The Princess of Wales wowed the crowd in Powys, Wales, on Thursday as she arrived in a burgundy ensemble ahead of the country’s national day, St. David’s Day, on March 1. Kate took a moment to greet her supporters as she arrived, with one fan interaction reminding onlookers about a little-known piece of royal protocol.
As she approached a man in the crowd who was asking for her autograph, the 44-year-old was forced to politely decline. “I can’t sign things, I’m so sorry. I can shake your hand, though,” she said to him, as they shared a gentle hug. “Nice to meet you,” Kate added before she moved on to speak to other royal supporters.
She then looped back around to take a photo with what appeared to be the man’s young daughter as he proudly watched on.
Royals are not allowed to sign autographs, as it could be later used for forgery. King Charles reportedly broke this protocol in 2010 when he signed a piece of paper for a victim of the Cornwall floods, simply writing, “Charles 2010”.
In the past, he was heard politely turning down a supporter’s request for a signature, saying: “Sorry, they don’t allow me to do that.” Royal protocol also stipulates that they refrain from taking selfies with fans, a rule that has been broken on several occasions.
Prince Harry once admitted to a fan that he “hates selfies” during his visit to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia. “Seriously, you need to get out of it [the habit], I know you’re young, selfies are bad. Just take a normal photograph!” he said to the supporter.
© Getty ImagesRoyals are also asked to keep public displays of affection to a minimum, as HELLO!’s royal editor Emily Nash explained.
“They are almost always seen in photographs taken during official engagements, so they are at ‘work’ and it would be unprofessional to hold hands. They also need to shake hands with a huge number of people as they meet them, so aside from being on duty, it wouldn’t be very practical!” she shared.
© Max Mumby“We know they are very affectionate and that sometimes comes across during more light-hearted moments, at sporting events or similar, but you wouldn’t expect them to put that on show while in more formal situations.”
© WireImageThe Prince and Princess of Wales laughed and smiled with each other as they met the townspeople in Powys, Wales, on Thursday. Kate looked chic in a burgundy double-breasted coat with black buttons, worn over a burgundy blouse and a matching pleated maxi skirt.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageThe mother of three accessorised with burgundy leather heeled boots, gold earrings and a daffodil badge, in honour of Wales’ national flower, which is commonly worn on St. David’s Day.
Will was by her side in blue trousers, a brown blazer, a navy pullover, a white collared shirt with a tie and a daffodil badge of his own. Together, the couple visited the Hanging Gardens community centre, the Oriel Davis art gallery, and the Hafan yr Afon cultural centre.
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