5 strange royal family rules still enforced today: From no hugs to packing mourning clothes while travelling

Royal life looks like a high-end fairy tale from the outside— all crowns, castles, and custom-made couture. But once you peak behind the velvet curtain, you realize it’s actually more like a military operation governed by a web of quirks and protocols that would make a normal person’s head spin.

These rules aren’t just “suggestions” for the history books; even as we navigate 2026, they are very much alive. Whether it’s for security, continuity, or just to keep the “mystique” of the monarchy from dissolving into the chaos of the internet, these protocols dictate everything from who can hug whom to what goes in a suitcase. Here is a look at the strange reality of modern royalty.

If you’ve ever seen a celebrity meeting a royal and wondered why they look so stiff, it’s usually because of the “no touch” protocol. In theory, you aren’t supposed to touch a royal unless they initiate it—and even then, it’s usually just a handshake.

This isn’t just about being snobbish; it’s about maintaining a psychological barrier. Royals are symbols of the state, and if everyone is high-fiving the King, that symbol starts to feel a bit too much like just another guy on the street. We’ve seen the “global gasps” before—like when Michelle Obama famously put her arm around Queen Elizabeth II in 2009, or when LeBron James went for the “shoulder hug” with Kate Middleton in 2014. These moments are “warm” to the public but “worrying” to the protocol team. In their world, a hug is a breach of the fortress.

IN PIC: Japanese Royal Family (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

This is probably the most practical, yet somber, rule in the book: direct heirs to the throne should not fly on the same plane. The logic is simple and brutal—if there’s a crash, the monarchy shouldn’t lose two generations of leadership at once. This protocol becomes a major talking point once an heir turns 12. For example, as Prince George approaches his 13th birthday this July (2026), the conversation around him and Prince William taking separate jets is heating up. While William and Kate have been known to “bend” this rule for family vacations, the pressure to fly separately increases as George gets closer to his future role. It’s a “safety first” mentality that prioritizes the bloodline over family convenience.

Imagine being one of the most influential people on the planet and having zero say in politics. Most modern monarchs—from the UK to Japan and Spain—are strictly barred from voting, running for office, or even sharing a public opinion on an election.

In a world that is more polarized than ever in 2026, this rule is actually their greatest asset. By staying neutral, they become a “unity symbol.” They are the only people in the room who aren’t on a side, which allows them to represent the entire country rather than just the winning party. It’s a life of keeping your cards close to your chest, even when you probably have a lot to say.

Whenever a royal travels abroad, their packing list includes one non-negotiable item: a full-black outfit suitable for a funeral.

This protocol was famously cemented in 1952. A young Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya when she learned her father, King George VI, had passed away. When her plane landed back in London, she realized she didn’t have a black dress to step off the plane in. She had to wait on the aircraft until a mourning outfit was brought to her. Today, royals are prepared for tragedy at any moment. It’s a slightly morbid reminder that while they’re out celebrating tours and state visits, duty and death are never far from their minds.

You’ll never hear an official announcement for “Wills” or “Kate.” Publicly, dignity demands full titles. In countries like Thailand or Morocco, using a diminutive name for the monarch isn’t just a breach of etiquette—it’s seen as a sign of deep disrespect.

Informality is the enemy of the crown. The idea is that “awe” requires a certain distance. If you call the King by a nickname, the “magic” of the throne starts to erode. Of course, behind closed doors, they are just like any other family—with “pet names” and private jokes—but as soon as the cameras are on, the mask of the “His Royal Highness” title goes right back up.

Photo: Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida (AP/PTI Photo)