By Amalia Theocharidou,
The royal etiquette, is basically what determines the life of the royals. The term finds its roots back in the medieval times and it means nothing more than setting the standards over how one should act according to their high position in hierarchy. Firstly, the matter only expanded in the fields of education and sports, but soon enough it reached to cover an abundance of factors, details and overall every public appearance of theirs (Leggett, 2019). This led to the creation of many Etiquette Schools all around England with the duty to adhere to the protocol and teach the youngest additions of the family how to act accordingly.
Continuing on everyday matters, it is clearly stated that it is prohibited for heirs to travel together for any activities. This applies to the royal family as a whole, but even more to the direct heirs, as in the people who are second or third on the line of succession. The rule pertains to the fear of a tragic incident happening while on route and even more to the assurance of the continuity of the reign. For example, when Prince George of Wales becomes twelve and capable to travel on his own on the matters of safety, he will always from then on depart separately from his father, Prince William (LANGTON, 2021). While on trips, the monarchs have a specialized protocol, a part of the royal etiquette that they follow. Specifically, they need to always pack a black outfit before their departure. The macabre reason behind this habit is the case of some family member dying while they are way. In that scenario, it is according to the etiquette that when the plane lands back in London, the royals shall appear only in black so that they can match with the mourning of the nation for the passing of the nobleperson. The procedure was initiated by Queen Elizabeth II who happened to be at Kenya during her father’s passing. When she reached London, it is said she remained in the airplane until a black dress was brought to her, so that she could face the public (Klerk, 2017).
In matters of appearance, the royals have been following the appropriate protocol for ages. Tiaras are a privilege given only to the married women of the royal family. Their role is more than an admirable piece of art, it is a declaration of social status. Wearing a tiara symbolizes the statement of marriage and also prohibits any men from courting. But even for these distinguished ladies, the time they get to enjoy them is scheduled. Tiaras are appropriate to be worn indoors only after six pm, as the etiquette imposes that earlier, hats are the suitable accessory. The same rule imposes on them to wear nude pantyhose on formalities (MORTON, 2022).
The royal life stands definitely far from the dreamy ones described on the stories for kids. As the continuous love and admiration for the English monarchs by their people, doesn’t cease, it is obvious that the royal family will continue to play an important role as to enhance the country’s patriotism and national consciousness. It is only a matter of time to show the differences between the past and now and whether the central role of the royals will continue to sculpture the British image.
References
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Klerk, A. D. (2017, July 31). The morbid reason members of the royal family always pack a spare outfit. harpersbazaar.com. Available here
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LANGTON, K. (2021, October 29). Royal travel: The Cambridges jet off for half term – but why can they not fly together?. express.co.uk. Available here
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Leggett, J. (2019, November 7). The Bizarre History of Royal Etiquette. scribd.com. Available here
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MORTON, C. (2022, September 12). Weird rules about being a British royal. cbsnews.com. Available here
