MARKED CHANGE
These are the 16 strict rules that Meghan Markle will have to follow when she joins the royal family… from not eating shellfish to ditching the PDAs
NEXT month Meghan Markle will join the royal family after tying the knot with Prince Harry.
While the privileged role does come with sparkling tiaras, palaces and stunning outfits, there are numerous rules that the former actress may have to abide by.
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From strict protocol about outfits to not being able to vote, life as Meghan knows it is about to change dramatically.
One of the foods banned by the royal family is shellfish, so the 36-year-old may have to wave goodbye to the delicacy.
Another tradition she could be expected to follow is no hats must be worn after 6pm as they are too formal.
Here are some of the strict rules Meghan may be forced to adhere to...
Can’t take selfies
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According to The Mirror, Meghan has already been prohibited from doing them, and told a couple in Nottingham “we’re not allowed to do selfies”.
The Queen is apparently not a fan of selfie-photos, and former U.S. ambassador Matthew Barzun told magazine in 2014 that she finds them “disconcerting” and “strange”.
Can’t vote
Meghan will be applying for British citizenship ahead of the wedding, but that doesn’t mean she’ll get to vote in elections.
According to the parliament website: “Although not prohibited by law, it is considered unconstitutional for the Monarch to vote in an election.”
Toning down the PDA
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No matter how much in love William and Kate may be, you rarely see them holding hands on an official engagement.
Public displays of affection are considered uncouth.
There have been some exceptions, however, such as at their last Christmas Day service at Sandringham.
Usually Meghan and Harry are a lot more affectionate in their body language towards each other than Harry's older brother and sister-in-law, but may have to tone this down as a married couple.
Colourful nail varnish is banned
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According to , coloured nail varnish and fake nails are not part of the royal etiquette, and are typically considered to be “vulgar”.
On the rare occasion that her nails do have a slick of polish on them, she opts for a nude shade, similar to the Queen’s personal favourite.
Queen Elizabeth is said to have worn since 1989.
Must enter the room in order
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If there is a royal procession, the family must enter in order of precedence.
This is usually the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, followed by Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and now Meghan Markle.
Monopoly is banned
On a visit to Leeds Building Society in 2008, Prince Andrew revealed the property board game was not allowed at Royal gatherings because “it gets too vicious.”
Hats are off at 6pm
Women must wear hats at all formal occasions, providing they take place during the day.
After 6pm, however, they are replaced by tiaras.
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Two heirs can’t travel together
When he turns 12, Prince George will no longer be able to fly in the same plane as dad Prince William, in case of disaster.
Must speak in turn when she is a dinner guest of the Queen
At a formal dinner, HRH chats to the person seated on her right during the first course and switches to the person on her left during the second course.
Shellfish is off the menu
In a bid to avoid food poisoning, shellfish must never be eaten by the royal family.
Crossed utensils are a signal
If a royal needs to leave the room during dinner, they cross their knife and fork to let staff know they haven’t finished their food.
When they are done, the utensils are placed at an angle with the handles at the bottom right of the plate.
There’s a special way to hold a tea cup
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When sipping a brew, royals are expected to pinch the handle of the cup with their index finger and thumb.
If they are able to, they should place their middle finger across the bottom of the cup to keep it steady.
Can’t sign autographs
No member of the royal family will give you an autograph as royal protocol bans them from scribbling their signature for other people.
However, they are allowed to sign visitors books when on official engagements as well as official documents.
Can’t go to bed before the Queen
When the royal family members are in the same house or castle, often it’ll be down to the Queen to determine when the night is over.
Apparently other members don’t “feel right” about excusing themselves to go to bed before the Queen is done for the night.
Can’t wear fur
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King Edward III banned all royals from wearing fur in the 14th century, although this rule has been broken.
Kate and William suffered a backlash in 2016 when they wore traditional scarves trimmed with otter fur in Canada last year.
Must travel with a black outfit packed
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All royals are required to bring a black outfit when they travel in case a member of the royal family passes away during their trip.
The black outfit means they are dressed appropriately for the occasion.
Must wear weights in their dress hems
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To avoid dresses blowing up in the wind, women in the royal family put weights in their dress hems.
Stewart Parvin, one of the Queen's couturiers, "Surprisingly, it is nothing fancy.
"I use curtain weights, lead weights, from Peter Jones’s curtain department. We call them penny weights."
RULES MEGHAN MARKLE WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW WHEN SHE JOINS THE ROYAL FAMILY
- Can't take selfies
- Can't vote
- Ditching PDA
- Can't use colourful nail varnish
- Must enter the room in order
- Monopoly is banned
- Hats are off at 6pm
- Two heirs can’t travel together
- Shellfish is off the menu
- Crossed utensils are a signal
- There’s a special way to hold a tea cup
- Can’t sign autographs
- Can’t go to bed before the Queen
- Can’t wear fur
- Must travel with a black outfit packed
- Must wear weights in their dress hems
More on the royal family
From Prince George’s shorts to Prince William’s beige chinos, here we explain the dress code the royals have to follow.
And here are three surprising foods Her Majesty won’t eat, according to her former chef.
13 fashion rules that the Royal Family have to follow
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