Not So Well-Behaved: 9 Times Kate Broke Royal Rules

Kate, Princess of Wales, has been an integral part of the British royal family since her wedding to Prince William in 2011. But in recent years, in particular, it has become increasingly clear that she doesn’t simply follow royal protocol.

The 44-year-old, who is not of noble birth, often prioritizes closeness, practicality, and making her own decisions. That is exactly what makes her so popular with many people: Within the monarchy, Kate often comes across as more natural, direct, and personal than protocol has long dictated, and as a result, she has broken the rules on more than one occasion.

One particularly notable moment occurred in September 2025, when Kate kissed King Charles on the cheek at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent. Public displays of affection are generally considered unusual in royal circles.

She also broke with etiquette at another event when she simply introduced her husband with the words, “This is William.” No title, no formal distance.

On top of that, there are small gestures between the couple in public that show just how close their bond is. Kate clearly treats the heir to the throne as an equal partner. So it’s not unusual for them to share a tender embrace or a quick kiss.

At Charles III’s coronation in 2023, Kate did not wear a tiara, even though many had expected her to. Instead, she opted for an ivory-colored floral headpiece with sequins and metallic embroidery by Alexander McQueen, which matched her white dress. The choice had a more modern and understated look.

In early 2025, she once again drew attention with an unusual gesture: After visiting a family-run knitting company in Wales, she had her motorcade stop to greet a little girl who had called out to her. “I heard you say 'hello' from all the way back there and I wanted to come and see you,” Kate said, according to the BBC.

The princess also sets clear boundaries in her private life. When the family moved to Forest Lodge, Kate and William reportedly insisted on not having any live-in staff. They want their three children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—to grow up as down-to-earth as possible and even take on everyday chores.

Her stance becomes even clearer when it comes to an old hunting tradition of the royal family. According to this, Kate does not want her children to participate in the so-called “blooding,” a ritual in which blood is smeared on the face after the first hunt. In doing so, she is consciously distancing herself from a practice that has long existed in royal circles.

This approach is also evident in her public appearances. In 2023, Kate posed for selfies during an event with young people, even though such photos had long been considered undesirable within the royal family.