There’s nothing like a set of rules to keep yourself in check, but what the British royal family has to remember ranges from the respectful through to the absurd.

From forbidden board games to flying together, the world’s most watched family has more rules than you might think.

Here are a few of the most interesting, from Hello Magazine:

They Have An Order Of Precedence For Everything

Whether it’s a wedding or a school function, the royal family enters in a specific order, with the reigning monarch leading the way:

Then follows the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Philip), the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall (Prince Charles and Camilla), the Prince of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate).

How to hold a teacup

The correct etiquette is to hold the top of your cup handle with your thumb and index finger and only sip from the same spot, to avoid multiple lipstick stains. And, lastly, remember to keep your pinky in.

Pack an all-black outfit when going abroad

In case of the unfortunate event that someone passes away when they’re abroad, royal protocol dictates that members of the royal family must pack an item of black clothing when going on a royal tour.

As a sign of respect, members have to wear all black when mourning:

Throughout history, the rule has been honoured by various members of the royal family. Back in 1992 when Princess Diana’s father, Lord Spencer, died, the Princess of Wales was away in the Alps skiing with Prince Charles. On their way back, the royal couple followed suit and dressed in all-black attire.

However, when the Queen’s father, George VI, died in 1952, she was in Kenya on safari with Prince Philip, and didn’t have a mourning outfit ready. As a result, she wasn’t allowed to be photographed until a suitable outfit had been brought to her.

Flying together

While there is no official rule in place, heirs should technically avoid taking the same flights just in case something goes wrong. However, it’s not always followed, with William and George frequently flying together.

They aren’t allowed to play Monopoly

When Prince Andrew, Duke of York (Queen Elizabeth’s third child) was making a public appearance in 2008, he was gifted the notorious home wrecking board game to mark the visit. Upon acceptance, he noted:

“We’re not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious.”

So why even take the gift? Well, that’s another rule: family members must accept all gifts and graciously at that.

Christmas at Sandringham

Only couples who are engaged or married are invited to spend Christmas with the Queen at Sandringham. No premature introductions at Christmas with this family:

Her Majesty hosts a more intimate meal for the closest members of her family at her country home, but in the days leading up to Christmas, she will also throw a bigger Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace where distant relatives make the guest list. And in keeping with tradition, you’ll often see the Queen and her family attend church on Christmas Day.

Marriage proposals

If someone wants to get married, their family needs permission from the Queen. It’s outlined in the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, which states that “any potential bride or groom for senior royals require the official stamp of approval from the monarch”:

“Prince Harry is one of the first six people in line to the throne, so he does need the Queen’s permission to marry,” says Carolyn Harris, a royal historian and author of Raising Royalty: 1,000 Years of Royal Parenting.

No one can eat after the Queen has finished

If you’re sitting down for dinner with the queen and forgot to eat from all the excitement, once the Queen is done with her plate so are you – sorry.

And if her handbag goes on the table? The whole occasion is over and it’s time for bed.

But it’s not only eating: when the Queen stands, you stand, when she sits, you sit. Following suit shows that you are paying full attention and due respect to Her Royal Highness.

And there you have it. Still want to be a princess? Of course you do.

[source:hellomagazine]