Kate’s preference for pantsuits may be a sign of changing times

hile many assume Kate Middleton strictly adheres to royal protocol, her fashion choices reflect a more modern and flexible approach.

When it comes to royal protocol, much of what the public believes is based on myths.

But former royal butler Grant Harrold, who served King Charles from 2004 to 2011, is setting the record straight on some protocols. Other experts have weighed in on supposed rules Kate doesn’t tend to always follow.

Grant says one of the biggest misconceptions about protocol is the requirement to bow or curtsy when meeting a royal.

Grant told Fox News Digital: “I think a lot of people assume that when you meet the royal family, you’re supposed to bow or curtsy.”

However, he insists that “it isn’t required” and it’s “entirely a personal choice”. This is confirmed on the official royal family website, which states “there are no obligatory codes of behaviour” when greeting a monarch, or a member of the royal family.

Kate’s preference for pantsuits may be a sign of changing times (Credit: Cover Images)

Kate Middleton’s royal fashion rules

While the late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly had a preference for nude tights on royal women, believing it looked more polished, it’s not a strict protocol, and Princess Kate has occasionally opted out.

Royal photographer and commentator Helena Chard explained to Fox: “Contrary to popular belief, it is no longer mandatory royal protocol for women to wear tights.

“The late Queen Elizabeth II preferred women in nude tights, believing it gave a polished look. These days, it’s a personal choice. Princess Diana often avoided tights, using tanning oil instead. Since the queen’s passing, we’ve seen Princess Kate embrace more power trouser suits — something Elizabeth wasn’t keen on during her reign.”

Contrary to popular belief, it is no longer mandatory royal protocol for women to wear tights.

Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, previously spoke out about the pantyhose rule, which she called “inauthentic”.

Another rule Kate has apparently adopted? Hemline management.

After a few high-profile “Marilyn moments,” where gusts of wind lifted Kate’s skirts, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly suggested an old-school solution: curtain weights sewn into hems.

Since then, those wardrobe malfunctions have all but disappeared. “She hasn’t suffered any more embarrassing Marilyn moments,” Chard noted.

The Princess of Wales does not always follow the pantyhose rule (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Royal etiquette rules

Some protocols remain intact. Boys in the royal family, for example, traditionally still wear shorts until about the age of eight.

Dining etiquette also comes with unexpected rules. Former royal chef Darren McGrady, who served both royals and US presidents, recalled the dos and don’ts of a royal meal.

Bananas reportedly must be sliced into rings and eaten with a fork, pears are eaten with a spoon, and pineapples arrive pre-sliced.

And as for those elegant finger bowls? At one state banquet, McGrady said guests mistook them for a drink: “Nobody corrected them. At a state banquet, you just get on with it.”

Meanwhile, some protocols have softened over time. In the past, touching the monarch was a huge faux pas.

When the then Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating put his arm around the queen in 1992, tabloids dubbed him “The Lizard of Oz”.

But attitudes softened over time. In 2009, Michelle Obama placed a hand on the queen’s back, and the queen reciprocated, much to the public’s surprise.

Even the once-taboo selfie rule has loosened. While it is still officially discouraged for royals to take selfies, exceptions have been made.