10 Weird Rules About Tiaras That All Royal Women Have To Follow

When you picture the typical feminine royal look, bejeweled tiaras are always a part of it. These headpieces are the sparkle atop a stately women’s outfit. But while these accessories may be beautiful, donning them isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Like many aspects of a royal’s life, tiara-wearing is heavily policed. Did you know the Queen picks each one? Or that there are restrictions on their usage? Didn’t think so! Here are some of the more curious tiara-related rules female royals have to follow.

It’s a wedding thing

According to the royals, the best time for a woman to wear her first tiara is on her wedding day. Interestingly, this is a newer rule. Years ago, noblewomen were decked out in their crowns whenever they attended an event — married or not.

Constant public use

Even when Princess Margaret was growing up, she sported a tiara at dinner or during theater performances. She wasn’t going to wait until her wedding day! Who knows, though, maybe young royals like Margaret weren’t careful enough with their extremely expensive accessory, hence the rule today.

Afterhours only

You’d think wearing a tiara during the day would be common since they’re filled with enormous, sun-catching jewels. Instead, they’re relegated to the after-hours. Royal women apparently aren’t allowed to don their headwear until after 5:00 p.m. Though there is a major exception to this long-maintained rule.

Wedding exception

According to Marie Claire, royals can only don their tiaras before 5:00 p.m. if they’re attending a wedding. These special events are normally held during the day – making it impossible to follow the post-5:00 p.m. rule. Royals like their guests to celebrate at around 11:00 in the morning, so female attendees are given permission to wear their tiaras while the sun is still high in the sky. 

One wearer

If you keep up with the royals, you may have realized that tiaras aren’t passed around between noblewomen. When family members wear a specific headpiece, it belongs to them for good. They aren’t allowed to swap it! Though royals can apparently choose not to wear a tiara that’s been gifted to them.

Multiple tiaras

Royal women can be in possession of multiple diadems. For instance, Kate Middleton has three tiaras: the Cartier Scroll, the Cambridge Lover’s Knot, and the Lotus Flower. The only time she wore the former was on her wedding day, but Kate has worn the other two at a few events.

Not secure

What many people don’t realize is that these heavy crowns can slip around like crazy. Unless the items are properly secured against a woman’s head, they may come off. And you don’t want expensive relics smashing against a hard sidewalk. Jewels could fall — leaving noticeable holes in the metal.

Sewn in place

Tiaras are actually sewn into the royal’s hairdo and are securely attached, according to Marie Claire. A stylist will carefully braid a section of the hair, and they’ll then carefully sew the headpiece to the braid – ensuring the tiara won’t slide. If you look closely at pictures from royal events, you’ll notice these secret tiara braids on royals’ heads. 

Hide the band

When tiaras are made, designers center their gem work on the middle of the band — leaving part of it unadorned. This undecorated section isn’t meant to be seen by onlookers. Its purpose is actually providing extra support to the slippery metal diadem. Of course, royals aren’t allowed to have this showing.

Velvet illusion

To avoid ruining the illusion of a fully jeweled tiara, noble women wrap velvet around the undecorated wire sections. The material will be close to the royal’s hair color, so that it blends in. We’re assuming these women aren’t allowed to dye their hair with fun shades — meaning their velvet wrapping should work for the long haul.

Little control

Did you know that royal women aren’t allowed to choose their own tiaras? Nope: instead they are given one by the Queen. Also, there isn’t much information about what kind of say Elizabeth has when it comes to the style and even size of the headpiece.

Tiara selection

Royals can get new tiaras before major public events. If there’s a wedding on the horizon, the Queen will either choose a diadem herself or let the royal lady pick from several pieces. And it’s not known whether the noble gets any input. They’re all priceless artifacts, so they’ll end up with something exquisite regardless!

Adults only

This rule isn’t official, but it’s strictly followed by British royals: no tiaras until you’re 18. The thought of little girls or teenagers running around with an incredibly expensive relic that’s been passed down through generations is a bit worrying. So, this tiara law makes sense!

Birthday present

When a royal finally reaches her 18th birthday, she’s often given a tiara and gets permission to start wearing it to events. It’s like getting a car for your sweet 16 – except for the rich ruling class. Interestingly, though, princesses in some nations outside Europe often receive their first tiara much earlier in life.

Tiara-approved events

Apart from weddings, there are very few times when tiaras are allowed to be worn. Women get to wear their tiaras during official meetings with other countries, formal dinners, balls, inaugurations, and coronations. Though these rules are starting to ease with time.

Remembering their history

Tiaras are gorgeous, but many also have long histories attached to them. Some were made to fit specific royals hundreds of years earlier, while others were obtained through illegal practices. For instance, it is alleged that Meghan Markle was once prevented from buying a particular emerald number due to apparent shady Russian ties.

Kate has worn a royal tiara 11 times

The Duchess of Cambridge turned heads when she sported the stunning Cartier Halo tiara at her wedding to Prince William in 2011. And though many of us associate the duchess with the headwear, she has actually only worn tiaras 11 times since joining the family. Even more incredible is that she has only sported them three times in public!

Queen’s jewels

All the jewelry in the U.K. royal estate is owned by Queen Elizabeth. This differs from other nearby European monarchies, who use some kind of vault system to lend their precious treasures. Because the Queen in charge of the royal bling, she has major say in what’s okay and what’s not.

Keep them at home

The public doesn’t have insight into all the Queen’s reasoning about how she manages her hoard of precious items. Though one thing she’s adamant about is keeping tiaras in Britain. Elizabeth will sometimes order women to bring their circlets to international locations — only occasionally, though. Who knew there would be so many rules to follow just about wearing tiaras? Well, turns out there’s a lot more where that came from. If you become a royal, there are loads of regular dos and don’ts to abide by, too.

It’s a no-no to vote

While it isn’t against any written laws, it is simply understood that royals won’t cast votes in U.K. government elections. A shame, since there is a personal interest here: the monarch has to endure a weekly meeting with the elected prime minister. But it is understood that as ceremonial heads of state, the British royals have a duty to keep politics separate from royal life.

Watch out for the secret handshake

Well, perhaps not a secret one, but there’s definitely a specific handshake style that the royals are taught to use. It involves grasping the other person’s hand firmly, looking them in the eye, and giving the hand one or two prim pumps. Smile and repeat…

There’s a right and a wrong way to tote your teacup

The royals are big fans of teatime, and they know there’s a specific etiquette around how to drink the stuff. The cup must be held with the thumb and index fingers looped through the handle, with the middle finger underneath. And, contrary to what you may have been told, no pinkies should be held aloft!

When the Queen is finished eating, so are you

Royal etiquette has it that when the Queen decides she has had her fill of posh nosh at the table, everyone else must also drop their forks. It is considered monstrously impolite to keep munching once the monarch has finished her meal.

Royals have to give the game of Monopoly a miss

When Prince Andrew was presented with the classic board game Monopoly at a function, he made it clear that there was no chance of him picking up from the Community Chest. “We’re not allowed to play Monopoly at home,” he said. “It gets too vicious.” A case of too much Water Works for the competitive royals?

They always know what they’re wearing in the mourning

It may sound morbid, but this rule is merely practical. British royals are instructed to always pack – or have packed – a set of black clothes when traveling. That way, should someone important pass away while they are on the road, they can return home in proper and respectful mourning attire.

No shared heir-plane rides for royals

In another practical move, there is a rule stating that two heirs to the throne cannot ride on the same airplane in case of a fatal crash. However, second-in-line Will tends to take this rule with a grain of salt, as he and Kate often fly together with George (third), Charlotte (fourth), and Louis (fifth) as a family.

The Queen must say yes before royals can even pop the question

This rule is actually one that was written down in law in black and white. In 1772 the Royal Marriages Act came to be, and it dictates that British royals must seek permission from the reigning monarch before they pop the question. Godspeed, future brides and grooms!

Something old, new, borrowed and… myrtle?

Every royal bridal bouquet must contain myrtle, the delicate white flower from Germany. The custom’s origin dates all the way back to Prince Albert, whose grandmother once gave Queen Victoria a sprig of the stuff in the 19th century. Victoria later included some in her own daughter’s bridal bouquet, and thus a royal tradition was born.

Married bluebloods must take the honors

Upon tying the knot, royal couples are presented with a small hitch. Each is forced to take on a highfalutin new formal name. So, Wills and Kate became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, while Charles and Diana became the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Hands-free royalty

The royals have to keep their hands to themselves. Technically, they aren’t supposed to physically mingle with commoners – which rules out hugging or selfies with randos. However, the House of Windsor clearly isn’t strict about this law, as Wills and Kate are often spotted embracing their fans.

If you want to get ahead, get a hat

Female royals are each strictly required to don a fancy hat to all formal events they attend. Yep, the women of Windsor certainly play their part in giving the milliners of old London town plenty of new business.

Shhhh… no shellfish

What is life without lobster? Well, per ancient tradition, the royals are told to pass on meals containing shellfish so as to avoid a potentially fatal brush with food poisoning. Most royals now ignore this rule, mind you, but apparently the Queen still adheres to it.

Garlic is off the Buckingham Palace menu

Garlic breath is punishable by beheading! Okay, maybe not beheading, but it will definitely result in a frosty frown from the Queen. Reportedly, Elizabeth II detests garlic and won’t allow a single clove inside Buckingham Palace.

Keeping abreast of the latest developments

Many of the royal ladies are known for their sense of fashion. Princess Di was a style icon, and Kate, while more conservative in her look, is also a trendsetter. But there is one sartorial rule that all princesses must follow: no cleavage is to be shown.

They just can’t say no

It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple scented royal jelly candle or a life-size sculpture of Prince Harry made from butter. If one of the royals is presented with a present, they are duty-bound to accept. It would be horrible manners to decline!

Where there’s a Wills, there’s no way

Royal watchers and the tabloids love to say “Lady Di” and “Wills and Kate,” but such informalities don’t fly within the palace walls. Never mind “Brenda,” “Chuck” or “Phil the Greek.” Royals must go by their given names at all times; it is Prince William, not Wills.

The Queen can’t sit on any throne but her own

This one makes sense. In ancient times, it would have kick-started a war to have a royal plop down on the throne of another king or queen. But the rule still holds fast today and – hilariously – even extends to pretend thrones. When Elizabeth II visited the Game of Thrones set, she passed on a chance to perch upon the Iron Throne.

No one can turn their back on the monarch

You may consider yourself to have finished conversing with Her Royal Highness, but she may not be finished with you. To avoid any confusion, then, one must never turn one’s back on the Queen and must always wait for her to turn away first.

Baptism is essential

The Queen insists all members of her family get baptized. Even Meghan Markle was required to be christened before she wed Prince Harry in 2018! The Archbishop of Canterbury leads the ceremonies and uses holy water from the Jordan River.

Etiquette training is a must

According to etiquette expert Myka Meier, the royal children all take etiquette classes “as soon as they’re old enough to sit at a table.” Teaching five-year-olds how to curtsy and use “inside voices” sounds like a headache and a half!

Christmas presents aren’t opened on Christmas Day

All royal presents must be exchanged on Christmas Eve in the red drawing room with some tea. The family leans towards gag gifts more than serious ones. When Harry was still single, for example, sister-in-law Kate gave him a “grow your own girlfriend” kit!

Women must stay demure

A female member of the family must always sit with their legs together and their chin parallel to the ground. Royals don’t cross their legs at the top but keep their thighs next to each other and cross their ankles instead. They must also master the duchess-chin-slant, as to not seem unsure but not cocky either.

Shorts for the lads

Boys are required to wear shorts in public. While you’d think a pair of snazzy trousers would be more formal, it stems from the fact that pants on young boys used to be viewed as... middle class. Heaven forbid!

No PDAs

Even married couples are not supposed to hold hands, let alone kiss. However, before Harry settled down with his wife Meghan, he was known to kiss, boogie, and even grab a bottom!

No John Hancocks

Giving away an autograph could allow someone to learn a royal’s signature and commit forgery. They won’t take a selfie with you either, as they like to use this time with the people to make a genuine connection.

Hair and makeup should be subtle

A royal woman ought to keep makeup to a minimum – and definitely not try out any outlandish hairstyles. A lot of ladies would have to give up favorite things upon joining the royal family. No black lipstick, no blue hair dye; the list goes on. Even a dressed-down royal would still be expected to look neat.

The royals only eat at official events

For safety reasons, the Windsors won’t eat food outside of an officially sanctioned event. The Palace takes security seriously, and food will be approved as safe for them in order to avoid any risk of poisoning. And the Queen apparently takes it a step further, having dishes selected for her at random at official banquets.

A right royal greeting

There are certain ways to greet the Queen by which even her own family must abide. Men perform a neck bow, while women curtsy. Imagine being asked to bow or curtsy for your own mother, wife, or grandma. A bit formal, isn’t it?

Fur isn’t strictly allowed

Royals aren’t really supposed to wear fur. This dates all the way back to 1137, when King Edward III issued a law preventing even his own family from wearing it. In 2019 the modern royal family also appeared to stop wearing fur. And according to royal dresser Angela Kelly the Queen even had it separated and taken away from an old outfit.

Royals should be in uniform when appropriate

If you watched the weddings of Prince William and Prince Harry, you’ll notice that each groom wore a military uniform. Both of the princes have served in the army, and it’s tradition for them to wear their uniforms on special occasions like Trooping the Color and weddings. And this goes for women too – Princess Anne is an honorary admiral and wears the uniform.

Jeans are only acceptable sometimes

Royals can only wear jeans when it’s appropriate to do so, like, for instance, in their downtime. One place royals definitely can’t wear them is in the Royal Box at Wimbledon. When Meghan attended Wimbledon in 2019 the media suggested she’d been told not to enter the box due to her denim trousers, but chances are she wasn’t planning to anyway – she sat with some pals.

They should discreetly excuse themselves from the table

According to Business Insider, royals follow strict instructions when it comes to bathroom trips during mealtimes. Dinner guests merely say “excuse me” without further explanation of where they are going. You don’t want to be vulgar, after all!

Keep skirts long

You’re not likely to see a royal meeting crowds clad in a miniskirt. While they’re free to wear whatever they want at home, of course, dresses worn in public should be down to the knee or longer. Yet this rule has been broken a couple of times by the younger, highly fashionable Kate and Meghan.

A baby’s sex isn’t disclosed until after the birth

There are no gender reveal parties for royals, as no member of the public must know any sex of the baby until the birth itself. Sometimes even the parents are in the dark, apparently. When George was born in July 2013, it was reported by the BBC that William and Kate had chosen not to learn whether their new arrival was a boy or a girl prior to the child’s entry into the world.

The Queen has to be the first person to hear the baby news

As the head of state and of the family, the Queen must always be the first individual to hear about both a pregnancy and birth – apart from the parents, of course. Apparently, William used a secure phone to speak to his grandmother as soon as George was born.

Royals must use cutlery correctly

Using utensils correctly is something the royal family take very seriously. For starters, knives are reportedly held in the right hand, while forks should be used on the left with the prongs curving downwards. They aren’t allowed to let cutlery screech across plates, either.

There’s even napkin etiquette

Royals follow strict rules when it comes to using napkins while eating, according to Business Insider. You see, guests are expected to keep their faces clean during meal times, and it’s not the done thing to wipe errant food away with the back of a hand.

The royal hierarchy applies at dinner time

More astute fans of the British monarchy may have noticed that the Windsors arrive at events in a particular order. Well, the same succession applies at mealtimes. You see, the royal family walk into a room or take part in a procession in the same sequence that they are in line to the throne, according to Delish.