We spend a lot a time focusing on what Kate can/might/could/would do. In fact, it’s pretty much the entire focus of our website… But we rarely spend any time thinking about what Kate CAN’T do. We thought we would share with you today 10 things that Kate can not do – but you can – to help point out that maybe, just maybe, bring a royal isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Inspired by a list put together before Kate was married, we share 9 ways you can be a rebel and do the things Kate can not.
Kate can’t bе formally referred tο аѕ “Kate”
When Kate Middleton officially joined the royal family on April 29, 2011, hеr official title became ‘Hеr Royal Highness thе Princess William οf Wales’ and she is now formally known as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Despite the Palace’s best efforts to have us all call her “Catherine”, the media generally refer to Kate as Kate. We wrote quite an extensive piece earlier this year on WHY the press still refer to Kate on occasion as Kate Middleton which also highlighted the fact that several well-placed royal sources have heard Kate directly comment that she is perfectly fine with people calling her Kate… But formally, she can not be called Kate. She is now, and forever more as a royal, Catherine.
What can you do?
Free your inner Kate and go by whatever name you want! Whether you are a Catherine going by Kate, an Elizabeth going as Lizzie or a Lisa going as a Bitsy, as a member of the general public, you are entitled to choose how you want your friends and family to call you. (Warning: They may not always comply) If you don’t have a nickname – but always wanted one – you can look no further than Town & Country’s list of Preppy Nicknames to come up with a good one for yourself.
Kate can’t vote or run for Political Office
One of the few things that Kate can not do as a member of the royal family is vote. While technically thе Queen аnԁ οthеr members οf hеr family аrе allowed tο vote, thеу ԁο nοt ԁο ѕο. The Queen and her family “have to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters” and are “unable to vote or stand for election”, according to the Buckingham Palace website. So don’t expect us to see a Mayor Kate or Councillor Kate at any point in the future, or catch a glimpse of her at a polling booth.
What can you do?
Whereas Kate is not able to vote, as a member of society with that right, you absolutely should. Whether it is in a historic Presidential election or in a local contest for City Comptroller, you should get out and exercise your ability to make your voice heard.
Kate can’t escape thе Media Circus
As a key member of the arguably the world’s most famous family, the British Royals are a constant source of news, interest and speculation. Kate has learned to navigate the realities of living as a member of the “Firm”, but she could simply not just take the day off and head to the shops for a day of browsing without heavily armed bodyguards and carefully arranged plans to do so. Her life as a member of the “blissfully anonymous” came to a close when she married Prince William.
What can you do?
Take advantage of your ability to blend in with the crowds while browsing for Christmas decorations at a farmer’s market. Take a trip to New York City and admire the bright lights. Head out to the grocery store in the middle of the night sans make-up to get a new pint of ice cream. The little things that we all take for granted are likely things Kate would desperately like to do. Try and get out and enjoy them!
Kate can’t sign anything unofficial
Because she is married to the future King of England, there is a possibility that Kate might have to sign government papers on behalf of William at some point in the future. Because of the gravity of this possibility, Kate is strictly not allowed to sign anything that could lead to her signature being copied and forged. While this is perhaps an outdated tradition (nowadays with high-quality cameras taking photos of her signature on official things), it is still one that is enforced. Back in 2010, Prince Harry signed the cast of an injured girl which went against royal rules.
What can you do?
Well, it’s unlikely that most of us are asked for autographs on a daily basis. (Erm, or ever…) We don’t want to promote a wave of vandalism by people signing their names everywhere… But inspired by the fact that Kate can’t sign her name wherever she chooses, we think she’d like the thought of signing your name whenever you can. I sign Christmas cards, correspondence and sometimes even a check for the sake of nostalgia. Inspired by this challenge, I also created a font in my own handwriting that I can use.
Kate can’t accept gifts
Every few months, a high-profile figure, celebrity, or designer announces that they sent a gift to the Duchess of Cambridge. They hope she will wear the piece, and it will sell out from the Kate Effect. They hope she will accept the gift (like many of us would) and act as free advertising. After all, everything she wears sells out. Have you ever wondered why Kate never wears the pieces gifted to her by celebrities, stylists, and designers? Well, its because she can’t. It is against royal protocol for the Duchess of Cambridge to use free merchandise or gifts given to her. She may accept the gifts at walkabouts or official engagements, but she will likely never use them.
What can you do?
Accept the gifts you are given with glee and enjoy them! This one is simple and so much fun.
Kate can’t profit from her work
While many of you may wonder about this one, it’s key to note that Kate is an avid photographer and has released images that she took personally – such as during the 2012 Southeast Asia Tour – in the past. But, as a member of the royal family, she is unable to profit from the release of these images and therefore her work is released to the public through the Palace without the typical fees charged by photographers for their work. Kate is a talented photographer, so it is highly possible that her snaps would be marketable were they able to be sold. Likewise, Kate can not “sell” a photograph of herself.
What can you do?
Do you have a passion for arts (think photography, painting, etc) or crafts (think knitting, crochet, etc.)? If so, it’s likely that you have been told once or twice by a member of your friends and family that “you would be able to charge someone for that!”. And well you should! There are websites for photographers to sell their images with the world, and an entire online marketplace dedicated to homemade unique crafts. Why not profit from your passion and hobby?
Kate can’t eat shellfish
There is apparently an old rule in England that the British royal family is never served shellfish so that there is no chance of accidental poisoning. (Shellfish can be poisonous in rare cases.) While this has been partially debunked (the Queen served shellfish during President Obama’s visits to the UK and several chefs have said they served lobster on occasion), it is still worthy of note that there are various food-related rules that Kate must abide by – including never being photographed while eating.
What can you do?
Sure, there are lots of things that could get you sick. Then again, I’ve had food poisoning from a chicken sandwich at Subway and a soup made by myself at home, so there is no guarantee that you’re not going to get sick. I think one of the greatest thing about the global world we live in is the access to dishes and meals from other parts of the world at our fingertips – and there should be no reason for us commoners to not enjoy a taste of everything to see if we like it. Of course, this bears in mind reason which tells us things like not eating raw poultry, making sure foraged foods aren’t poisonous, etc.
Kate can’t play Monopoly
This one is fun… In 2008, Prince Andrew, Duke οf York, ѕаіԁ thаt thе Royal Family wаѕ nοt allowed tο play Monopoly аt home “bесаuѕе іt gets tοο vicious”. While I can agree that the game has its bounds (I have a very competitive family as well) this one is more of an inside joke, I’m sure, than anything else.
What can you do?
While this one is likely the result of an inside joke (we can only imagine that scenario), we think it’s great to know that the royals play games like the rest of us with their families. While Kate is perhaps not able to indulge in a board game night with Monopoly, perhaps a quick spin around the Clue board would be up her alley?
Kate can’t be slow to fіnіѕh hеr dinner
According to Stylist, you’re also supposed to stop eating when the Queen stops eating, a rule that dates back centuries in the British monarchy. The magazine reported that “…It made life difficult for guests of Queen Victoria, who was an infamously swift eater (she could get through seven courses in half an hour).”For many people eating with her was purgatory,” according to an entry on Etiquipedia. “Everyone was served after the Queen and when she had finished all the plates were cleared for the next course. If you were the last person served often you wouldn’t get a chance to eat anything before your plate was taken.””
What can you do?
Take all the time in the world to enjoy your meal. Enjoy an extra glass of accompanying wine and not worry that you’ll be forced to stop eating as soon as anyone else is. Breathe!
We’d love to hear how you will be enjoying the things Kate can’t do…
Excellent article! So many rules! I bet she is a rebel with some of them :p
Thanks, Alejandra!!!
I Will Follow The Suggestions.