While Camilla and Kate have reportedly developed a strong relationship in recent years, certain dynamics shifted after Camilla ascended to the role of queen. For instance, it seems that Kate no longer has the autonomy to choose her attire for official engagements with the queen without prior approval.
The royal family adheres to numerous rules and traditions, ranging from protocols on dining and behavior at royal events to guidelines on interacting with the public.
Royal Rules and Etiquette
Some royal rules are stringent and must never be broken, while others serve as guidelines for how members of the royal family should behave in various situations.
However, the royal rulebook differs significantly from the norms of an average person dining out with friends.
Let’s begin with a well-known rule: greeting a member of the Royal Family. According to Buckingham Palace’s website, there are “no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting [The King] or a member of the Royal Family,” though “many people wish to observe the traditional forms.”
Traditionally, men should greet with a neck bow (from the head only), while women perform a small curtsy. However, shaking hands is also acceptable.
There are also rules and protocols to follow during dinner. When dining with guests, it is crucial to follow the lead of the king. In fact, Charles can even dictate when guests begin—and conclude—their meals.
When dining with His Majesty, Kate, William, or any other royal family member, it is imperative never to commence eating before King Charles. Furthermore, when the king places his knife and fork in the finished position—set at 6:30 with the tines of the fork facing upwards—everyone should follow suit, regardless of whether there is food remaining on their plate.
“Starting your meal before or ending it dramatically after the [King] would be noticed by others,” noted etiquette expert William Hanson.
The Royal Rule Meghan Markle Disliked
In his book “Gilded Youth: An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family,” Tom Quinn quoted a former staff member who revealed Meghan’s struggle with a particular royal protocol during her time as a working royal.
The source claimed that Meghan “hated being controlled by royal protocol,” especially when it came to leaving her residence.
A significant rule within the royal framework dictates that family members must always inform their whereabouts before departing their homes. This rule was one that Meghan reportedly found challenging.
King Charles Holds Authority Over Grandchildren’s Gifts
During engagements and walkabouts, the royal family often receives numerous gifts. However, despite the gifts being suitable for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, or even their parents, William and Kate, the children do not have the final say on keeping them. Instead, that decision rests with King Charles.
According to the Daily Record, a strict rule governs the ownership of gifts presented to members of the royal family. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as well as their parents, are not permitted to “own” gifts outright. The royal household reportedly maintains a seven-page handbook detailing guidelines on receiving gifts, specifying what can be accepted and what must be returned.
In essence, if, for instance, William and Kate receive a teddy bear intended for Charlotte, it does not belong to them according to the rule. Instead, ownership automatically vests in King Charles.
Queen Camilla Introduces New Protocol for Kate Middleton
Under a new protocol introduced by Queen Camilla, gifts intended for the royal children undergo rigorous security checks before they can be presented. According to the Daily Record, each gift is first logged on an official “gift receive form” and then subjected to a thorough security assessment. Only after passing these tests can the gift be handed over to the intended recipient.
Additionally, gifts valued under £150 can be either given to an aide or donated to a charity of choice by the royal family members.
When it comes to royal attire, there are distinct expectations. While King Charles, Prince William, and other male members are known for their impeccable suits, female members of the royal family have their own standards and styles when it comes to clothing.
Over the years, we’ve witnessed the late Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, former members like Meghan Markle, and now Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, showcasing stunning outfits paired with extraordinary hats. It’s evident that their wardrobes, along with the royal jewelry collection, come at a significant cost. However, despite their access to a wide array of clothing choices, there are strict rules they must adhere to.
In fact, a recent rule change occurred when Camilla ascended to queen.
Why Queen Camilla Can Choose Her Outfits Before Other Women in the Royal Family
According to a source close to the queen’s official dresser, speaking with Express, Camilla has a unique arrangement with Princess Kate and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, the two other senior royal women. While all three favor wearing blue for official royal duties, Camilla has the final say on whether this is permissible or not.
As the highest-ranking member, Queen Camilla has priority in selecting her wardrobe choices. The insider revealed to Express that Camilla’s official dresser, Jacqui Meakin, initially caused some tension at the Palace due to Camilla’s strict stance on who can wear specific colors, particularly blue. Over time, however, Kate and Sophie were eventually permitted to wear the same color, provided there were noticeable distinctions in shade or style.
“The Queen is now able to choose her outfits before all the other women in the Royal Family. It’s part of the royal pecking order and that includes the clothes and colour,” the insider disclosed. “Her Majesty’s favourite colour is blue, and so is Kate’s. Sophie is also quite fond of it.
Queen Camilla’s ‘Marilyn Monroe’ Moments
Despite the emphasis on proper dressing for royal family members, there have been occasional mishaps that some might label as Marilyn Monroe moments, although they were entirely accidental.
Last year, Camilla encountered a Marilyn Monroe moment, thankfully with her dress staying in place. However, this wasn’t her first instance.
During Princess Charlotte’s christening at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, Norfolk, Camilla faced another Marilyn Monroe moment when a strong gust of wind threatened to lift her dress.
Camilla isn’t the only royal to have experienced such incidents. In 2012, Kate Middleton was surprised by a sudden gust in Brisbane, Australia, revealing more of her legs than intended. Similarly, during the conclusion of their Canadian tour in 2011, a breeze caught her dress, nearly exposing more than she anticipated to onlookers.
In 2016, a similar incident occurred while she was laying a wreath at the India Gate in New Delhi, and again in 2019 during archery practice in Bhutan.
Queen Elizabeth II has cleverly used curtain weights under her skirt to prevent such mishaps. Perhaps it’s a trick that Camilla and Kate Middleton should consider as well.