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Royal Rules Forced Prince Harry and Meghan to Return $9 Million Worth of Wedding Gifts

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You can’t have the British royal family without the British royal family rules. Sure, the family is a glamorous one, so it might be easy for us non-royals to daydream about being one of those regal relatives. But don’t get so caught up thinking about jewels, fine dining, and people catering to your every whim that you forget about all the royal rules of etiquette that come with the perks.

No one knows those rules and restrictions better than Meghan Markle, who by many people’s standards is “living the dream” as a duchess after marrying the love of her life, Prince Harry. While the culture shock of marrying a British person might have been disorienting enough, marrying a British royal is on a totally different level.

Of course, there’s no question that marrying into the British royal family has massive advantages, too. Charities want to be involved with you, fashion designers want to dress you, and everyone seems to want to give you flowers. To become a duchess or a princess — or any royal title, really — means becoming part of a long-lasting legacy of something larger than yourself. For example, Meghan now has a prestigious platform to speak out about issues, like her sister-in-law Kate does with mental health. We imagine that part of the job has to be so rewarding.

But there are also several parts of the gig that might not bode well for those of us who haven’t had to answer to strict royal rules of etiquette our whole lives. Just imagine that you suddenly needed to follow the British royal family rules starting tomorrow: Not only would you have a hectic schedule of obligatory events, you’d also have a whole new set of requirements for the way you behave and dress at the events — and pretty much anytime you step outside. On top of all that, you’d have to memorize a brand new list of things you’re now forbidden from doing any longer. We don’t know about you, but we’re OK with remaining “commoners” for the time being!

Still think you have what it takes to be part of the British royal family? Take a look at some of the weirdest royal family rules below and see if you could follow all of them.

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