© Getty Images2 minutes agoAug 6, 2026, 4:50 AM GMT+1LEAVE A COMMENTBeing a princess might sound like a dream, but the role comes with a laundry list of rules that Princess Kate is expected to follow to a T. As a senior working royal, the 44-year-old must follow strict protocols that dictate everything from her nail polish colour to the games she can play with her family. Join HELLO! as we explore the simple everyday things that the Princess of Wales is banned from doing.© Getty ImagesMonopolyPrincess Kate and the royals are reportedly banned from playing the famous board game, as things became too heated between family members. "We're not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious," Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor quipped in 2008 during a visit to Leeds Building Society headquarters.However, Prince William let slip that he and Kate were teaching their three kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, how to play the economics-themed game."We're playing board games with the children quite a lot," he said in an interview on the Royal Marsden Hospital's radio station. "We love Monopoly, that's good, and Risk. Have you played Risk before? That's a good game, goes on for hours and usually everyone gets very cross because they lose. But that's what I like playing."© Samir Hussein/WireImageVotingWhile Princess Kate is not legally barred from voting, it is common practice amongst the royals to abstain from voting in any elections to keep up the appearance of political neutrality."The King and active members of the royal family can legally cast a vote at general elections on the same basis as other eligible citizens, but in practice do not do so for obvious reasons," Robert Blackburn, professor of constitutional law at King's College London, told TIME."Especially because it would cause a furore of media speculation and violate the constitutional requirement today that they maintain a strict party political impartiality."King Charles does appoint new prime ministers as part of his royal role, but does not have a say in who is voted in.© Getty Images for TGI SportPublic displays of affectionThe mother of three largely avoids public displays of affection with her husband, as it is seen as unprofessional."The Duke and Duchess are almost always seen in photographs taken during official engagements so they are at 'work' and it would be unprofessional to hold hands," explained HELLO!'s royal correspondent, Emily Nash."We know they are very affectionate and that sometimes comes across during more light-hearted moments, at sporting events or similar, but you wouldn't expect them to put that on show while in more formal situations."The couple have shown snippets of affection in the past, like when they shared an excited hug at the 2012 London Olympics after Chris Hoy won gold at a track cycling event.© Getty ImagesPersonal social media accountsKate is strictly banned from having a personal social media account, due to the risk of information leaks or hacking. Instead, she and William share an official social media account, on which they post pictures of their engagements or their family life.Kate's sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, was able to create and run her own social media account, launching her American Riviera Orchard Instagram in 2024 after she and Prince Harry stepped back from their royal roles. © Samir Hussein/WireImageBright nail polishThe brunette beauty is not allowed to experiment with bold nail polish colours, and must stick to neutral tones like soft pink or light nude. Kate broke this strict rule when she stepped out for the Easter Sunday service in Windsor in April 2023, sporting a bold red look for the holiday. © Getty ImagesWorkUnlike regular people, Kate is not allowed to work outside of her royal duties, despite her art history degree, as this could cause a conflict of interest. Instead, her official duties are supported by the Sovereign Grant, while her primary private income comes from the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate.© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesSign documents or autographsKate cannot sign any autographs as she runs the risk of forgery. While meeting a group of school children at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2023, she confirmed this fact after being asked for a signature."I can’t write my name, but I can draw," she said, adding: "I’m not allowed to write my signature; it’s just one of those rules." In a similar vein, Kate is banned from signing any documents that were not pre-approved by the king.© Getty ImagesAccept giftsKate, like other royals, is barred from accepting gifts over a certain value, to prevent the appearance of bribery or influence. "Gifts offered by private individuals living in the UK not personally known to the Member of the Royal Family should be refused where there are concerns about the propriety or motives of the donor or the gift itself," the royal website states. Generally, the royals cannot accept gifts with a value of more than £150. 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