We all know there are a number of unspoken (and spoken) rules when meeting the British royal family—whether it’s using the proper titles or knowing when to stand and when to follow their lead.
But apparently, there’s one very specific topic you’re not supposed to bring up with King Charles III.
At least, that’s according to the husband of a Real Housewives of London star.
“Don’t Ask About Harry and Meghan”
Panthea Parker, 50, shared that she was on her way to Buckingham Palace for a meeting with the King and joked, “I’m going to go up to the King, I’m going to go, ‘How do you feel about [Prince] Harry and what he did?’”
Her husband, Ed Parker, appeared to take her seriously, flipping through a pamphlet and reading aloud, “It says, specifically, ‘Don’t ask the monarch about Harry and Meghan [Markle],’” as reported by Page Six.
While it seemed the English lawyer was being playful in the moment, the long-standing tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family has been widely covered.
Harry’s memoir, Spare, added fuel to the fire, with further revelations about life inside the royal family. Notably, the last time he was seen with his father was at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.
However, it was reported that the King and his son reconnected when Charles shared news of his cancer diagnosis. And just last week, rumors surfaced that aides on both sides met in London for what was described as a “secret peace summit.”
While there’s no official confirmation that asking about the Sussexes is against protocol, it seems some topics are better left untouched.
Other Royal Etiquette Rules You Might Not Know
1. Myrtle in Every Royal Wedding Bouquet
English Heritage notes that royal brides have included myrtle—a delicate white flower from the Isle of Wight—in their bouquets since the 1850s. It first appeared at the wedding of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter and has been a tradition ever since. Princess Diana and Kate Middleton both carried it.
2. Stand When the King Stands
It’s customary for everyone to rise when the monarch stands up, enters, or exits a room. The reason hasn’t been formally explained, but many see it as a gesture of respect for the sovereign.
3. Royals Can’t Travel Together in Certain Cases
As Prince George has just turned 12, he now has to travel separately from his father, Prince William. Because William is first in line to the throne and George is second, they must fly separately to protect the succession.
4. A Black Outfit Is Always Required
Members of the royal family must pack at least one black outfit when traveling. The rule exists so they’re prepared to dress in mourning if a royal dies while they’re away.
“This is a rule that has been in place for over seven decades and is closely followed,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams explained.
The rule began after then-Princess Elizabeth was caught without mourning clothes while in Kenya when her father, King George VI, passed away. She remained on the plane upon landing in the UK until black attire was brought to her.
5. How to Properly Greet the King and Queen
If you’re preparing to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla, don’t stress. Buckingham Palace says there are “no obligatory codes of behaviour – just courtesy.”
That said, traditional greetings are encouraged. Men may perform a neck bow, and women may curtsy. If that’s not comfortable, a handshake is perfectly acceptable.
Addressing the royals properly is also key: begin with “Your Majesty,” followed by “Sir” for the King and “Ma’am” for the Queen.