The life of the members of the royal households, especially in Spain and the United Kingdom, is marked by a system of rules that goes beyond traditional protocol.
Every decision, from attire to a simple sitting posture, responds to a strategy designed to protect the image and symbolism of the monarchy.
Royal Rules
Although many of these rules may seem curious, their function is clear: to reinforce the stability and institutional character of the Crown.
This is explained by María José Gómez Verdú, an expert in protocol and etiquette, who points out that these limitations do not arise from an outdated regulation, but from a narrative construction.
“Royalty does not represent just an institution, but a carefully crafted narrative, where every detail communicates power, order and neutrality,” she says.
One of the most relevant principles is the absolute control of public image.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia, for example, cannot express political opinions or have personal social media.
Nor can they dress stridently or participate in cultural activities without prior approval.
This level of supervision responds to the need to project a neutral, predictable and non-controversial image.
As for interaction with the public, there are also strict limits.
Verdú explains that it is forbidden to sign autographs or take selfies with citizens.
The reason is not one of arrogance, but of security and image. “A signature can be forged. A selfie breaks the symbolic distance that the monarchy needs to preserve.”
Even everyday gestures are regulated. During official acts, women must not cross their legs when sitting, and must use the posture known as duchess slant, with legs together and leaning to one side. This position conveys restraint and measured elegance.
Public displays of affection, such as hugging or caressing, are also restricted, as they could blur the line between personal and institutional.
Clothing follows specific guidelines: avoid visible logos, modern clothing or garments with a flashy design.
Attire should be classic and timeless. In the case of the Spanish Royal Family, all references to commercial brands are avoided so as not to be associated with private interests.
These rules also apply to events such as gala dinners, where the evening is not allowed to last longer than necessary to preserve the solemnity of the event. Moreover, care is taken with every word, every color, every gesture.
In delicate contexts, even the tone of a garment can be interpreted as a statement. It is therefore forbidden to make comments that could be read as ideological opinions.
In the words of the expert, “the monarchy does not compete, it represents; it does not speak, it insinuates. That is why Monopoly is not played, because it is a competitive game that generates tension. And in the palace, tension is avoided, measured and symbolized”.
Despite this rigidity, the Spanish royal family has introduced slight changes.
Felipe and Letizia, for example, have taken selfies with citizens and have shown gestures of affection towards their daughters at specific moments, such as when Leonor entered the Military Academy in Zaragoza.
These exceptions do not break with tradition, but mark an attempt to bring the institution closer to today’s society.
Gómez Verdú sums it up clearly: “These rules do not exist because of a lack of freedom, but because of an excess of symbolism. In a world where everything changes and is shared instantly, the monarchy is still alive being opaque, sober and calculated.”