Life as a royal may seem like a fairy tale, but as Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has recently revealed, her reality is far more regimented than glamorous.

Beneath the grand ceremonies and dazzling public appearances lies a complex web of traditions, rules, and expectations that guide every aspect of royal life.

From her interactions with fans to her family life, Catherine navigates a range of rules—some practical, others deeply rooted in history.

Here’s a closer look at the strict protocols that define life for the beloved princess.

The modern era is filled with selfies, but for the royal family, posing for photos with the public is strictly discouraged. Tradition mandates that members of the royal family engage with the public through handshakes and polite greetings, not personal snapshots.

However, Princess Catherine has gently bent this rule on several occasions, most recently at Fox Club Nursery, where she paused to snap a selfie with fans. Her actions suggest that perhaps it’s time for the palace to re-evaluate this rule.When a seven-year-old asked Catherine for her autograph during the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, she had to explain that giving signatures is against royal policy.