Top 15+ things members of european royal families are forbidden to do by protocol

Heirs Cannot Travel Together

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

To protect the line of succession, direct heirs to the throne are often prohibited from traveling together on the same plane or transport under certain circumstances. This prevents a single accident from affecting multiple heirs at once.

Although exceptions exist when the monarch grants explicit permission, this rule remains standard in most formal monarchies. It minimizes institutional risk in case of unforeseen events.

Signing Autographs for the Public

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

Royal family members are not allowed to sign autographs informally to prevent forgery and protect their official signatures.

Only official documents or supervised guest books may bear their signature; any other signing is considered a security vulnerability.

Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

In official appearances, royals avoid visible affectionate gestures such as kisses or hugs to maintain a formal and diplomatic image.

While exceptions might occur during informal events, this norm is standard during public engagements, diplomatic receptions, and protocol ceremonies.

Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

They avoid eating seafood or foods that could cause food poisoning during tours, state visits, or public duties to prevent illness at critical moments.

They also limit ingredients with strong aromas like garlic, which could cause discomfort during formal meetings or speeches.

Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

Royal women typically stick to neutral or discreet nail polish shades during public official appearances. Bright or bold colors are prohibited to maintain uniformity and good taste according to protocol standards.

Makeup and accessories are chosen to complement an elegant style without distractions, respecting the institutional role’s expected aesthetics.

Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

Attire must be sober, elegant, and respectful, especially during official ceremonies, religious acts, or diplomatic meetings. Clothing that is too revealing or doesn’t meet local modesty standards may be forbidden.

Certain accessories like hats, gloves, or jewelry also have specific rules regarding when and how to wear them.

Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

Royal family members must remain politically neutral, avoiding public partisan opinions or direct involvement in democratic processes. This preserves institutional impartiality.

Expressing strong political views publicly can generate controversies, diplomatic tensions, or questions about their constitutional role.

Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

Especially for those in the line of succession, laws or customs require formal authorization from the monarch before engagement or marriage announcements.

This rule ensures that marriages respect royal family values, status, and official agreements while protecting succession.

Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

Similar to point one: multiple direct heirs must not travel together, especially on the same plane, to reduce concentrated risks. It is an institutional security measure.

Although exceptions exist under supervision or permission, this rule is generally included in official royal travel protocols.

Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

Certain vocabulary is banned in formal settings: words considered unrefined or too colloquial are avoided. For example, in the UK, “lavatory” or “pardon me” replaces “toilet” or “excuse me.”

Speech, greetings, and formal address are carefully managed to maintain decorum in protocol events.

Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

When meeting the monarch, greeting protocols such as bows or curtsies are observed based on gender and family status.

This is part of ceremonial protocol expected especially during official ceremonies, state receptions, and religious services.

Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases)

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

In the British monarchy, tradition dictates opening Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve, not on Christmas Day itself. This is a longstanding custom.

While not universal across all European royal families, it exemplifies how personal traditions are strictly maintained within royalty.

Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

When traveling abroad, royals must have mourning clothes ready in case of a sudden family death, allowing them to dress appropriately wherever they are.

This protocol ensures they can respond promptly with proper etiquette during unexpected events.

Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

During formal dinners, if the monarch stops eating, others must also pause. Continuing to eat afterward is considered impolite.

Serving, cutlery use, posture, and course order are all strictly regulated.

Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

Heirs Cannot Travel Together, Signing Autographs for the Public, Displaying Affection Publicly in Official Events, Consuming Seafood or High-Risk Foods During Official Visits, Wearing Bright or Dark Nail Polish in Official Events, Wearing Revealing or Immodest Clothing, Publicly Discussing Partisan Politics or Voting, Needing the Monarch’s Permission to Marry, Multiple Heirs Avoid Flying Together, Avoiding Informal or Vulgar Terms in Public, Bowing or Curtsying Before the Monarch in Certain Situations, Not Opening Christmas Presents on Christmas Day (in Some Cases), Always Carrying Black Clothing for Mourning While Traveling, Stopping Eating When the Monarch Stops at Official Meals, Avoiding Strong Public Opinions

Royals generally refrain from making controversial statements, open criticism, or explicit ideological positions to preserve institutional neutrality and respect.

This includes avoiding public participation in political debates or media controversies unless tightly controlled and protocol-approved.

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