Royal Family Rules & Dress Etiquette: Strict Traditions British Royals Follow

The Royal Rules and Dress Etiquette You Didn’t Know About

From why you’ll see Meghan Markle in colored nail polish again after she stepped back from her royal duties to the reason you’ll never catch Kate Middleton wearing shorts, here is your inside look to the royal family dress code.

No Colored Nail Polish

Unless you’re eagle-eyeing the royal family’s hands, you might not notice that the women are never spotted with colored nail polish. According to OK! magazine, the royal family—particularly women like Kate Middleton, Queen Elizabeth, and formerly Meghan Markle—are prohibited from wearing non-natural-looking nail polish, which is why they often stick to nude and taupe colors. In fact, according to Refinery29, the royal women swear by Essie’s $9 nude nail polish. Middleton’s favorite shade is Allure, while The Queen was known to sport Ballet Slippers.
The Reason The Queen Always Wore Hats

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Before her death, Queen Elizabeth was a trendsetter with the fabulous, colorful hats she sported on the daily. But there actually might be a reason behind her extravagant fashion fixation. According to Diana Mather, a scholar of English etiquette, The Queen was frequently seen in hats because of an old tradition prohibiting women from showing their hair—thus the purpose of hats.

Though the rule is now clearly outdated (as proven with Kate Middleton‘s drool-worthy locks), The Queen—for the most part—still stayed true to it, choosing to wear hats for formal occasions.

“Up until the 1950s ladies were very seldom seen without a hat as it was not considered ‘the thing’ for ladies to show their hair in public,” Mather told BBC. “But all that has changed and hats are now reserved for more formal occasions.”
Why The Queen Always Wore Gloves

Once a fashionable accessory, gloves protected The Queen from germs and outside bacteria when shaking hands with dozens of people a day. (Yes, even the Spice Girls can hold nasty germs.) And while The Queen didn’t live in gloves (it really depends on who she’s meeting that day), you’ll be hard-pressed to see her at a public event without them.

“Let’s not forget she doesn’t always wear gloves when meeting people, therefore it depends on what she is wearing, where she is and what she is doing,” British etiquette expert Grant Harrold, told BBC.
The Reason Prince George Is Only Seen in Shorts

Even in cold weather, you’ll see Prince George, Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s son, in shorts, and here’s why. According to a Sun interview with William Hanson, a British etiquette consultant, pants on young boys are considered “suburban,” whereas shorts are indicators of a higher class.

Further, shorts also differentiate royal children from “men,” who are allowed to wear trousers without the same stigma. Hanson estimated that George will begin wearing pants at “seven or eight years old.”

According to Harrold, the rule comes from another rule in the 16th century permitting royal sons to only wear dresses and gowns until the age of 8. In the 20th century, the rule was amended to include shorts. “Thankfully in late 19th Century and early 20th Century this developed into shorts. This tradition is carried on by the Royal Family to this very day,” Harrold told BBC.
Why The Queen Always Wore Bright-Colored Outfits in Public

Other than living life on the vibrant side, there’s a reason The Queen was frequently seen in bright-colored outfits. According to Harrold’s interview with BBC, The Queen wore vibrant articles of clothing to stand out in crowds when she’s in public. The expert credits the move to The Queen’s personal assistant, Angela Kelley, who recommended bright colors to differentiate The Queen from commoners. After all, The Queen did reportedly say, “If I wore beige, nobody would know who I am.”
Why You’ll Rarely See the Royals in Jeans

Though it’s more lax nowadays, there is a rule preventing the royals from wearing jeans—most of the time. According to Mather, there is a specific protocol for the royal family if they want to dress casual. Women are steered toward wearing day dresses or trousers with a jacket or cardigan, whereas men are recommended to wear chinos with a collared shirt or blazer. However, there are exceptions.

“Many places will not allow jeans as they are still seen as very casual wear, so it is better to play safe for both sexes,” Mather told BBC. “But if the duchess is outside walking the dogs for example, then jeans are fine.”
When Kate Middleton Is Allowed to Wear a Crown

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You’ll be hard-pressed to find a picture of Kate Middleton wearing a crown before she was married, and there’s a reason why. According to Mather, crowns, tiaras, and the like are reserved for married women and members of the royal family. Harrold also adds that the headpiece also communicates to single men that tiara-wearing women are off limits.

“For married ladies it was a sign of status and would show you were taken and not looking for a husband,” Harrold told BBC. “For the gentleman it was a clear sign not to make advances toward the lady in question.”
Why Royal Ladies Can’t Be Bare-Legged

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Dresses and skirts are a go-to for the Royal ladies, but they are not allowed to have bare legs Harper’s Bazaar confirmed that the Queen expected all female family members and guests to keep their gams covered up in some type of tights.