Strict rules and traditions Kate Middleton must follow every day as Princess of Wales

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: As the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton has gracefully adapted to her role within the British monarchy, abiding by a complex web of protocols and traditions that define royal life.

While her poise and elegance are often celebrated, the expectations placed on her extend far beyond what the public sees.

From maintaining sartorial standards to adhering to dietary restrictions, Kate’s role demands strict observance of rules that have governed the monarchy for centuries, reported Nicki Swift.

However, she has occasionally found subtle ways to bend or reinterpret these rules, displaying a blend of respect for tradition and her own personality.

Kate Middleton is required to wear tights, especially with shorter dresses

One of the well-known dress codes for female members of the royal family is the expectation to wear pantyhose, especially during official public appearances.

As royal commentator Victoria Arbiter shared with Business Insider in 2017, "That's really the only hard, steadfast rule in terms of what the queen requires."

This rule applies specifically when the royals wear skirts or dresses of a shorter length, with sheer tights often becoming part of Kate's signature style.

Kate’s adherence to this tradition has been consistent, even in more casual appearances, and it appears she encourages her daughter, Princess Charlotte, to follow suit.

This tights rule reportedly led to some tension between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle in 2020 when the two discussed the attire for the latter's wedding.

Insiders shared with Tatler that Kate, upholding royal protocol, believed the flower girls, including her daughter, should wear tights, while Meghan reportedly disagreed.

The disagreement was later mentioned by Tom Bower in his book 'Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors', fueling public interest.

On social media, fans humorously referred to Kate as the "#DuchessofTights," playfully noting her commitment to upholding royal standards.

Kate has also managed to subtly challenge certain fashion norms, specifically regarding the ban on dark colors for happy occasions.

In 2018, during the BAFTAs, attendees were encouraged to wear black in support of the Time’s Up movement. As royals are expected to remain neutral and avoid making political statements, Kate opted for a dark green gown instead,

Royal protocol advises Kate Middleton against taking selfies with fans

For years, royal protocol advised members of the monarchy against taking selfies with fans.

This rule aimed to prevent individuals from turning their backs on the royals, as well as to maintain a sense of decorum and distance between royals and the public.

A Buckingham Palace garden party attendee once told Business Insider that "no selfies" was a key instruction, explaining, "The one thing they talked about a lot was no selfies, and the reason was that they didn't want people turning their backs to the royal family and the queen."

Despite this rule, Kate has recently embraced the growing popularity of selfies, posing with fans on multiple occasions.

Her willingness to participate in these snapshots suggests a more relaxed approach from the royal family, particularly when it comes to connecting with the public.

That said, Victoria Arbiter noted that on busy walkabouts, royals still generally avoid selfies to ensure they can interact with as many people as possible.

Another longstanding rule governs physical contact. Royal etiquette dictates that the public should not initiate contact with members of the royal family unless permission is given, with the general expectation that royals lead any physical interaction.

Etiquette expert Lucy Hume of DeBrett’s once explained to Reuters, "It's best to wait for them to offer their hand first before you reach out yours."

However, Kate has often taken a more relaxed approach. Known for her warmth, she frequently engages in friendly hugs or handshakes with fans, showing her personable nature.

One notable instance occurred just before King Charles' coronation concert when a fan excitedly threw her arm around Kate’s neck for a selfie. While the move could have been seen as overly forward, Kate responded with grace, smiling for the photo and quickly stepping away afterward.

Royal rules dictate specific protocols when it comes to food for Kate Middleton

Even when it comes to food, royal rules dictate specific protocols.

Senior royals, especially on official tours, are advised to avoid certain foods, with seafood high on the list.

This restriction aims to protect against potential food poisoning risks while royals are on duty.

Former royal butler Grant Harold shared with Woman & Home, "It is a very sensible move to abandon having seafood when out and about on public duties. We don't want a member of the royal family having a serious reaction to food poisoning, especially if she is on an overseas tour."

Despite this precaution, Kate is known to have a taste for adventure, especially when exploring different cultures.

During her 2022 visit to the Bahamas, she surprised onlookers by trying a conch pistol, a local delicacy believed by locals to have aphrodisiac qualities.

Prince William, though intrigued, opted out, allowing Kate to enjoy the experience solo. Teasingly, she remarked, "I'm a little bit more adventurous than William is," displaying her lighthearted side.

Kate’s adventurous palate is not unprecedented within the royal family.

In fact, King Charles III has also been known to ignore the no-seafood rule on occasion.

During the 2013 Whitstable Oyster Festival, he sampled oysters, showing his willingness to bend the rules now and then. However, it’s unlikely that Charles was as pleased with Kate’s choice to indulge in foie gras, a dish he has banned due to animal welfare concerns.