This article was originally published on tv-bee and has been republished here with permission.
In recent days there has been more talk about the British Royal Family than usual. With everything that is being said, it is becoming more apparent than ever that every family has their own issues. Being a kid is tough. We all remember having to be in bed by a certain time, or not being allowed to eat dessert if we didn't finish our dinners. Having to listen to our parents was not always what we wanted to do, but what other choice did we have? We would see princes and princesses in the movies and always dream of being just like them. After all, no one can tell royalty what to do, right? Wrong. Let's have a look at 40 of the craziest rules that the Royal children need to follow...even as adults.
No Baby Food
At one time or another, we have all either been spat up on or been the one spitting up peas and carrots, corn and turkey, or one of many other varieties of jarred baby foods. This is not a problem that a royal parent needs to trouble themselves with.
From the time that they are old enough to eat solid foods, as a rule, the children of royalty are not to be fed any baby food. All of their meals, from the time they finish being breastfed, is prepared by the royal kitchens.
All Royal Children Are Baptized
Being devout Anglicans, it is mandatory for every royal baby to be baptized. Using holy water that is drawn from the Jordan River, each baby in the royal family is baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
From the time of Victoria's christening in 1841 until 2004, all of the royal babies were baptized in the same traditional christening gown. In 2004, it was decided that the gown should be put into conservation and it was subsequently retired.
The World Must Know
The birth of a new baby is a momentous occasion in anyone's family. It is something that every new parent would cry out from the highest building if they could. The royal family has a man to do just that.
The (unofficial) Town Crier announces the birth of each and every royal baby. In doing so he lets the world know that a new member of Britain's royal family has been 'safely delivered'.
The Kids Have Their Own Christmas Table
Some of the most entertaining stories that we have from our childhoods come from when our whole families would get together for holiday meals. The adults would be exchanging pleasantries while hoping that all the kids were behaving down the other end of the room. Holiday meals with the little princes and princesses are no different.
At Christmas lunch every year, while the adults sit down to enjoy their meals, the kids are at their own seperate Royal Kids table.
Tea Time
Most days between 3 pm and 5 pm the Queen and those with her sit down for 'Tea Time'. Sporting delicious cakes sandwiches and preserves, 'Tea Time' has some very delicious snacks. To wash these treats down, one usually partakes in a nice hot cup of tea. Just make sure that the cup is held properly if ever invited to the palace.
Holding the cup and saucer at waist height, unless taking a sip is expected of all guests and royals alike. From a young age princes and princesses are also taught to grasp the handle of the cup with their forefinger and thumb. Putting their forefinger through the handle instead is definitely a no no.
Etiquette Training From A Young Age
Royal children, more than any other children, are constantly in the spotlight. The world is always watching. For this, and many other reasons, these young ones are taught how to behave in almost ever situation.
While eating meals, even as a child, they are taught not to stab their fork through their food. They must balance the food on the back side of the fork while using their knife for assistance.
They Must Accept Gifts
All children love to be given gifts, whether it be a new toy, a video game or even just a baloon to play with. But sometimes, kids are given gifts that they just do not really like, and they don't want to take. Royal children don't have a choice in the matter.
If given a gift, a prince or princess must accept the gift. There is no turning the other cheek if they are unhappy with the gift that is given to them. If on official royal business, the kids have to accept the presents but the given gift actually belongs to the crown, so they may not be able to keep it, even if they want to.
Military Service
No, the royal children do not have to serve in the military as children. However, once they do come of age, it is expected that all princes and princesses join the British Military.
William served seven and a half years and Harry served for an astonishing ten years. In 1945, even, Queen Elizabeth, served as the first woman in the Royal Family to take on service in the British Armed Services as a full-time active member. This, of course, was before she became Queen.
'Do Not, Pass Go'
The children of the Royal Family, are not allowed to play Monopoly. That's right. Even when they grow older, they are asked to not partake in this old favourite.
Due to the aggresive and combative nature of the game, it is believed, by the monarchs, that playing Monopoly would create too much direct competition and animosity amongst its own.
Grandma?
In the eyes of the royal children, their parents are not princes and princesses, or dukes and dutchesses, they are mum and dad. However, they are told not to call the Queen grandma.
Even the royal children have to address the Queen by one of her titles. At least in public. In the privacy of the palace, she will always be Grandma Lilibet.
Flying With Another Heir Is Out of The Question
Up until they turn eleven or twelve years old, the little princes and princesses, usually, travel everywhere with their parents. After they become adolescents, this all changes. There is no more flying on the same plane with both parents.
If there is an accident of any kind on one of the flights, there always needs to be a succesor to the crown. This is why no two heirs to the Royal Family are meant to fly together in the same airplane. There are, of course, always exceptions.
Passports Are A Must
Since royals and their families are forced to go on a family vacation every year, it only makes sense, that even as children they all have their international travel documents in order.
All royals, from the time they are babies must have passports. It's a must. Except the Queen of course. British passports are issued by order of the Queen, and well, she should haven't to issue herself one.
No Pants
Ever wonder why we always see princes wearing shorts instead of pants, even when it's cold outside? It is not in order to have better movement for running and playing. Nor is it because they want to show off their socks.
It is actually because English tradition demands that boys of the upper class never wear pants, only shorts. It is considered to be below their class to wear pants before the age of seven or eight.
Windsor Wave
There are many different ways to wave hello or goodbye to someone. Everyone eventually settles on the style of wave that is right for them. Luckily, royal children never have to go through the painstaking decision-making of which wave to use, it's already been decided for them.
Known as, 'The Royal Wave' or 'The Queen's Wave', the Windsor wave is not just used by The Queen. It is something that all royals learn from a young age, and is actually the wave of the British Royal Family.
Wedding Parties
As a child, when a family member is getting married, it is a travesty when asked to be part of the wedding party. A lot of children don't want to have to walk down the isle and be put on show for all those in attendance. Royal kids don't have a choice in the matter.
As a rule, all the kids of the British Royal Family must be part of the wedding party for any and all weddings that take place. If for no other reason than they just look adorable in those outfits.
One Is Not Enough
Family planning is usually very difficult. From where to live to how many children to have, life can be very overwhelming sometimes. The size of their family, is not something the Royals need to fret too much about, as part of the decision has already been made for them.
Every member of the British Monarch, upon getting married, is to have at least two children. It's simple, more children ensures a steadier line of succession for the Royal Bloodline.
Don't Turn Your Back On Me
Children reserve this very distinctive right to wonder aimlessly from place to place with very little regard for where everyone is and who these people are. From their youth, these kids are taught another way.
Whether an adult or child, no member of the Royal family, nor the public, is meant to have their back towards The Queen. Her majesty will always leave a room first to ensure that no backs are ever turned. Only then, may even the toddlers, leave.
Girls Wear Skirts/Dresses
Is it a pants day or a dress day? This isn't a question that a Princess of Britain needs to trouble herself with. Like many of their other wardrobe concerns, every little princess has had that decision made for her as well.
When attending Royal events, every princess of the British Royal Family, must wear a dress or (when older) a skirt. When wearing a skirt, it must come down at least to the knees. Anything shorter, would just not meet the Royal standard.
Strict Dress Code
Figuring out what to wear every day can be one of the toughest parts of the day or one of the most fun parts of the day, especially for kids. There won't be any batman costumes worn out in public by any of these kids, except maybe on Halloween.
Wardrobe rules, are one of the most important ones for royal children. In public, they are not allowed to wear any graphic t-shirts, sports jerseys, or anything else that could tarnish their image.
Curtsey To Grandma
Princess Charlotte has already given the world some absolutely adorable moments in her young life. Whether she was running around with George or playing bubbles with her father, Charlotte has had numerous picturesque moments. Some things that she does, however, are not just adorable, they are expected.
All little princesses are taught how to curtsey. No matter how close of a relative one is to The Queen, they curtsey upon greeting her. It is not a must, but an expectation.
Listening To The Nanny
Since their parents are probably very busy and important people, royal children all have their own personal nanny to raise them. They are princes and princesses, surely they wouldn't have to listen to a nanny, right?
Wrong. The Royal Rugrats must listen to their nannies. After all, they are around them almost 24/7 and have known them from birth. The nanny is just an extension of the parents.....who gets paid to be there.
Matching Outifts
It is something that we have seen time and time again. Parents, no matter how 'Royal' they are, tend to dress their kids alike. The royals, don't just do it to look cute.
This is one of those unwritten rules. It is expected that the children of royalty are dressed the same as their siblings. At least they will always have an extra set of the same clothes to grow into.
No Black Outfits
While travelling, members of the Royal family always pack a black outfit, even though they are only very rarely seen wearing black clothing.
Another rule that the royal children follow, even through adulthood, is not to wear all black ensembles. All black outfits are reserved for funerals.
The Queen Has Final Say
It is an age-old tradition to seek the bride's father's permission before marriage. As absolutely nerve-wracking as that may be sometimes, imagine having to ask the matriarch of the entire family. And now, imagine that woman is the Queen of England.
Queen Elizabeth has final say over whom the royal children end up marrying. She has never used that authority, but each of the royal children have introduced their spouses to The Queen, and gained her approval.
Tiaras Are For Brides
After gaining The Queen's approval for marriage, the bride to be is finally able to start picturing herself wearing a beautiful royal Tiara.
However, she must wait until the wedding, as only married women in The Royal Family are allowed to wear Tiaras. Until the nuptials, it's only hats for them.
Queen's Choice
The Princess is finally getting married and is going to be allowed to wear the tiara that she's been wanting to wear for so many years. Only, it is not that simple.
As a rule, the Queen picks out the tiara that each princess will wear at their wedding. It has been this way for every marriage since her coronation.
Hats At Formal Events
Before the 1950s rolled around, the royal women were very rarely seen anywhere in public without a hat on as it was not very 'lady like' to show one's hair in public. As the times have continued to change, so have the rules for headwear.
After coming of age, all royal princesses must wear a hat to all daytime, formal events. But, when the sun goes down, if they've been wed, they get to switch to their favourite tiara.
No Gifts On Christmas Day
That's right. Absolutely no gifts on Christmas Day. Why not? All the other kids get to wake up on Christmas morning, go downstairs, and open their gifts under the tree.
Royal children, much like many other children in the world, open their gifts on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas day. These pint-sized monarchs spend their Christmas Day partaking in church services.
Last Forkful
Some people take longer than others to eat a meal, that is just the way it is. When it comes to eating in the presence of The Queen, even the children have to abide by this rule.
When the Queen is finished eating, so is everyone else. It's time for the kids to finish that last bite of foie gras that's balancing on the back of their fork and back away from the food.
No Autographs
If we see a celebrity of any kind these days, it has become almost an instinct to run on over and snap a quick selfie or ask for their signature.
Once they are old enough to enter the public eye, the spawn of the Royals are instructed not to give their 'John Hancock' to anyone. That means no Royal signatures for any fans. They are also told to say no to selfies.
Family Time
Time with the family is always an important thing to set aside. Most of us dreamed of going on holidays as children. The Queen thinks it so important that she has even made it a rule.
It is mandatory for all of the royal children to go on holidays once a year with their family. Oh shucks, what a tough rule this one would be to follow...
Get In Line
These kids don't just get to walk next to whoever they want when they're with their family. Even the little princes and princesses need to follow the rules on this on.
Whenever The Royal Family are walking with any other member of the family, they must walk in the order of succession. Sadly, that means that little Mia Grace doesn't get to walk with Charlotte very much when the whole family is going somewhere.
What's Up Doc?
Not all rules are meant it be kept, some are made to be broken. This is one of those rules that none of the royals seem to follow.
The Windsor family are not supposed to be known by any nicknames. We've seen Harry called 'Spike', WIlliam has gone by 'Wombat', and even the Queen of England herself has a few nicknames. Most notably, 'Lilibet'
No To Politics
Some families can be torn apart by contrasting political views. Luckily, this is one thing the Windsors do not need to worry about. All royal children are raised with the same political views...
...they have none. The Royal Family is not to take any sides in politics, and they are not allowed to vote. As the Heads of State, the monarch must stay neutral in order for the elections to remain fair.
Don't get Any Bright Ideas
Ever wonder why we have not seen Kate or Meghan with pink hair or bright green nail polish? Or why Harry has never been seen with a wicked mohawk or dreadlocks?
The royals are actually not allowed to dye their hair bright colors, put on flashy make-up, or wear bright colored nail polish. As far as Harry's hairdo, well, anything like is considered to be inappropriate for royalty.
Please Rise
As a general rule, one should not turn their back towards the Queen or speak out of turn while in her presence. As we've seen, when she is finished eating, as are her guests. But these are not the only rules that the kids need to follow around grandma.
Every time their gran enters a room, or stands up, all of the children must stand as well. And not just the kids. Everyone must stand when she does, after all, she is the Queen.
Bonjour
Trying to learn one language is tough enough. As a member of the Royal Family, there is a constant demand for travel, as such, it is recommended that all of the children learn at least one other language.
Aside from English, Prince William has supposedly learned four other languages, including French, Swahili, Gaelic, and Welsh. It's no wonder his children are already bilingual. Along with their father, George and Charlotte are currently learning Spanish.
PDA Is Out Of The Question
When we're out with our partners, sometimes we just want to give them a good squeeze, a warm embrace, or a sneaky kiss. Well, that is completely out of the question for the royals.
Aside from their wedding kiss, or the birth of their children, we would be hard pressed to see the mini-monarchs showing any overtly effectuate emotions towards each other, or anyone else for that matter, as public displays of affection are very much against the rules.
No Spuds Allowed
One of the best things about any family dinner is the potatoes. Serve them mashed, boiled, french fried, any way they come, it doesn't matter. Potatoes are just great. Princesses Charlotte thinks so as well, as they are one of her favourite foods. Too bad she won't find them at grandma's place for dinner.
Queen Elizabeth is not a fan of starchy foods. As a result, there are no potatoes, pasta, or rice served at the palace. And yes, even Charlotte needs to sacrifice a little and follow this rule.
Shellfish Is Off The Menu
Forget the lobster bib. Do not pass them the hot butter and no, they will not be in need of the shrimp sauce.
No, The Windsor children are not raised to keep kosher, they are just brought up not eating any shellfish. This is something that carries on through adulthood and is because of the possibility of contracting food borne illnesses. When traveling overseas, they are also advised not to drink tap water or eat specific rare meats.