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11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

With Harry and Meghan set to tie the knot, we thought we'd delve a little deeper into what goes on behind the doors of Buckingham Palace... Suffice to say that the Windsor's certainly have their own way of doing things - Meghan, you've been warned!

Illustration : "11 little known facts about the British Royal Family"
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Here are 11 little known facts about a family that's plastered across the newspapers, but who still manage to remain somewhat a mystery!

1. Nicknames are forbidden!

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

The royals' press officers are always trying to correct the press... When Prince William married Kate Middleton, they insisted that we refer to her as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge as calling her 'Kate' is not done outside of royal circles. Well, they can keep trying because to us she's 'Kate' and we like her that way!

2. All gifts given to royals automatically belong to the monarch

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

The Royal Family receives some amazing presents, but what you may not know is that all of these goodies are immediately 'given' to Her Majesty! Plus all gifts must remain in the family - they're not allowed to sell any or pass them on to someone else. The monarch can insist on being given these gifts and only he or she can 'lend' them to someone else - on the strict condition that they are returned!

3. Simon says...

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

If the monarch does something you have to follow suit! If they get up so must you, if they stop eating then your meal's also over. No negotiation on this one if you don't want to be shown the door or get into the royal bad books...

4. The monarch's husband or wife has to walk a few steps behind

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

Even husbands and wives have to walk behind the king or queen. The monarch is more important, so always leads the way!

5. Leave the Tower of London's ravens alone!

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

Since the reign of Charles II, it's become a tradition that 6 ravens live at the Tower of London. Why? Because Charles II once said that if the ravens leave the tower, then the kingdom will fall...

6. You must never turn your back to the monarch

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

It's a serious faux pas if you meet the monarch, but then turn away to chat to someone else. Once again the monarch is more important and it's up to them to decide when the conversation's over and leave you free to do as you like.

7. Ladies, keep your chin parallel with the floor

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

Protocol states that all female members of the Royal Family must keep their chins parallel with the floor or ground.

8. Hats during the day, tiaras at night!

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

Brits love their hats and the press goes crazy when Her Majesty wears a new one! Hats are compulsory during official daytime events, but once the clock strikes 6pm they're swapped for tiaras. Only married female members are required to follow this rule, so if you're a man seeking a royal bride, look out for someone who's tiara-free!

9. Myrtle is always included in bridal bouquets

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

Sweet-scented myrtle has been included in wedding bouquets since Queen Victoria's reign. The myrtle used in the Duchess of Cambridge's bouquet came from the Queen's own garden!

10. The Queen's corgis can do whatever they like!

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© eastnews © eastnews

Humans have to follow protocol, but the Queen's much-loved corgis have free reign in the Windsor household! Elizabeth II is known for her love of corgis and no one's allowed to discipline them or raise their voice, even if the dogs are naughty! The palace's corgi-walkers always carry wipes so they can scoop up any 'accidents' that may occur. What's more, the corgis' food is prepared by the palace's chef and guests are expected to respect the dogs' need for peace and quiet. Even Kate and William's dog is banned from visiting the palace in case his presence excites these lovely, but very spoiled, canines!

11. The monarch and the armed forces

Illustration de l'article : 11 little known facts about the British Royal Family

© Glenn Harvey / Alamy Stock Photo

The monarchy and the armed forces have always had a close relationship, not least because the monarch has the power to declare war (or peace). As the official Head of the Armed Forces it's also tradition that male members of the Royal Family spend time in the army/navy/RAF and are expected to 'remain' in service. And the current Queen's a pretty good shot herself - as seen in this photo taken during a military display in Surrey!