OK! Reveals the 'Insane' Rules U.K. Royal Family Are Told Never to Break When in Public — Including How to Hold a Teacup

King Charles' royal household is governed by a series of "insane" unwritten rules insiders tell OK! members of the family are expected never to break in public – from avoiding selfies to even the precise way a teacup must be held.

Charles, 77, who ascended the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, oversees a monarchy steeped in centuries of tradition, where protocol continues to shape the behavior of senior figures including future monarchs Prince William, 43, and Kate Middleton, 44.

While many of these customs are not formal laws, they are widely observed as part of the family's role as working representatives of the British state, particularly during official engagements and public appearances.

One source familiar with royal protocol told us: "Within the institution, there is a deeply ingrained understanding that these conventions carry real weight, regardless of whether they are formally codified. They may not exist as strict written rules, but in practice they are treated as non-negotiable standards that can never be changed, which shape how members of the royal family behave whenever they are in the public eye."

The insider added: "From an outsider's perspective, some of these expectations can appear old-fashioned or unnecessarily strict, but internally they are viewed as a vital part of preserving the monarchy's image. For those inside that world, these traditions are not trivial – they are central to projecting a sense of continuity, discipline, and respect in how the family represents itself globally."

Among the most visible customs is the expectation that public displays of affection are kept to a minimum. Royals are rarely seen holding hands or kissing during official duties, a choice often framed as professionalism rather than prohibition.

A palace aide said: "When royals are out on official engagements, they are effectively on duty the entire time, and every moment is being photographed or filmed, so there is a strong emphasis on maintaining a professional image rather than behaving as they might in private. Public displays of affection are avoided not because of a strict ban, but because it would be seen as out of step with the formal nature of their role."

The insider added: "There is also a practical side to it – the royals are constantly moving through crowds, greeting people, and shaking hands with dozens, sometimes hundreds, of individuals in a single appearance. Given that pace and expectation, it simply would not be realistic or appropriate for them to be holding hands or showing affection in the usual way."

Greeting etiquette is governed by similar strict rules, with men expected to bow and women to curtsy when meeting the monarch.

A source said: "The gestures are subtle but symbolic, reinforcing the hierarchy within the royal structure."

Meanwhile, marriage among senior royals still requires formal approval from the King – a tradition rooted in the Royal Marriages Act 1772.

Strict guidelines also govern interactions with the public. Royals are typically discouraged from taking selfies or signing autographs, largely due to concerns over security and the risk of forgery.

Charles has previously been heard declining requests for his signature, saying: "Sorry, they do not allow me to do that."

Prince Harry, 41, has also expressed his dislike of the practice, stating: "No, I hate selfies. Seriously, you need to get out of (that habit) – I know you are young, selfies are bad. Just take a normal photograph!"

Gift-giving is another tightly controlled area. Under rules introduced in 2003, members of the royal family are prohibited from accepting gifts that could appear to place them under obligation, with a general cap of £150 ($200) for items from the public.

Official gifts are recorded annually by Buckingham Palace to ensure transparency.

Travel and wardrobe protocols further highlight the level of preparation expected. Heirs are traditionally discouraged from flying together to protect the line of succession, while all royals are advised to pack a black outfit when traveling abroad in case of a death requiring immediate mourning attire.

Even posture and dining habits are subject to scrutiny. Female royals are encouraged to sit with their legs and knees together, often adopting what has been dubbed the "Duchess slant."

At formal meals, guests must stop eating the moment the monarch finishes.

Tea etiquette, too, is carefully observed. Royals are expected to hold the handle of a teacup with thumb and index finger, sip from the same spot to avoid lipstick marks, and keep their posture composed – a small but telling example of the meticulous standards defining life within the monarchy.

Insiders say these traditions, while sometimes viewed as excessive, remain central to preserving the institution's image.

One source said: "There is a widely held view within royal circles that no detail is too small when it comes to how the monarchy is perceived, because every gesture, habit, and interaction feeds into the broader image the institution projects to the public."

They added: "Even seemingly minor deviations from these conventions can attract attention and be interpreted as a lapse in discipline or respect for tradition, which is why there is such an emphasis on consistency – the concern is that once those standards begin to slip, it risks chipping away at the carefully curated image the monarchy works hard to uphold."