Politics & Culture

All the Times Kate Middleton Broke Royal Protocol

From posing for selfies to adventurous fashion choices, here is a roundup of the Princess of Wales breaking the palace rules.

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Since Kate Middleton's disappearance from the public eye has prompted online speculation and outrageous conspiracy theories regarding her recovery from abdominal surgery in January, rumors have swirled that the Princess of Wales is considering stepping back from royal duties. Though Princess Kate has made a name for herself by working hard and playing by the royal rules, she occasionally takes a page out of her own rulebook. Below, all the times Kate Middleton has broken royal protocol.

Wearing A "Messy Bun" 

In September of 2023, Middleton broke royal protocol with how she presented her hair in public. According to protocol, a royal’s hair must be kept in a neat, natural, and orderly manner, so when she made an appearance late last year with a low bun, and her bangs framing her face, many were quick to point out how the rules may be becoming more relaxed under King Charles. Of course, Middleton’s “messy bun” is the most organized “messy” hair look we’ve seen in fashion for a while.

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Kate Middleton, 2023. Photo Courtesy of Getty Images.

Speaking Out On Pregnancy

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Kate Middleton with her kids, 2022. Photo Courtesy of Getty Images.

Though the late Queen Elizabeth did not like any discussion of pregnancy, last year, during a royal engagement, Middleton spoke out on some of the struggles she had whle pregnant, including her battle with hyperemesis gravidarum, an intense, and extreme condition of morning sickness. The Princess of Wales revealed the information during a conversation with Steve Ikebuwa, a father-of-four whose wife also suffered from the same morning sickness condition as Middleton. 

Talking Selfies 

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Kate Middleton and Royal Fan, 2023. Photo Coutesy of Getty Images.

On several occasions Middleton has been known to defy royal protocol and pose with fans for selfies. While it's not explicitly against royal protocol, taking selfies is definitely frowned upon when you are a member of the royal family, as it encourages fans to turn their backs on you while taking the selfie, a move that is supposedly disrespectful to the crown.

Showing Her Bare Legs 

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Kate Middleton, 2023. Photo Coutesy of Getty Images.

When Middleton performed her royal duty, welcoming South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol for his state visit to Britain in 2023, the internet was up in arms over the seemingly double-standard between the Princess of Wales, and her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle. For the international visit, Middleton showed some bare legs when arriving at the event and getting out of the car, which is a fashion faux-pas in the eyes of royal protocol. 

Wearing Colored Nail Polish 

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Kate Middleton, 2023. Photos Courtesy of Getty Images.

For Easter of 2023, the Princess of Wales wore brightly colored red nail polish to a formal royal event, and though there is no official rule, royal members are known and encouraged to wear natural and neutral nail colors, especially for public appearances.

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