The 10 Things Kate Middleton Is Banned From Doing as a Royal

Among the many things Middleton reportedly cannot do, is sign autographs.

By Stephen Andrew - May 1, 2024 06:44 pm EDT

There are many positive elements to marrying into the British royal family. However, there are also many things you cannot do, as Kate Middleton discovered. For example, she is not allowed to fly on a plane with both her husband and father-in-law — King Charles — at the same time.

Those in the line of succession cannot travel together by plane or boat to ensure there is someone to assume the crown in the event of a fatal accident. Trendchaser previously put together a long list of other things that Middleton is not allowed to do as a royal, and we have adapted that list below. Scroll down to read more about the royal family dos and don'ts!

No Monopoly Allowed

By far the most surprising instruction in the whole Royal family rulebook, no one is allowed to play the board game Monopoly.

The rule came about not that long ago, as in 2008 the Duke of York — Middelton's uncle-in-law Prince Andrew — issued a decree defining it as a "vicious" pastime and inviting all of the Queen's subordinates to abstain from playing it.

She Can Not Vote

(Photo:
SANDRINGHAM, NORFOLK – DECEMBER 25: Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
- Samir Hussein/WireImage)

When she wed Prince William, Middleton gave up her right to vote, in a manner of speaking.

Royal family members are forbidden to vote by the rule of the Queen, so they remain neutral on Parliament issues, but they are not prohibited by law.

Strict Dress Code Policy

BRITAIN-SAFRICA-DIPLOMACY — (Photo:
Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales attends a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in London on November 22, 2022, at the start of the President's of South Africa's two-day state visit. – King Charles III hosted his first state visit as monarch on Tuesday, welcoming South Africa's President to Buckingham Palace. (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
- CHRIS JACKSON)

Members of the royal family are required to follow a very strict dress code when it comes to what they appear in while making public appearances.

Middleton is not allowed to wear leather that comes from a sacrificed animal, nor is she allowed to wear clothing with bright, vibrate colors.

Additionally, there are very strict rules on when the Dutchess can wear black. The only times this color is acceptable is for evening events and funerals/mourning periods.

No Public Displays of Affection

(Photo: Samir Hussein – Pool/WireImage/Getty Images)

While it is probably tough for a loving couple, Middleton and her husband Prince William are not allowed to make any public displays of affection.

This is said to be due to the late Queen finding it to be unbecoming of royalty.

No Personal Social Media Accounts

(Photo: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

This rule may seem a bit excessive, but the logic behind it is somewhat sound.

Middleton — and all members of the royal family — is not allowed to have personal social medai accounts in an effort to avoid identity theft and a leak of private information.

The royal family does have official social media accounts, but they are managed by palace personnel.

Nail Color Policy

One would probably not think of something as inconsequential as fingernail polish being a big deal but for the royal family, it is.

According to Royal protocol, Middleton has only two options when it comes to nail polish color — Soft Pink 28 Rose Lounge (Bourjois) and Nude 423 Allure (Essie) — as she expected to maintain a natural look.

Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth used the same nail polish for roughly 30 years.

Mussels and Oysters Are A No-No

(Photo: Jordan Pettitt – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

In one of the more unusual rules, Middleton is not allowed to have mussels or oysters for any meal.

This particular rule is in place because these particular seafood items require very specific storage and preparation, otherwise, they can lead to health hazards that royals cannot risk.

The King Comes First

(Photo: CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Technically, this particular rule applies to everyone in the royal family, but it is still an interesting "don't" nonetheless.

While having a meal with the King, once he finishes eating everyone else at the table must put down their utensils and stop eating as well, even if they are not finished eating.

She Can Not Earn Her Own Money

She may be a professional photographer but, per royal guidelines, Middleton is not allowed to profit from her work.

Rather, her photographs are released to the public by way of the palace.

No Signing Autographs

While being a royal may seem like celebrity status, there are actually some limitations to the similarities. Such as not being able to sign autographs.

Per the rules of the crown, Middleton is only allowed to sign documents that have been previously approved by her father-in-law, King Charles III.

This reasoning for this particular rule is due to a concern that criminals could attempt to forge her signature.