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Strange British Royal Family Rules of Etiquette

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You can’t have the British royal family without the British royal family rules. Sure, the family is a glamorous one, so it might be easy for us non-royals to daydream about being one of those regal relatives. But don’t get so caught up thinking about jewels, fine dining, and people catering to your every whim that you forget about all the royal rules of etiquette that come with the perks.

No one knows those rules and restrictions better than Kate Middleton, who by many people’s standards is “living the dream” as a duchess after marrying the love of her life, Prince William, back in 2011. But from the way she eats to the way that she accepts gifts, there are several bizarre royal rules Kate must follow — including the tradition that she doesn’t get to learn the gender of her baby until after it’s born! (If Kate has to wait too, that makes us feel a tiny bit better about not knowing the sex of the newest royal baby.) Soon, Meghan Markle will join Kate as a fellow former non-royal after she marries fiancé Prince Harry. Check out a few oddball royal protocol rules that Meghan may have to learn from Kate in the video below:

Of course, there’s no question that marrying into the British royal family has massive advantages, too. Charities want to be involved with you, fashion designers want to dress you, and everyone seems to want to give you flowers. To become a duchess or a princess — or any royal title, really — means becoming part of a long-lasting legacy of something larger than yourself. For example, Kate Middleton has been using her prestigious platform to speak out about the importance of mental health. Her words could have an enormous effect on so many people in need of treatment and possibly inspire future generations to ask for help when they need it. We imagine that part of the job has to be so rewarding.

But there are also several parts of the gig that might not bode well for those of us who haven’t had to answer to strict royal rules of etiquette our whole lives. Just imagine that you suddenly needed to follow the British royal family rules starting tomorrow: Not only would you have a hectic schedule of obligatory events, you’d also have a whole new set of requirements for the way you behave and dress at the events — and pretty much anytime you step outside. On top of all that, you’d have to memorize a brand new list of things you’re now forbidden from doing any longer. We don’t know about you, but we’re OK with remaining “commoners” for the time being!

This article originally appeared on our sister site, First for Women 

Still think you have what it takes to be part of the British royal family? Take a look at some of the weirdest royal family rules below and see if you could follow all of them. 

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