His Majesty Must Obey – Discover The British Monarchy’s Rules For King Charles
The Wedding Bouquet Is Incomplete Without Myrtle
The beauty of the royal wedding bouquet is its simplicity and understated elegance. Kate Middleton’s wedding bouquet was designed by a London florist who chose a small herald-shaped combination of lily of the valley, sweet william, hyacinth, and myrtle.
All four flowers are homegrown in Britain and were chosen by referencing the language of flowers popularised by Queen Victoria. And since myrtle signifies love and hope, every royal bride since Queen Victoria has always added some blossoms to their bouquet.
NEXT: See why long hugs are deemed uncouth and what Kate Middleton thinks of this rule.
A Strict Dress Code Is Expected at All Times
As the new head of the British Monarchy, King Charles is expected to dress to the nines at all times. However, that aspect of his life had remained constant even before he was tapped to ascend to the throne.
However, trusted sources have revealed that Charles does not intend to hold on to some old-fashioned conception of proper attire. For example, he won’t wear silk stockings and breeches at his coronation but would opt for a military uniform instead.
NEXT: See what differentiates the new King from regular celebrities.
Fans Will Miss Out on Autographs
Taylor Swift and other big names in entertainment may spend much time signing autographs for fans, but no one should expect King Charles to keep up with the practice. This rule is essentially in place to prevent the possibility of forgeries or, worse, identity theft.
So fans lucky enough to come across His Majesty in public ought to think twice before asking for his signature. Interestingly, this rule does not pertain to Charles alone but to all British royals.
NEXT: See what to do with cameras when the King comes around.
Never Agree to Selfies
Quite similar to the rule about autographs is the fact that King Charles can’t take selfies with would-be fans in public. Of course, there was that time in 2017 when newly engaged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle greeted crowds in Nottingham.
Markle refused a selfie with fans, claiming she wasn’t allowed, and Royal Correspondent Victoria Murphy noted the Duchess was learning fast. So while some royals may have taken selfies with people in the past, the King absolutely cannot.
NEXT: What’s the King’s duty to his people?
Inspire a Sense of Patriotism Among the People
Alfred the Great is considered the greatest King in England’s history for helping stabilize Britain after nearly a century of Viking raids and ongoing warfare. His impressive administrative skills also helped ensure military reforms and the expansion of the law code.
However, times have changed, and it’s rare for any King or Queen to have such a significant impact on the country and its associated realms. Still, Charles must inspire a solid national identity and patriotism among his citizens.
NEXT: Find out how much power His Majesty can wield.
Help Rule the Commonwealth Realms
The King of England’s title confers immense administrative and royal power on a person. So His Majesty’s responsibilities extend far beyond the shores of the United Kingdom.
King Charles also wields immense power over the 14 Commonwealth realms—Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. However, Barbados became a Republic after abolishing the monarchical system in 2021.
NEXT: See King Charles’ role in the military.
Serve as the Head of the Armed Forces
It’s no mistake that the British Armed Forces is also known as His Majesty’s Armed Forces. The force is charged with national and international defense, which they perform alongside the Royal Navy and Royal Airforce.
And at the top of this hierarchy lies King Charles, who calls the shots. While his decision-making will be bolstered by a team of advisors and high-ranking officials, The King must maintain a close relationship with the Armed Forces by regularly visiting service establishments.
NEXT: Learn about the unique bond Charles shares with the Church.
Act as the Head of the Church of England
A Royal title from the reign of King Henry VIII is “Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.” It emphasizes that the sovereign is the head of the Church of England.
Charles’s duties include appointing Archbishops, Bishops, and Deans of the Church of England. However, he performs these responsibilities on the advice of the Prime minister. He’ll also take an oath to preserve the Church of Scotland while exerting no power over its governance.
NEXT: See how Charles packs for trips abroad.
Always Respect the Culture During Trips Abroad
Charles’ duty as the head of the Monarchy means he gets to take a lot of trips abroad. Such travels may be to the Commonwealth realms or other affiliated nations. However, no matter what location he visits, the King is expected to don the appropriate attire.
The custom is for him to wear outfits incorporating some aspects of the country’s culture. That may mean wearing a piece of local traditional attire or adding a pin with the country’s flag.
NEXT: See reasons why the King should be mostly seen, not heard.
Never Voice Strong Opinions in Public
King Charles is more outspoken than the late queen. A perception bolstered by his past roles as a Prince when he sidestepped a lot of traditions, choosing to carve his own path.
However, with the title of King comes an expectation that Charles will never publicly voice his opinions on many subjects. Such convictions are confined within the privacy of his home. So no more lobbying the government directly through “spider memos” as he did in the early ’00s.
NEXT: Find out what dinner party etiquette the King must observe.
Stay Detail-Oriented and Disciplined at Dinner Parties
Royalty and tradition are two very intertwined words. As such, the list of dining rules King Charles must observe in line with longstanding tradition is far too lengthy to go into at this moment.
However, the essential details are that His Majesty must only speak to the guest seated on his right during a conversation during the first course. Only once the second course has been served can he turn to talk to the guest seated on his left.
NEXT: What’s the one food the King has to avoid yet can’t seem to resist?
Avoid Certain Foods That Pose a Risk
When King John took ill in October 1216 before dying, the most common consensus was that his attack of dysentery was due to food poisoning. So today, there are restrictions on the Royal diet.
No matter his thoughts on seafood, Charles must avoid all shellfish as it can increase the likelihood of getting food poisoning. Still, he appears to have risked that possibility during the Whitstable Oyster Festival in the summer of 2013 when he couldn’t resist enjoying sushi.
NEXT: Learn why His Majesty cannot eat at every event.
Only Eat at Predetermined Official Events
The risks of infection and poisoning also prevent the King from enjoying meals at every public event. Charles can only eat food at royally arranged and sanctioned events. And the menu set to be served that day is usually approved by the Crown ahead of time.
So if Charles were to receive a cake while walking out of an event, he’d accept it to avoid being rude or disrespectful. However, that cake won’t end up in his mouth afterward.
NEXT: Find out why the King can never travel with Prince William.
Never Travel With Other Heirs
This rule has remained unchanged for so long—no two heirs of the British throne can travel together. That means Prince William can’t take trips with his son Prince George—once he turns 12. Similarly, King Charles can never fly on the same aircraft as Prince William, the heir apparent.
The reason for the rule ought to be self-explanatory. After all, both lives would be at risk if an accident occurred, which would, in turn, put the British throne in jeopardy.
NEXT: Does Charles become King immediately?
Wait a While Before Getting the Crown
This may be confusing, considering King Charles III ascended the British throne immediately after his mother’s death. However, the rule states he must wait 12 good months before he is officially crowned in a coronation.
That also explains why Charles’ crowning ceremony’s set for May 6, 2023. Don’t be mistaken, though. Charles is the new Head of State and the King in every sense of the word. However, he won’t get the Crown to make things official until coronation.
NEXT: Why can we never know what party King Charles supports?
Remain Politically Neutral
The rule is simple. Charles’s duty as a monarch translates to impartiality, discretion, and neutrality. One of the most well-known rules is that no royal family member is allowed to vote or express their political opinions publicly.
If expected of all the royals, then Charles has a much heavier obligation to maintain this rule at all times. The former Queen had an unbending reputation for remaining silent on political issues. Many hope the King will follow in her footsteps.
NEXT: See what constitutional duties the King is expected to perform.
Open Each New Session of Parliament
There’s practically no end to the duties His Majesty is expected to perform. However, while he can ignore many such rules on special occasions, the responsibilities entrenched in the Constitution fall outside that category.
To this end, Charles must open each new session of Parliament. During these meetings, he can also express his opinions on government matters. His duties in this regard also extend to granting Royal Assent to legislation and approving Orders and Proclamations through the Privy Council.
NEXT: See why the King has to pack a backup when going on trips.
Always Pack a Back-up When Travelling
One traveling requirement is that King Charles has to pack an all-black ensemble in case there’s a sudden death during the trip and he has to attend a funeral. Having the correct mourning attire means the King can appropriately dress.
The rule also helps prevent situations like the one from 1952 when the Queen had to wait on the plane from Kenya for a black dress to be delivered so she would arrive appropriately attired for her father’s funeral.
NEXT: Find out what the royals do with the gifts they receive.
Keep All Gifts Received
While King Charles is not allowed to eat any food offered to him in public, he is expected to accept all gifts with grace, regardless of what they are. This rule also pertains to every member of the royal family.
The policy on receiving gifts by the royal family, which was drawn up in 1995 and updated in 2005, also states that any presents the royals receive in connection to their official duties can never be traded or sold.
NEXT: See the royal etiquette regarding conversations with the King.
End All Conversations
Engaging in discussion with His Majesty is an honor of a lifetime. However, there’s a rule in place that ensures that the King is the only one with authority to end every conversation.
For example, whether an official or a commoner, an individual can only walk away from a conversation when Charles has communicated his intention to stop speaking. So the royal etiquette for every conversation is to wait for the King to decide when to end a chat.
NEXT: Find out the one way the King isn’t allowed to sit.
Never Sit With Crossed Legs
When one considers that King Charles can’t even sit still and relax without specific rules guiding his posture, it becomes evident that being King is not easy. Research suggests that sitting cross-legged may cause the hips to become misaligned.
However, there are other reasons behind this rule. Charles has to maintain the proper posture while sitting in public. Because to disregard that rule would be to ridicule the tradition that prevents male royals from sitting with their legs crossed.
NEXT: What differentiates a regular handshake from a royal one?
Observe the Ordained Handshake Rules
Being the monarch of one of the most powerful nations in the world means that King Charles will spend much of his time meeting dignitaries. And those always feature a couple of handshakes thrown in at the start.
Though not technically an official rule, His Majesty must still observe a special handshake. According to the Director of the Royal School of Etiquette, Grant Harrold, a royal handshake should consist of two-to-three pumps, with the palms open and thumbs down.
NEXT: Find out why King Charles won’t be offering hugs in public.
Avoid Public Displays of Affection
Royals are not known for public displays of affection. However, Charles has broken a few of those roles as a Prince. A good example is in 2017, when he hugged a young fan during a visit to Romania.
He also raised a few eyebrows after sharing a kiss with the then Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, at a polo match in 2005. However, now that he’s King, it remains to be seen if Charles will choose to observe this rule.
NEXT: See how Charles is expected to take the initiative in public settings.
Always Stand Up First
Anyone lucky enough to be invited to a royal sit down with the King ought to learn a couple of lessons in patience. It’s essential because His Majesty can initiate standing up. That also means that all in attendance must remain seated at all times until Charles stands up.
It’s also a grave breach of protocol for any guests to remain seated when the King stands. So everyone must rise immediately and remain so until Charles retakes his seat.
NEXT: Find out why Charles has the say-so for royal marriages.
Give Approval for Royal Marriages
Another thing that’s changed since Charles took the reins is his responsibility to approve royal marriages. A lot of strict rules and regulations guide marriages within the monarchy.
In fact, the Royal Marriages Act of 1772 stipulates in unequivocal terms that the Monarch has the final say on sanctioning all royal matrimonial matches. And British lawmakers created the rule to guard against marriages that could diminish the royal house’s status, weakening the institution of monarchy in the long run.
NEXT: Find out who gets to take their seat first at royal gatherings.
Always Take a Seat First During Events
This rule is pretty similar to the one about standing up first. The point is Charles will always be the first to rest his legs at any gathering. Once His Majesty takes his seat, the other royals will also sit down according to their line of inheritance.
Interestingly, this rule brings up a pattern also followed during the Queen’s reign. She always entered a room first, leaving the rest of the royals to follow her in a particular order.
NEXT: See why the Queen couldn’t sit on the throne in “Game of Thrones.”
Never Sit on Another Throne
Can anyone recall when Queen Elizabeth visited the “Game of Thrones” set but refused to sit on the famous throne? The scene caused a lot of confusion. But those who are well versed in the royal protocols were unfazed.
It turns out there’s a rule that states that a British monarch can not sit on the throne of another country or state besides their own. So it doesn’t matter if the seat in question is from a fictional setting.
NEXT: Enough about King Charles. See what rules the other royals have to follow.
Never Turn Your Back on the Monarch
As much as the other members of the royal family are born with a lot of prestige, they’re not on the same level as the monarch. As such, this rule that subjects cannot turn their back on the King also applies to them.
Arguably the only concrete justification for this rule is it’s incredibly disrespectful for subjects to turn their back on a sovereign. Doing so would reportedly indicate that the offender has little regard for the monarch’s authority.
NEXT: Posture rules aren’t meant for the King alone.
Sit Properly at All Times
Interestingly, the royal etiquette for sitting is particularly relevant to the female end of the family. The proper way for a woman to sit is by keeping her knees and ankles tightly together while slanting her legs to the side.
Apparently, this pose keeps the posture modest and resectable while making the legs appear longer. The late Princes Diana was an absolute pro at sitting in this manner, and all evidence indicates that Duchess Kate is just as skilled.
NEXT: Find out why Duchess Kate’s designer was criticized for her ignorance.
Ensure All Dresses Are Weighted Down
The royal family must also adhere to a strict dress code. That also means no casual or revealing clothing will be allowed. After a public event in 2012, where the wind blew up Duchess Kate’s dress, one of her designers received a severe talking to from a concerned subject.
Kate’s fashion designer Jenny Packham revealed to the “Evening Standard” that she didn’t know she was supposed to place weights around the bottom of the hem to avoid embarrassing situations.
NEXT: See the rule about Tiaras among the royals.
Tiaras Can’t Be Swapped
Tiaras are much more than fanciful hair accessories. They are a significant part of royal fashion, guided by several rules and traditions. One such mandate is that tiaras are on loan for a lifetime.
That means once a royal wears a tiara, it remains theirs for the rest of their life, and they can’t lend that headpiece to another royal family member or other noble women. However, the royals may choose not to wear a tiara gifted to them.
NEXT: Did you know that all royals must be baptized?
Always Undergo Baptism
With the British monarch being the head of the church, this rule is hardly surprising. All members of the royal family must be baptized, but that’s not all. Since 1841 when Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Victoria was baptized, all royal babies have worn the same royal christening gown designed by Janet Sutherland.
In 2004 the Queen commissioned an exact copy of the outfit to be worn by James Viscount Severn, so no royal christenings are complete without this tradition.
NEXT: See the mandated mourning color scheme.
Black Is the Color of Mourning
Different cultures worldwide have specific colors they use to mourn the dead. While many parts of East Asia and Europe use white to signify purity and rebirth, South Africans use red, while South America and Thailand use Purple.
But the British royal family, like most of the West, prefers wearing dark colors during times of grieving. They are also mandated to pack a set of black clothes when traveling. That way, they can dress appropriately for an impromptu funeral.
NEXT: Find out how royals are expected to act at dinner parties.
Stop Eating Once the Monarch Is Done
No matter how hungry, a British royal must always take their cue from the Monarch. That means that once King Charles puts down his cutlery, everyone else must follow suit, regardless of whether they’ve finished eating.
Royal etiquette requires diners to place their cutlery at the 6:30 position—imagine that the plate is a clock face and the cutlery are the clock hands—with the tines of the fork facing upwards. That tells the staff that they can clear the plate.
NEXT: See the mandated arrangement for royal births.
A Baby’s First Official Unveiling Must Occur After Their Christening
Another longstanding rule that members of the British royal family follow is keeping the gender of a new child secret until after the christening. First, the monarch hears of the birth; then, the palace posts an official statement to designated websites and media outlets.
Following a public announcement of the baby’s name, the christening ceremony is a few months later. So the official unveiling will only occur after this last step, and the public will see the baby’s pictures.
NEXT: Find out what flowers make up the royal wedding bouquet
The Wedding Bouquet Is Incomplete Without Myrtle
The beauty of the royal wedding bouquet is its simplicity and understated elegance. Kate Middleton’s wedding bouquet was designed by a London florist who chose a small herald-shaped combination of lily of the valley, sweet william, hyacinth, and myrtle.
All four flowers are homegrown in Britain and were chosen by referencing the language of flowers popularised by Queen Victoria. And since myrtle signifies love and hope, every royal bride since Queen Victoria has always added some blossoms to their bouquet.
NEXT: See why long hugs are deemed uncouth and what Kate Middleton thinks of this rule.
Keep Embraces Brief During Events
The royals must maintain a standing that differs from the regular habits of their commoners. So technically, they aren’t supposed to embrace subjects in public. However, Kate and William of the House of Windsor don’t hold this rule in high regard.
The media filmed the Duchess of Cambridge hugging a royal family fan in a touching moment in 2020. But that is hardly the first time we’ve seen her showing such affection to people who approach her in public.
NEXT: See the peculiar fashion protocol Meghan Markle didn’t mind breaking.
Bare Legs Are Taboo
In further revelations on etiquette and dressing protocols expected of royal women, female royals are not permitted to show their bare legs in public. Instead, tradition demands they always wear tights for such outings, irrespective of the weather.
However, Meghan Markle clearly believes that such rules are to be broken. And that explains why she stepped out in 2017 alongside Prince Harry without tights. This occurrence was even more shocking because she bent this rule to announce her engagement.
NEXT: See how binding royal names are.
Always Accept the Formal Name Given
One interesting fact about the royal family is that its members don’t necessarily have surnames. However, factors such as their line of succession, who they marry, and their parents influence how they get the titles they will answer to.
For anyone who’s ever wondered why Kate Middleton is the Duchess of Cambridge and Chares III the Prince of Wales, persons born into a senior position or who marry into the royal family are given a title they can’t refuse.
NEXT: Find out why royals love their hats so much.
Wear Hats to Formal Events
The first pictorial evidence of hats comes from a tomb painting in Thebes, Egypt, dated around 3200 BC. Today, the British royals adore these nifty little accessories.
The Queen established a rule that ladies within the family are to keep their heads covered at public engagements out of courtesy, so it’s rare for any British royal to step out to formal events without a hat. But let’s not forget about Meghan Markle pulling off that seemingly-impossible feat in 2016.
NEXT: The royal rules surrounding tiaras seem very Cinderella-like.
Tiaras Are for Evenings Alone
Just as Cinderella was only allowed to look her best when showing up for the ball at the palace, royals are only allowed to wear tiaras after 5 pm—with weddings being an exception. Events held at night are more likely to be studded with such pricey gems.
Before wearing a tiara, royals must have the band wrapped in velvet to blend into their hair, as the only part of it that’s allowed to show is the design on top.
NEXT: The British royals don’t need nicknames. Here’s why.
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