Princess Catherine welcomed crowds in the Welsh county with her signature warmth and charm.
While the Princess of Wales happily stopped to chat, shake hands and even hug adoring fans, there was one request she politely declined.
On Thursday, during a visit to Powys in Wales ahead of St David’s Day celebrations, Catherine was approached by a man asking for her autograph.
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But she gently refused.
“I can’t sign things, I’m so sorry. I can shake your hand, though,” she told him, before sharing a brief hug.
“Nice to meet you,” she added, before moving along to greet other royal supporters.
Princess Catherine refused to sign an autograph but here’s the real reason behind her decision. Credit: InstagramPrincess Catherine politely declined the man’s request before offering a hug. Credit: TikTok
While the exchange may have seemed abrupt to some, the princess was simply following long-standing royal protocol.
Members of the British royal family are generally prohibited from signing autographs to prevent the risk of forgery — a security measure that has been in place for decades.
It’s not the first time Catherine has had to turn down such a request.
At the 2022 Chelsea Flower Show, she explained the rule to school children, saying: “My name’s Catherine. I’m not allowed to write my signature, it’s just one of those rules.”
Secret royal rules
No selfies
Royal protocol also discourages selfies with fans.
The concern is twofold, as selfies requires turning one’s back on a royal and standing in very close proximity — both considered potential security risks.
That said, the rule has been bent on several occasions.
William and Catherine broke protocol when they posed for a selfie with the Jamaican bobsleigh team during their royal tour of the Caribbean. Credit: Instagram
No touching
Traditionally, members of the public are not meant to touch a royal unless a hand is first offered.
Younger royals have taken a more relaxed approach.
It’s widely believed that Prince William and Prince Harry followed the example of their mother, the late Princess Diana, who was known for warmly embracing people during engagements.
However, King Charles is also often seen warmly embracing fans and followers.
King Charles III meets members of the indigenous community during a visit to the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Sydney. Credit: AAP
No travelling together
Traditionally, direct heirs to the British throne have not been able to travel together in case of an emergency or an accident that could impact the entire royal line.
William and Catherine have three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, but the rule only applies to the first two direct heirs to the throne — William and George.
The Prince of Wales was the same age when he stopped flying alongside his father, then the Prince of Wales and now King Charles, to protect the monarchy’s line of succession.
Prince William and Princess Catherine with their children. Credit: Kensington Palace
No kissing in public
Public displays of affection are also traditionally frowned upon, particularly during official duties or overseas visits, where cultural sensitivities are taken into account.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle upon arrival at the government house in Lagos Nigeria in 2024. Credit: AP
However, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have often broken from convention and are frequently seen holding hands in public.
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