Every family has rules to follow. Be it coming back home by 11pm or no phones during meals, there are always some said and unsaid rules in a family and even more so when it’s the world’s most famous Royal Family.
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The British Royal Family is rigged with traditions and as such, they would be nothing if not for the traditions they meticulously keep. Some of these traditions are harmless, sweet and simple while others are downright morbid and mean. Let’s see what they are:
Morbid Royal traditions that may be practical for the monarchy
One thing about the royal family - they always have a reason for doing things. Be it a walk in the park or not eating garlic. While the below-mentioned rules may appear to be dark, they have ironclad logic behind them.
Two Royal heirs can’t travel together
Death is the only truth and it can come when you least expect it. As such, to protect the Royal lineage, two heirs cannot travel together. According to The Mirror, Prince William last travelled with his father in 1994 due to the same reason.
The future King will soon be following the same rule with his son - Prince George - when he turns 12. The second in the line of succession to the British throne behind his father will turn 12 in 2025 and will have to travel separately from his father.
Carrying black clothes while travelling
If you’ve seen The Crown on Netflix, you will know why this protocol prevails. If not, we got you covered. When Queen Elizabeth’s father King George VI died, she was in Kenya and immediately returned to the UK. However, she didn’t pack a black dress with her so she had to wait until it was delivered to her on the plane.
This was done to ensure she didn’t step out in public in inappropriate clothes. Therefore, all the Royal Family members are expected to pack a black piece of clothing with them in case they have to rush for someone’s death. This explains how the Queen’s four children and grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry were so quickly able to make their way to Balmoral, reports Metro.co.uk.
Not eating shellfish
According to the Hello! Magazine, Shellfish is off the royal menu. This comes as it carries a high risk of food poisoning. Former royal butler Grant Harold explained:
It is a very sensible move to abandon having seafood when out and about on public duties.
We don’t want a member of the Royal family having a serious reaction to food poisoning, especially if she is on an overseas tour.
Not touching the commoners
Historically, it has been evident and well-established that the Royals can’t touch commoners. Meaning, they have to maintain a decent distance and only establish contact through a formal handshake. This may be stemmed from the fear that touching the public may be a carrier of death or diseases.
Other strange Royal Family rules that they must follow at all times
While these rules make sense, there are certain rules that the Royal Family members must follow and they may not make sense to everyone. Here is what they are:
- No Monopoly on game nights: Fashion Magazine reports that the Royal Family isn’t allowed to play Monopoly. Previously, Prince Andrew has revealed that the game ‘gets too vicious’ and is avoided.
- Eating old cake at Christenings: At Prince Louis’ christening, the Royal Family served the cake saved from Prince William and Kate’s wedding. The Cake was a saved tier from their wedding cake laced with brandy to last many years. The same was also served at Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s christening.
- No nicknames: Royal family members have long titles so you would expect them to be addressed by their nicknames. However, that’s not the case, reports Hello! India. Royals are always referred to by their full names even when they are at home.
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Sources Used
Mirror: Reason Prince William and Prince George will soon no longer fly together
Metro.co.uk: Why Royal Family members must always travel with a black outfit in their suitcases
Hello! Magazine: 6 foods the royal family never eat revealed – and some may surprise you
Fashion Magazine: 11 Facts About the Royal Family That Will Make You Say “What?!”
Hello! India Magazine: 9 Ridiculous Rules That The Royal Family Has To Follow At All Times
