Being born or married into the British royal family comes with a ream of social conventions that most of us never have to consider. From etiquette and fashion to travel and marriage, centuries-old traditions govern much of how royalty is expected to behave.
The closest you may get to these customs is if you happen to meet a member of the royal family, which may be more likely than ever as the Queen's Platinum Jubilee nears. The monarchy's website notes that there are " no obligatory codes of behaviour" when greeting a royal, although " many people wish to observe the traditional forms".
Fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar has compiled a list of de-facto rules that members of the royal family are expected to follow. Let us know in the comments if any stick out to you as particularly bizarre.
Read more: The toys that George, Charlotte and Louis are not allowed, according to royal butler
What 'rules' must the royal family follow?
1. Stand when the Queen stands – Everyone, including fellow royalty, should stand when the Queen rises or when she enters or exits a room.
2. Curtsey or bow when greeting the Queen – When greeting the Queen, women often do a small curtsey and men bow their heads as a sign of respect but simply shaking her hand is also appropriate. The correct formal address is "Your Majesty" and subsequently "Ma'am" (pronounced to rhyme with "jam").
3. Fly separately (direct heirs only) – In order to preserve the line to the throne in the case of an accident, two heirs are technically not allowed to travel together via plane. There is discretion applied to children, such as when Prince William and Prince George fly together, but this usually ends at the age of 12.
4. Keep an eye on the Queen's handbag – The Queen is understood to use her handbag to send subtle social signals. At dinner parties, royals and fellow guests should note when she places her purse on the table because it means it is time to finish eating. If she swaps her handbag from her left hand to her right during a conversation, it is a sign to wrap up.
5. Travel with a black outfit – Royals must pack a black outfit whenever they travel in case there is a sudden death while they are away. An appropriate mourning look must be close to hand.
6. Wear shorts (male children only) – Following a centuries-old tradition, boys under the age of eight in the royal family are dressed in shorts for public occasions. This means Prince George is around the age when he will "graduate" to full-length trousers.
7. Ask the Queen for consent to propose – Royals are required to seek the monarch's approval before proposing if they are among the six people next in line for the throne. This is a legal requirement set out in the Succession to the Crown Act 2013.
8. Consult the Queen on wedding dresses – The Queen reportedly has the final say on royal wedding gowns' designs and aesthetics. Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, is known to have consulted her grandmother-in-law during the design process of her dress.
9. Include myrtle in bridal bouquets – In a royal wedding custom dating back to the Victorian era, royal brides typically carry at least one sprig of myrtle in their clutches. The plant symbolises hope and love.
