👑🚫 Think royal life is all glitz and glam? Think again. Kate Middleton may live in a palace, but these everyday rules and restrictions show just how little freedom comes with the crown. From selfies to seafood, discover what the Princess of Wales must sacrifice 👇
Life behind palace walls isn’t quite the fairy tale most people imagine. Despite the luxury, privilege, and worldwide admiration, Catherine, Princess of Wales, lives under a long list of royal traditions and unspoken expectations. And while she may be married to the future King of England, her role comes with strict boundaries—and some of them are surprisingly simple things that many people enjoy without thinking twice.
Here are 10 ordinary freedoms that Kate Middleton must give up because of her royal status:
1.Earn Her Own Money
Kate Middleton can’t take on a side hustle or pursue any kind of paid work, no matter how passionate she might be about it. Whether it’s photography, fashion, or writing, royal protocol forbids her from accepting personal payment. All her beautiful portraits of her children? Shared through official royal channels, never for profit.
2.Vote or Run for Office
As a senior member of the royal family, Kate must remain politically neutral at all times. That means no voting in elections, no public opinions on politics, and certainly no political campaigns. Even if she had strong views, she’s expected to keep them completely private.
Play Monopoly at Home
It might sound like a joke, but Monopoly is actually banned in the royal household. The late Queen Elizabeth reportedly found the game too “vicious” and removed it from family gatherings. So don’t expect to see Kate buying up Mayfair or collecting rent on Park Lane anytime soon.
4. Use Personal Social Media
Kate doesn’t have a personal Instagram or TikTok account. Everything she shares with the public is managed by professional teams through the official Kensington Royal profiles. No unfiltered behind-the-scenes glimpses or spontaneous updates—every post is polished and curated.
5. Pose for Selfies with Fans
While celebrities and influencers snap selfies with fans every day, royal protocol says no. Kate is expected to greet admirers with a handshake and a smile—but not a photo. Selfies are seen as too informal, and royals also avoid autographs to prevent misuse of their signatures.
6. Eat Certain Foods—Especially Shellfish
While traveling or attending royal events, Kate avoids shellfish altogether. It’s a precautionary rule to reduce the risk of food poisoning, which could seriously disrupt a packed royal schedule. The rule also extends to rare or exotic foods—anything with a high risk of causing illness is off-limits.
7. Continue Eating After the Monarch Stops
At formal royal dinners, once King Charles III finishes eating, so must everyone else. The rule applies to Kate too, regardless of how much is left on her plate. Royal etiquette insists that the monarch silently sets the pace, and everyone else follows.
8. Go to Bed Before the King
It’s considered disrespectful to leave a formal gathering or go to bed before the monarch, unless given permission. For Kate, that can mean late nights of polite conversation and waiting until King Charles signals that the evening is over. Princess Diana reportedly struggled with this tradition during her time in the family.
9. Travel with Her Children
There’s an old rule discouraging royal heirs from traveling together to protect the line of succession. While Kate and William have sometimes chosen to travel as a family, doing so breaks from long-standing protocol. In times past, heirs like William and Prince George would be expected to fly separately.
10. Take Off Her Coat in Public
One of the lesser-known rules: royal women, including Kate, should not remove their coats in public. It’s considered improper and undignified. That’s why she often wears coat-style dresses that stay on throughout her appearance, no matter the weather or indoor setting.
These limitations may seem minor on the surface, but they reveal just how carefully orchestrated Kate Middleton’s public life is. From fashion choices to daily habits, everything is planned with tradition, optics, and royal dignity in mind.
Thanks for reading! If these royal rules surprised you—or made you rethink the idea of living in a palace—leave a comment below. I’d love to hear what you think!
Leave a Reply