According to media reports, protocol is often considered one of the most unpleasant aspects of royal life. However, it also protects royals from many potential awkward situations and missteps that could arise during interactions with the public.
For example, the rules clearly state that senior members of the Royal Family are not allowed to accept gifts worth more than 150 pounds (approximately 19,000 rubles at the current exchange rate). Anything beyond that is declined by the Windsors.
There is logic behind this. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, her well-known love for corgis led to an influx of gifted dogs, which eventually became somewhat of a nuisance. Princess Anne was once presented with a three-month-old live bear cub from the USSR, which was later relocated to the London Zoo.
The issue has since been addressed, and since 1990, new guidelines dictate that live gifts must be left where they were given.
Interestingly, members of the royal family are even forbidden from accepting flowers. Kate Middleton, for instance, cannot decorate her office with bouquets she receives as gifts. However, the flowers are not discarded. Secretaries are tasked with placing them throughout the palace’s private rooms or donating them to hospitals and charitable organizations.
