoly had been banned within the family as it became “too vicious” during family gatherings.

Royal alternative: Instead of property feuds and financial ruin, the royals opt for games like charades during Christmas at Sandringham — a tradition beloved by Queen Elizabeth II.

3. Royals Can’t Sign Autographs

Forget collecting celebrity signatures. Royals are not allowed to sign autographs or documents outside their official duties. This strict rule protects against fraud, as a forged royal signature could carry enormous weight.

Modern twist: Selfies are also traditionally discouraged, though younger royals like Prince William and Kate Middleton are more relaxed about it. Handshakes, however, remain a staple of royal engagements.

4. They Must Accept All Gifts – But Can’t Always Keep Them

When royals are showered with presents during state visits or charity events, etiquette dictates they must accept everything graciously — from rare antiques to handmade crafts. But not all gifts remain in their personal possession.

Protocol: Items of significant value are considered property of the Crown and often end up in royal collections or museums. Only inexpensive, personal gifts are kept privately.

5. The Monarch Must Approve Royal Marriages

Love may conquer all, but not without the monarch’s blessing. Under the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, all senior royals once needed the sovereign’s consent to marry. Today, after the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, only the first six people in line must seek approval.

Case in point: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s marriage required Queen Elizabeth II’s formal consent. Without it, the wedding could not have taken place within the Church of England.

6. Royals Traditionally Avoid Eating Shellfish

Seafood delicacies like oysters or shrimp may be a global luxury, but royals are discouraged from eating them — especially on official trips. The reason? The risk of food poisoning, which could disrupt duties.

Modern exceptions: Younger royals sometimes ignore this guideline, but when dining formally or abroad, shellfish is usually off the royal menu.

7. Royals Walk in Strict Order Behind the Monarch

Every royal event is choreographed like a ballet. Walking, seating, and even standing positions are based on rank and seniority. The monarch leads, followed by heirs and senior royals, with younger or less senior members at the rear.

Fun detail: Even spouses sometimes have to walk behind their royal partners, highlighting the hierarchy within the family.

8. Royal Women Must Wear Hats — and Switch to Tiaras After 6 PM

During the day, women in the Royal Family traditionally wear hats or fascinators at formal events. Once the clock strikes 6 PM, tiaras are permitted — but only for evening banquets or state dinners.

Extra tradition: Tiaras are reserved for married women, symbolizing the transition from maidenhood to marital status.

9. Royals Must Not Cross Their Legs at the Knee

Grace and composure are everything. Female royals are discouraged from crossing their legs at the knee when sitting. Instead, they employ the “Duchess Slant,” where legs are slanted neatly to the side, a posture made iconic by Princess Diana and perfected by Princess Kate.

Purpose: This posture avoids wardrobe malfunctions and promotes elegance, even under media scrutiny.

10. Two Heirs Cannot Travel Together on the Same Plane

The line of succession is paramount. Traditionally, two direct heirs (like the monarch and their eldest child) are not permitted to travel together in case of accidents. Though this rule has been relaxed, explicit permission must still be sought from the monarch if heirs wish to share a flight.

Modern exception: Prince William has flown with his children before, but only after gaining approval.

Additional Weird Royal Rules

11. Royals Cannot Be Political

The Royal Family must remain strictly neutral. They are barred from voting, running for office, or expressing political opinions publicly. This neutrality preserves their role as unifying figures above party politics.

12. The Monarch Owns All the Swans

Yes, you read that right. By ancient tradition, the King (or Queen) technically owns all unmarked mute swans in open waters in England and Wales. This centuries-old law is symbolically maintained through an annual event called “Swan Upping.”

13. No Touching the Royals (Unofficially)

While handshakes are common today, traditionally, members of the public were discouraged from touching royals. This rule reflects their symbolic separation from common life. Though relaxed now, many still hesitate to go beyond a handshake.

14. Royal Names Are Carefully Controlled

Unlike commoners, royals don’t have surnames in the usual sense. Instead, they use house names (like Windsor or Mountbatten-Windsor) when required. Even first names must follow tradition, often honoring monarchs of the past.

15. Royals Eat Before Everyone Else Stops

At formal banquets, the rule is simple: once the monarch finishes eating, everyone else must also stop. This ensures the dinner flows according to royal timing — though it can leave guests scrambling to finish quickly.

Conclusion

Life as a royal may look glamorous, but behind the tiaras and ceremonies lies a world bound by peculiar customs and ancient etiquette. From banning board games to forbidding shellfish, these rules highlight just how unique the monarchy’s existence truly is.

Some rules serve practical purposes — like protecting the line of succession — while others simply preserve centuries of tradition. Together, they create the mystique that keeps the Royal Family fascinating to millions around the world.

Whether you find these rules amusing, strange, or outdated, one thing is certain: royal life is unlike anything else. It’s a world where every action, from a handshake to a hat, carries meaning, history, and symbolism.