In the enigmatic world of the British royal family, a veil of secrecy often shrouds their daily lives.

With a myriad of rules and protocols in place, maintaining their royal lifestyle is no small feat.

At the heart of this royal tapestry is Princess Catherine of Wales, a woman who embodies elegance and poise.

Yet, beyond her public persona, she is also a devoted mother of three, balancing a hectic schedule that most can only imagine.

As one of the most recognized figures globally, Princess Catherine faces expectations that seem almost unattainable.

Over the years, certain royal customs have surfaced, revealing the intricate web of etiquette that governs their lives.

For instance, both the princes and Queen Camilla adhere to a long-standing tradition: no diamonds before 6 PM.

Royal etiquette expert Micah Mayer elaborates, noting that during daylight hours, you’ll see a range of metallics, gemstones, and pearls, while diamonds make their grand entrance at night, ensuring a less ostentatious appearance.

When events transition indoors after sunset, women are expected to swap their hats for tiaras—a symbol reserved exclusively for married women.

A woman attending an event without a tiara?

That sends a clear message: she’s available.

As the Prince and Princess of Wales prepare to redefine modern royalty, there’s speculation about whether they will uphold or modify these fashion norms.

Experts suggest that William and Catherine’s youthful, vibrant image has the potential to reshape the monarchy’s future.

While daytime diamond donning is off the table, some royal rules have been bent, particularly by Princess Catherine and her sister-in-law.

They have notably challenged a specific guideline championed by the late Queen regarding the wearing of tights with dresses and skirts.

This particular rule is one of the few hard and fast regulations imposed by the Queen herself.

Another etiquette guideline emphasizes posture: crossing legs at the knee is a major faux pas for royal women.

Instead, they must keep their legs and knees together, although crossing at the ankle is acceptable.

This rule applies universally, from young princesses to queens.

Princess Diana famously employed a clutch to shield her cleavage when exiting vehicles, a practice that has become a staple for royal women to maintain discretion.

Dining etiquette within the royal family is equally strict.

The Queen would initiate conversation with the guest on her right and then switch to the left during the second course.

If royals need to leave the table before finishing their meal, they cross their utensils to signal to the staff not to remove their plates.

A completed meal, however, is indicated by placing utensils at an angle with handles positioned at the bottom right of the plate.

Interestingly, the right to vote is a privilege that eludes royal family members.

They remain politically neutral, as their influence and status place them above political matters.

The King, as head of state and the Church of England, must maintain this impartiality.

Public displays of affection among senior royals are rare, especially during official engagements, to respect cultural sensitivities.

However, the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex often broke this mold, frequently seen sharing affectionate moments.

Historically, marrying a Roman Catholic was forbidden until 2011, reflecting the monarchy’s complex relationship with religion.

Royal weddings are grand occasions, steeped in tradition, including the peculiar custom of incorporating myrtle into the bridal bouquet—a symbol of love and hope that harks back to Princess Victoria.

In a rather somber aspect of royal protocol, direct heirs were once never allowed to travel on the same plane to mitigate the risk of losing two potential rulers in a single accident.

While this may seem morbid, today’s royals, like William and his son George, often fly together.

However, this could change when George turns 12 in July 2025, following the precedent set by William when he reached the same age.

Every royal family member is also expected to have a funeral-appropriate outfit ready, just in case of unexpected tragedies.

This preparation underscores the unique pressures that come with royal life, where public appearances and personal lives are intricately intertwined.

The royal family’s existence is a blend of tradition, duty, and a touch of modernity, making their world as fascinating as it is complex.