The royal family may be above the law, but they are not above the monarchy’s family rules. From the foods they are and aren’t allowed to eat to the clothing they can and can’t wear, there are a lot of rules and regulations every member must follow in order to stay on the queen’s good side.
That said, with modern living, some of these rules are too silly (or, ancient) for the queen’s grandchildren to follow. Up ahead, see the strict royal family rules that Prince William, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle have broken.
1. They’re divorced
Meghan Markle is one of the few divorcees to be allowed in the family. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
While she’s not her official granddaughter-in-law yet, Meghan Markle is only the second woman in the royal family to have been divorced prior to marrying an heir to the throne. Before she married Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall was married to Army officer Andrew Parker Bowles.
2. They wear fur
The queen breaks the rule herself. | Eddie Mulholland/WPA Pool/Getty Images
The British Monarchy has many strict style rules that members of the royal family must follow, which includes no fur. That said, the queen doesn’t seem to be so strict with this rule, as both her and Kate Middleton have worn fur from time-to-time.
3. They don’t always spend Christmas with the royal family
They have at times spent the holidays with her family. | Andrew Matthews – WPA Pool/Getty Images
It’s no secret that the queen loves Christmas. And, in the past, all members of her family — including those married in — had to spend Christmas with the royal family. That said, Prince William and Kate Middleton have broken this rule and take turns alternating between their families.
4. Direct heirs travel together
Thankfully, they’re not making William and George take separate planes. | Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images
In the past, direct heirs were not allowed to travel together. This was a security measure taken to ensure that if there was an accident, two direct heirs would not be impacted. That said, with their more modern way of parenting, Prince William and Kate Middleton travel with Prince George frequently.
5. They don’t live in London
They mostly live in a quaint little country estate. | Richard Humphrey/Wikimedia Commons
While this isn’t exactly a rule, it is a tradition that members of the royal family live in London at Kensington Palace. And while Prince William and Kate Middleton have an apartment in the palace, they spend most of their time at Anmer Hall at Sandringham in Norfolk. Being away from the city has allowed the royal couple to lead more ‘normal’ lives.
6. They go to the supermarket
They’re able to be more low-key than their predecessors. | Arthur Edwards/Getty Images
Speaking of more normal lives, because Prince William and Kate Middleton live away from the city in a more private community, they are able to do things like shop for groceries at the supermarket.
7. They cook
Prince William even proposed to Meghan while cooking. | David Rose – Pool/Getty Images
Being a member of the royal family has its perks — especially when it comes to food. But, while the royal family has private chefs, Prince William and Kate Middleton enjoy cooking and often make meals at home.
8. They have college degrees
Kate will be the first queen with a college degree. | Paul Lewis/AFP/Getty Images
In the past, there was no need for a member of the royal family to go to college. That said, Prince William and Kate Middleton both have their college degrees. When Prince William becomes king, the Duchess of Cambridge will be the first queen to have a degree.
9. They marry outside of their religion
Meghan will be baptized into the Church of England before their wedding. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
In the past, members of the royal family could only marry followers of the Church of England. That said, times have changed and the royal family has become much more open to other religions.
10. They raise their children
Prince William even brings his son to school. | Richard Pohle – WPA Pool/Getty Images
It’s no secret that Princess Diana was a very hands on mother — and, Kate Middleton is, too! While she may have a nanny on deck, the Duchess of Cambridge chooses to be as involved as possible with the raising of her children.
11. They share their lives on social media
Everything from family photos to charity work. | Michael Middleton – WPA Pool/Getty Images
In the past, the royal family was notoriously private. And while they still prefer their privacy, they have learned to have their cake and eat it, too. Kate Middleton is particularly savvy when it comes to press and often shares family photos on Kensington Palace’s social media accounts.
12. They’re working class
She will be the first non-aristocratic queen. | Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
Speaking of Kate Middleton, when Prince William becomes king, she will be the first working class queen. Unlike past princesses and queens, the Duchess of Cambridge does not come from an aristocratic family.
13. They show PDA
They were caught *gasp* holding hands. | Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation
When it comes to showing affection in public, the queen does not approve. However, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle have all broken this rule on countless occassions. In fact, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle have been spotted holding hands on numerous occasions.
14. They chose their spouses (and actually care about each other)
They actually love and care for one another. | Toby Melville/Getty Images
In the past, members of the royal family had arranged marriages. That said, both her grandsons have steered clear of this and chosen their spouses on their own. Luckily, they have both chosen — and fallen in love with — women that the queen approves of.
15. They lead more ‘normal’ lives
They’re doing their best to be as ‘normal’ as possible. | WPA Pool/Getty Images
Rules aside, the queen’s grandchildren have helped keep the royal family relevant in the 21st century through adopting more modern ways of living. Perhaps, this is because Princess Diana encouraged Prince William and Prince Harry to experience the world separately from their royal upbringing.
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