Five royal rules Kate Middleton has to follow but they don’t apply to Meghan Markle

Princess Kate Middleton, as a working member of the Royal Family, adheres to several strict and sometimes peculiar royal protocols. These rules, which govern everything from public appearances to personal conduct, are part of her role as a future Queen. In contrast, Meghan Markle, who stepped back from her official royal duties in 2020, is no longer bound by these same regulations. Here’s a closer look at five royal rules that Kate follows but Meghan is free to disregard.

1. **No Autographs**

One of the most well-known royal protocols is the rule against giving autographs. This guideline is designed to prevent fraud and maintain a certain level of formality in royal interactions. Princess Kate is expected to comply with this rule during her public engagements. For instance, at the Chelsea Flower Show’s Children’s picnic last year, Kate had to decline a child’s request for her autograph, explaining that it was against royal protocol. Meghan Markle, however, has not been subject to this restriction. During a recent visit to a children’s hospital, Meghan made a point of taking Polaroid photos with young patients, signing them, and giving them out as keepsakes, demonstrating her more relaxed approach to royal engagements.

2. **Wearing Bright Colors**

Royal protocol dictates that members of the Royal Family often wear more subdued, conservative colors for formal events. Princess Kate adheres to this tradition, opting for classic, elegant hues like navy, burgundy, and beige for many of her public appearances. This adherence helps maintain the formality and dignity expected of future Queen consorts. Meghan, on the other hand, has embraced a wider range of vibrant colors and patterns, reflecting her personal style and breaking from traditional norms. Her choice to wear bold, attention-grabbing outfits has been a point of differentiation between her and Kate.

3. **Public Displays of Affection**

Another royal protocol involves the restraint of public displays of affection. Members of the Royal Family are generally expected to maintain a certain level of decorum in public, avoiding overt expressions of intimacy. Princess Kate consistently observes this rule, often keeping a respectful distance in public appearances with her husband, Prince William. Meghan Markle, however, has been noted for her more relaxed approach to public displays of affection. Her hand-holding and affectionate gestures with Prince Harry have been more frequent, reflecting her more informal approach to royal life.

4. **Formal Address and Language**

Royal etiquette extends to the way members of the family address one another and speak in public. Princess Kate follows strict protocols regarding formal address, using titles and forms of address in accordance with royal tradition. For example, she is careful to address the Queen and other senior royals with the proper titles and language. Meghan Markle has also been aware of this protocol but has been more open about her personal style of communication. Her speeches and public remarks often reflect a more conversational tone, which has sometimes led to a more casual interpretation of royal protocol.

5. **Attending Certain Events**

There are specific events and functions that members of the Royal Family are expected to attend, based on their roles and seniority. Princess Kate’s schedule includes numerous engagements, from charity functions to state ceremonies, in keeping with her role as a future Queen consort. Meghan Markle, since stepping back from her official royal duties, has taken a more selective approach to public engagements. She and Prince Harry have focused on personal projects and philanthropic efforts outside the traditional royal sphere, highlighting their departure from some of the established royal duties.

Overall, the contrast between the roles and rules followed by Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle highlights the differing approaches to royal life. While Kate adheres to traditional royal protocols, Meghan’s departure from these norms reflects her personal choices and the changes she has made since stepping back from her official duties. The differences in their approaches provide insight into the evolving nature of modern royalty and the personal preferences of its members.