Royal Family Rules Around The World

1. In Thailand insulting the royals is punishable

Image source/ citynewsInsulting the Monarchy is never seen as socially acceptable, however now in many countries freedom of speech allows people to say what they like. But, in Thailand insulting the royals is not ok, at all. In fact you can actually be punished by the law for doing so.

2. British Monarchs must have at least two children

Image source/ The IndependentThe British monarchs don't have much choice when it comes to having children. They are required to have at least two. This is to make sure that the country definitely has an heir. And, the reason they have to have two is to ensure4 that nothing happens that can prevent this.

3. In Morocco, hand kissing is royal etiquette

Image source/ Middle East EyeVery unlike some cultures (such as the British royals) in Morocco hand kissing is considered to be the correct social etiquette when greeting a royal - and it is considered a very important rule. It has only been on hold since the Coronavirus outbreak.

4. If the British Queen finishes eating, everybody has to stop

Image source/ International Business TimesIf you're in the middle of your meal and enjoying every bite and the Queen stops eating then it's tough luck. You cannot continue eating after the Queen has stopped. So, put down your knife and fork because that is the end of everybody's meal...not just the Queen.

5. You don't need to bow to the Belgian royals

Image source/ ibtimesUnlike with the majority of royals where it is protocol to bow and courtesy, this is not necessary in Belgium when you are meeting the royal family. Just simply shaking their hands is considered quite enough when meeting the Belgian monarch, no bowing needed.

6. British royals can't be touched by non royals

Image source/ newyorkdailynewsTouching the British royals without their consent is a huge no-no. To greet the British royals, first a bow or a courtesy is required. Then, as a non royal you have to wait for a member of the royal family to initiate touch before you can touch them.

7. In the Netherlands the king does not wear a crown

Image source/ thebaltimoresunIn the Netherlands the king goes against the grain and does not wear a crown unlike most other monarchs and royals from around the world. Even in ceremony's he does not wear it and simply lays it on the table for ceremonial viewing only,

8. In Britain the royals are forbidden to play Monopoly

Image source/ stacker.comOkay so this has to be the weirdest rule on the list, and surely it is not enforced. We can picture the royal family gathered around the table playing Monopoly. We are not sure why this is a rule, perhaps the handling of money is considered too crass.

9. A Royal bouquet must contain myrtle

Image source/ pinterestThis rule is very specific, in the British history of the monarch it is a long time tradition and rule that has always been followed by the royal brides. It is an evergreen shrub with white delicate flowers of a fluffy appearance - pretty perfect for a bridal bouquet.

10. In Norway 'your royal highness' isn't used for all royal members

Image source/ ABCnewsIn Norway (unlike in many other countries) not every royal member is bestowed with the grand title of being called your royal highness. In fact, this honour is reserved only for the children of the Monarch and the heir to their throne as well as their spouses.

11. They are not allowed to vote

Image source/ montbornNow it is very common practice that around the world, members of the royal family are not allowed to vote. This is because they are not allowed to have or show any kind of political preference that would influence the decision of the country and so they cannot vote.

12. Spanish royals are allowed to touch/kiss one another

Image source/ nine.comIn Spain, the culture is very much more tactile when greeting one another - they like to kiss one another's cheeks as a way to say hello. And this is the same of the Spanish royals. People are allowed to kiss the cheeks and touch the Spanish royals when they meet them.

13. Royals around the world must accept gifts

Image source/ DailyMailIt is royal custom that royals around the world must accept the gifts of people. People often want to honour their monarchs by buying them gifts. However, these are sometimes very peculiar and probably not something you would want to accept. But, they have to as a rule as it is considered the correct etiquette.

14. If the British Queen stands - everybody stands

Image source/ PinterestIn Britain, if the reigning monarch stands...so does everybody else. The Queen cannot be stood while everybody else is seated and so as soon as she stands up, the rest of the entire room has to stand up with her as a sign of politeness and respect for the monarch.

15. Seating order is in order of precedence

Image source/ DutchnewsIn many countries, seating order is in order of precedence and position of power. Therefore the reigning monarch will be in prime position and those closest to them will be those of second importance...and so on. Seating at dinner parties is certainly not random.

16. Coats must stay on

Image source/ entertainmentdailyIn Britain, there is a rule for the royals that they must keep their coat on at an event. This comes under the fact that there are strict dress code guidelines. Of course the rules differ if everybody is inside. But, if they are outside on a hot day don't expect to see the coats come off.

17. No selfies

Image source/ PinterestWhat is considered totally uncouth for a royal? Taking selfies. Strictly no selfies allowed. While we can't imagine the royals standing posing for a selfie - surely they must have broken this rule at some point in their private life? A family selfie for the photo book?

18. In Japan, royalty can't marry 'ordinary' people

Image source/ share.americaIt is a rule for Japanese royals that they cannot marry someone not of royal blood or status. Otherwise you have to sacrifice your position as a part of the royal family. So when it comes to falling in love with someone of royal ranking, they must make a decision...

19. Or they must leave home

Image source/ PinterestAnd not only do they have their royal title stripped from them, but they also have to leave home and leave the place of their family. So, it is not as simple as giving up a royal rank it is a question of having to move and leave your family behind for love.

20. The British royals have many taboo topics

Image source/ International Business InsiderIn Britain, the royals have many things that they are not supposed to discuss. These things include money, sex, politics, religion - anything that could cause any kind of controversy. Instead, travel and weather are considered much more proper avenues of discussion.

21. Danish royals hide the baby's name until the christening

Image source/ The AustralianIt is Danish royal family practice that they withhold the baby's name until the day of the christening, when the rest of the world are allowed to be informed of the name of the royal baby name. This has been a long held tradition that has been in practice for a very long time.

22. British monarchs travel with a bag of their own blood to certain countries

Image source/ reader'sdigestThis is a rule that sounds pretty macabre... the British royals carry a bag of their own blood (have carried for them) when they visit certain countries. This is in case of any medical emergency where they may need a blood transfusion and the country may not have the provisions.

23. In Sweden only the heir's children have HRH status

Image source/ PinterestIn Sweden, the HRH titles are a little more strict on who gets to use it. Only the children of the heirs are bestowed with this title. It is not the case like in many other countries where any member of the royal family can use the title HRH if they wish to.

24. British Monarchs import holy water

Image source/ WTOPnewsWhen the British monarchs are having a christening the holy water has to be very specific. Apparently holy water from Britain is not good enough for the children of the royals and so the water is taken from the river of Jordan where John the Baptist was christened

25. Around the world, royal dinner party conversation is scheduled

Image source/ PinterestRoyal dinner parties are strictly scheduled when it comes to the royal family. Do not think that it is just a case of talking to the person you find most engaging. First, yo9u have to talk to the person on the left. Then, yo0u have to talk to the person on your right.

26. Greek royals retain their royal status

Image source/ businessinsiderThere is a slightly peculiar rule in Greece where the members of the royal family have retained their royal statues - despite the fact that the monarchy in Greece was abolished in 1974. But, they get to retain their status nonetheless and enjoy the perks of being a royal.

27. In Britain, Royals exchange gifts on Christmas Eve

Image source/ PinterestIn Britain, there is no having to wait for the morning of the 26th to open presents. Instead, this happens on Christmas Eve in the dining room when the whole family will exchange presents. Then, on the 25th the family spends the day at church at the Christmas service.

28. No shellfish for the British royals

Image source/ fishfarmermagazineAgain, this rule sounds very strange. There is a rule that the British royals are not allowed to eat shellfish. There is a reason for this. It has a lot more bacteria and risk of giving food poisoning and because they have so many public appearances it is not considered worth the risk.

29. You can't turn your back on the Queen

Image source/ newideaOne rule is for certain - you can never turn your back on the British Queen or reigning monarch. If a conversation has finished, you must wait until the Queen (or whichever royal family member) turns away first. Only then can you turn away and talk to somebody else.

30. Two British heirs cannot fly together

Image source/ AOLQueen Elizabeth has been recorded to only ever bend the rule of no two heirs flying together, once in her entire time ruling the country. And this was when prince George was just 9 months old - so they rule was relaxed this one time to allow the son to travel with his father.

31. In Britain, Catholics Are Not Allowed To Inherit The Throne

Image Source / ChristianityIt used to be that if you're in line to the British throne you cannot marry a Catholic - and all of this goes back to the history of the British monarchy (specifically when they cut ties altogether with the Catholic church). Nowadays, you are allowed to marry a Catholic, but there's still a strict rule in place that a Catholic person cannot have the throne.It's a big no-no to insult the royal family in Thailand, but did you know this also extends to their beloved dog? A man was once arrested after he'd made a sarcastic quip about the king's pooch.  To be fair any dog lover will tell you that if you insult their dog, that must be taken very, very personally...

34. You Don't Have To Call The King Of The Netherlands 'Your Majesty'

Image Source / Royal House of the NetherlandsKing Willem-Alexander has made it very clear that you don't have to refer to him as 'Your Majesty' like you would with a lot of royals across the globe. He's said that he's not a huge stickler for protocol and that people are welcome to address him however they like!

35. He Also Refused To Take On A New King Name

Image Source / Encyclopedia BritannicaHis avoidance of protocol also extended to the choosing of a new name, too. Usually when people in line to the throne take up the mantle it's decided what their ruling name will be, but the king of the Netherlands decided to keep his own name, thank you very much.