13.10.2026 11:09
Being a member of the British royal family means growing up with rules and traditions from an early age. From etiquette training to clothing choices, from travels to gifts, many details shape the lives of everyone in the palace.
Being a member of the British royal family means taking part in official ceremonies at an early age and learning protocol. However, not all of these practices are strict prohibitions; some are family traditions maintained across generations.
THEIR BIRTHS ARE ANNOUNCED IN FRONT OF THE PALACE
The birth of royal babies is announced to the public with an official notice placed on the golden easel in front of Buckingham Palace. The written announcement is displayed for 24 hours.
A HISTORIC TRADITION IS KEPT ALIVE AT CHRISTENING CEREMONIES
In the royal family, christening ceremonies are held for babies. The special gown used in the ceremonies dates back to the outfit Queen Victoria had made for her daughter in 1841. To preserve the historic gown, a copy was later made.
ETIQUETTE TRAINING BEGINS AT A YOUNG AGE
Royal children learn at an early age how to behave at official meals and events. Table settings, tone of voice when speaking, clothing choices, and forms of greeting are among the parts of this training.
THEY GREET THE MONARCH WITH A SPECIAL GREETING
Bowing one's head or curtsying to the monarch is one of the traditions of the royal family.
THERE IS A SEPARATE FLIGHT TRADITION FOR HEIRS TO THE THRONE
To prevent a possible accident from affecting the future of the throne, it is preferred that two future monarchs do not travel on the same plane. However, exceptions can be made with the monarch's permission.
YOUNG BOYS WEAR SHORTS
In British upper-class families, it is a traditional preference for boys to wear shorts at a young age. George and Louis also attended many official events this way. This practice does not mean a clothing ban that applies under all circumstances.
THEY GO TO CHURCH ON HOLIDAYS
Christmas and Easter services are part of the royal family's annual schedule. Children also accompany their families from a certain age and greet the citizens waiting for them.
THEY CANNOT ACCEPT EVERY GIFT
The official gift policy sets criteria for gifts from people they do not know. Flowers, reasonable amounts of consumer goods, and small items valued under 150 pounds are among the gifts that can be accepted.
MOURNING CLOTHES ARE KEPT IN THEIR SUITCASES
Carrying black clothing in case of unexpected news of a death while traveling is a tradition maintained in the family. The practice dates back to Queen Elizabeth learning of her father's death while in Kenya.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS ARE OPENED A DAY EARLIER
The royal family, continuing the German tradition, opens their gifts on the evening of December 24 instead of Christmas morning. Choosing humorous and unusual gifts within the family is also part of these gatherings.
ETIQUETTE TRAINING BEGINS EARLY
Children are taught at an early age how to behave at official meals, what clothes to wear, and how to greet the monarch. Young boys wearing shorts and joining their families for Christmas and Easter services are also among the traditions maintained.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR GIFTS AND TRAVEL
Royal children cannot accept every gift from people they do not know. Official policy requires a value under 150 pounds for small items. The fact that heirs to the throne do not travel on the same plane is also a tradition applied against possible accidents, and exceptions can be made with permission.
Family members keep black clothing with them during their travels in case of an unexpected mourning situation. Christmas gifts, however, are opened the previous evening instead of on the morning of December 25.