A century ago, a prince who falls in love with a commoner and marries her was simply unheard of. Now, the world’s most popular royal family has allowed their future king to marry a commoner so everyone is excited. Britain’s royal family may now be more forward-thinking but they are still old-fashioned on matters such as rules and etiquette. Being the first commoner to join the Windsor family, Kate Middleton will have to make more adjustments than all other past princesses.
There are a number of things that Kate will not be able to do due to tradition once she says “I do”.
First, she will not anymore be called “Kate”. She will have the official title of “Her Royal Highness, the Princess William of Wales” although she can also be addressed as “Ma’am” or “Catherine”. Palace officials will almost certainly ask journalists to address the new princess as “Catherine” but many journalists are likely to refuse because of this internet thing called search engine optimization.
Technically, the royal family has the right to vote just like all other citizens. However, its members by practice do not vote in order to observe neutrality. In addition, Kate cannot run for public office for the same reason.
As a new member of the royal family and a would-be mother of a future king, Kate will not be able to escape public scrutiny. People will have opinions regarding her actions and choices no matter how insignificant they may be. She has already been under media spotlight for nine years while she and Prince William dated but the media attention that will be given to her will be ten times more once her title and role level up.
Kate is not the only one who will face media and public scrutiny as her family will also be subjected to it. Her family will always be reminded that they are commoners who may mingle with the royalty but will never be royalty.
She cannot do or say anything controversial such as expressing political, social and most especially sexual positions. Most of her statements will have to be checked first if not written by palace advisers.
This one may seem far-fetched but it actually comes with good reason. Shellfish can never be found in the dining table of the British royal family due to fear of food poisoning. Hence, Kate will have to settle with life in the palace without shellfish dishes.
Royals may try to gain employment but no one among them had been successful so far. It is a given that the new princess will not be able to work. It is easy for Kate to embrace this unemployment scenario as it is well-known that she has not really engaged in serious employment after graduating in college. Her longest work experience outside their family business was a seven-month stint as an accessories buyer for a clothing chain.
When William becomes King, his wife may become a counselor who might have to sign state documents. There is a strict policy that people in her position are not allowed to sign anywhere they wish to since their signature may be forged or copied.
Finally, there will be times when Kate will be forced not to finish her meal. In Great Britain, people on the palace’s dining table will have to stop eating once the Queen has finished her meal. If the Queen eats fast or if she has no appetite, Kate will go hungry unless she brings food in her room.
