The British royal family is renowned for its enigmatic lifestyle, governed by a complex web of rules and traditions designed to maintain their dignified image.
At the forefront is Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who embodies both style and grace while balancing the demands of motherhood and royal duties.
Princess Catherine, like her mother-in-law, Queen Camilla, adheres to various royal protocols, one of which dictates that members of the royal family must not wear diamonds before 6:00 p.m.
According to royal etiquette expert M. Mayor, this practice ensures that their appearance remains modest during daytime events.
“Before 6:00 p.m., you’ll see metallics, gemstones, and pearls; diamonds come out at night to avoid appearing flashy,” Mayor explained.
In addition to this diamond rule, there are several other customs that govern royal appearances. When attending evening events indoors, women typically exchange their hats for tiaras, which are reserved for married women. This adherence to tradition highlights the royal family’s commitment to upholding longstanding practices, while experts believe that the dynamic duo of William and Catherine could influence a modern evolution of these customs as they step into future roles.
While certain rules are rigorously followed, there are notable exceptions. Princess Catherine and her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Sussex, have occasionally broken the long-standing guideline that mandates women wear tights with dresses and skirts, a rule championed by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Additionally, royal women are expected to sit with their legs together rather than crossed at the knee, a point of etiquette that applies to all female members of the family.