We all know the British royal family has its fair share of peculiar traditions and customs. For instance, they’re advised against consuming shellfish, shaking hands is off limits for everyday folks, and the queen enjoys not one, but two birthday celebrations annually.
As much as folks find these traditions odd, it’s also worth noting that the royal family doesn’t have the warmest reputation, either.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared their grievances with the royal family in a much-publicized CBS interview.
The conversation revealed the challenges they faced post the May 2018 wedding, from the relentless British press to issues of racial discrimination and mental health concerns within the royal institution.
Meghan candidly confessed to Oprah Winfrey that she sought help but was met with reluctance, saying, “I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution.”
In light of these stories and traditions, there’s another lesser-known rule that the royal family adheres to. Let’s delve into this curious habit!
Staying Awake Until the Queen Goes to Bed
Among the unique rules that the royal family observes, the bedtime etiquette stands out as particularly fascinating. The rule? No one should head to bed and sleep before the queen herself has retired for the night.
This precedent, though unheard by many, is a solemn one within royal circles, as pointed out by PureWow. And unlike the usual tales of early to bed associated with the elderly, Queen Elizabeth II is known for her late nights.
She typically retires around midnight, noted Zarife Hardy from the Australian School of Etiquette. Sir William Heseltine, a former private secretary to the queen, once shared that it never felt right for anyone to sleep before the queen.
Although this bedtime protocol might be routine for the royal family, it proved challenging for at least one member who married into the family.
Princess Diana, fondly remembered as the “People’s Princess” and the beloved mother of Princes William and Harry, found it difficult to adhere to this late-night custom.
Diana often opted to excuse herself early, favoring a good night’s rest. For the royals, this protocol may simply be part of their nightly ritual, yet for the rest of us, such a rule, eccentric or not, underscores the unique nature of royal life.
