Why Duchess Kate can’t sign autographs
Duchess Kate is one of the most famous women of our time, however, there are some things she is banned from doing when she greets the public.
The 35-year-old and her royal family are banned from signing autographs when they meet members of the public.
Not only are they not allowed to write their signature, some members of the royal family also refuse to take selfies with the public.
According to royal insiders, the rule was established to protect the royals from people forging their signatures.
In 2010, Prince Charles was asked by a father if the "future King" would sign a piece of paper for his young son.
“Sorry, they don’t allow me to do that,” he replied. He then wrote “Charles 2010” on the paper for him.
Photographer Paul Williams told the Daily Mail that he regularly sees the royal politely decline signature requests.
“The long-standing rule remains in place for all royals because of the risk of the signature being forged,” he said.
Charles also apologised for his “shaky writing”, explaining that he never writes standing up.
Prince Harry has also been known to follow the meet and greet protocol closely.
In 2015, while visiting a war memorial in Australia, Harry told a fan he disliked selfies and ask them to take a normal photo of him.
The royals also follow other etiquette rules such as not being allowed to eat shellfish and not eating after the Queen has finished.