Royal protocols followed by the royal families
When it comes to upholding traditions and adhering to long-standing household rules and regulations, the royals are not very different from us. Irrespective of their enormous fame and fortune, members of the royal families are bound by royal protocols and must behave with the utmost propriety and decorum. Although, with the changing times, many customs and conventions have also altered its ways, but some of the royal etiquette have survived the tides of time and exist up until today.
Here’s a glimpse of 10 royal protocols and etiquette followed by royal families around the world.
Photo: Samir Hussein/Getty Images
The Queen of England cannot be touched, until she initiates it
According to the royal protocols of the British monarchy, it is highly unacceptable to touch the Queen or other members of the royal family, until and unless they initiate the gesture. However, during several encounters with the Queen, the Spanish King has broken this royal etiquette and gone as far as to kiss Her Majesty on the cheek and on her hands.
Not every royal member holds the title of “The Royal Highness” in Norway
Unlike the British monarchy, that bestows the HRH (His Royal Highness or Her Royal Highness) title upon every descendant and member of its family, the Norwegian Royalty chooses to keep it more exclusive. Only the children of the monarch, the children of the heir to the throne, and their spouses are referred to as "Your Royal Highness."
Photo: The Royal House of Norway
In Belgium, one need not curtsy in front of the royals
It might come as a surprise to most of us, but while meeting with a Belgian royal, there’s no need for a formal bow or a curtsy. A simple gesture of a handshake is all that is needed to greet them.
The King of Netherlands does not wear a crown
Can we imagine a king without a crown? Well, now you can. The Dutch King, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, chooses not to wear it. Even during his coronation ceremony, he did not wear the crown. Instead, the crown, orb, and scepter were place beside him on a table.
Japanese Princesses must leave their home if they marry a commoner
According to the Japanese imperial protocol, a Japanese Princess must relinquish all their royal position and privileges and must leave the family. One of the royals who had to follow this royal procedure was Princess Mako, who had to give up her title as she had decided to marry a commoner named Kei Komuro in 2017.
In Thailand, insulting the royal family is a punishable offence
In Thailand, insulting the royal family can be considered a grievous crime and can land a person in jail. It is not only a royal protocol but also a law, which when broken is considered to be a punishable offence.
Photo: Manhai, Flickr
Hand-kissing is an official royal etiquette in Morocco
Unlike other royals, the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, loves to have his hand-kissed by the people. While the royal etiquette has been temporarily banned due to the spread of coronavirus, it is one of the most important royal etiquette in the Moroccan land.
The British female royals must follow the formal dress code to attend a horse race
The royals, especially the British royals have a serious regard for the dress codes they have to follow for varied events. For instance, it is mandatory for women royals to wear dresses or skirts that hit just above the knee or lower. The dresses and tops have to have a strap of at least an inch wide. But besides everything else, hats are extremely essential at such events.