Being a member of the Royal Family comes with an array of rules and customs to adhere to. Those born into the family may have a head start, but those who marry in are also expected to behave in a certain manner.
From the correct way to curtsy in public to the proper method of exiting a carriage, there’s a plethora of protocols to follow. It seems that when it came to Kate Middleton’s initiation into the Firm nearly 14 years ago, her guidance came directly from the late Queen herself.
Prior to the wedding of Prince William and Kate in April 2011, Kate reportedly received lessons from her soon-to-be grandmother-in-law on her role and expected conduct. The numerous important rules female members of the Royal Family must abide by to maintain their dignity in public might surprise you.
Restrictions extend to other aspects of Royal life too, such as refraining from taking selfies or signing autographs, with clothing and behaviour requiring specific instruction. As per the documentary ‘Kate Middleton: Working Class to Windsor’, she underwent private lessons focusing on ‘how to be a Royal wife’.
During these sessions, the Queen also assisted her in deciding her official Royal title, reports OK!.
Journalist Ashley Pearson revealed in a documentary: “From the beginning, Kate Middleton had a great deal of support from the Royal Family which was really instructed by the Queen.
“This was to make sure she knew as much as she could possibly know and what to do in every situation – bearing in mind, of course, that she didn’t grow up in this world.”
Detailing Kate’s ‘princess lessons’, Ashley explained that the key focus was on ‘preserving her modesty’. She added: “There were things like learning how to get out of a carriage without exposing your modesty and learning how to bend down to get flowers from a young girl without exposing your modesty.
“Things that you would never think you’d have to learn but, of course, a woman in her position would certainly need to know.”
Ashley also mentioned the finer points of Royal etiquette that Kate had to master: “There were all kinds of small details and little bits of etiquette – how to sit, who to curtsy to, who not to curtsy to, what fork to use and whatever else they felt she needed to know. She was actually given lessons on how to be a Royal wife.”
The Princess wasn’t alone in receiving guidance; Prince William also had preparatory sessions for his future role as king during his time at Eton College, often visiting the Queen at Windsor Castle for tea and advice.
