a Yourlist ranking · the crowd decides the order
From banned board games to garlic embargoes, royal households enforce some bizarrely specific rules — vote for the ones you think are the strangest.
What counts: Ranked by how genuinely odd and restrictive the rule is; 'Weirdness' is a subjective 0-10 crowd rating, and all eras/enforcement details are approximate based on public reporting, which is often unofficial or disputed.
No Playing Monopoly
Prince Andrew allegedly revealed the British royals ban Monopoly because it gets too competitive.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: 20th centuryWeirdness: 7/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Garlic Is Banned From Royal Meals
The Queen reportedly hated garlic breath so much it was struck from royal kitchens entirely.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: Elizabeth II eraWeirdness: 8/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Must Pack a Black Outfit at All Times
Every traveling royal carries mourning clothes just in case a monarch dies while they're abroad.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: 20th centuryWeirdness: 7/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Lèse-Majesté: No Criticizing the King
Thailand's harsh laws can jail citizens for years over perceived insults to the royal family.
Monarchy: ThaiEra Established: Traditional, codified 20th centuryWeirdness: 9/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Women Lose Royal Status by Marrying a Commoner
Japanese princesses are stripped of royal titles the moment they wed outside the imperial family.
Monarchy: JapaneseEra Established: Modern, per Imperial Household LawWeirdness: 8/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Never Touch the Monarch
Physical contact with the reigning monarch is a breach of protocol that's tripped up countless world leaders.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: TraditionalWeirdness: 7/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Heirs Can't Fly on the Same Plane
Direct heirs to the throne traditionally travel separately to avoid wiping out the line of succession in one crash.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: Post-1960sWeirdness: 6/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
No Shellfish While Traveling
Royals reportedly avoid shellfish on trips to dodge any risk of food poisoning derailing official duties.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: ModernWeirdness: 6/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Must Get the Monarch's Permission to Marry
Anyone in the first six in line to the throne legally needs the sovereign's blessing to wed.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: Succession to the Crown Act, 2013Weirdness: 6/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Tights Are Mandatory for Royal Women
Bare legs are reportedly a fashion no-no; hosiery is considered essential royal etiquette.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: Elizabeth II eraWeirdness: 6/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
No Autographs, Ever
Royals are barred from signing autographs to prevent forgery of their signatures.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: ModernWeirdness: 6/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
No Public Displays of Affection
Hand-holding and kissing in public are frowned upon as undignified for working royals.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: TraditionalWeirdness: 5/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Can't Vote in Elections
To preserve political neutrality, senior royals are expected to abstain from voting entirely.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: Constitutional conventionWeirdness: 5/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
No Selfies With the Public
Royals are discouraged from selfies, sticking instead to formal handshakes and waves.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: Modern, smartphone eraWeirdness: 5/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Can't Discuss Politics Publicly
Royals must stay studiously neutral, never voicing opinions on elections or policy.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: Constitutional conventionWeirdness: 5/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Strict Order for Disembarking Planes and Cars
Rank dictates who exits first, with the most senior royal often stepping out last or first depending on context.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: TraditionalWeirdness: 4/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
No Chewing Gum in Public
Gum-chewing is considered unseemly and reportedly off-limits for royals in the public eye.
Monarchy: BritishEra Established: TraditionalWeirdness: 4/10Still Enforced?: —
added by IJR
Crown Prince Must Complete Military Service
Scandinavian heirs are expected to serve in the armed forces like any other citizen before taking the throne.
Monarchy: Danish/NorwegianEra Established: ModernWeirdness: 6/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
Abdication Requires Parliamentary Approval
A Spanish monarch can't simply step down; the move must be ratified by an organic law in parliament.
Monarchy: SpanishEra Established: Modern constitutionWeirdness: 5/10Still Enforced?: ✓
added by IJR
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