June 2012

Kate told to curtsey to blood princesses Beatrice and Eugenie: New protocol 'pushes future queen down the royal ranking'

The Queen has released newly-updated 'protocols' which place Kate firmly down the royal pecking order

Despite the ease with which she has taken to her role, it seems the Duchess of Cambridge has not yet conquered the House of Windsor.

Newly updated ‘protocols’ approved by the Queen place Kate firmly down the royal pecking order, it was reported yesterday.

A document is said to have been circulated privately in the royal household, clarifying Kate’s status.

Although she is the future Queen, as a former commoner Kate must show reverence to the ‘blood princesses’. This means she is expected to curtsey to those born royal, such as Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie – both in public and in private. The rule only applies when her husband, Prince William, is not present.

In his absence, she must also curtsey to other blue-blooded women in the royal household, including Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra, the Queen’s cousin.

However, in the case of the Countess of Wessex, it is she who has to curtsey to Kate.

Commoners: Under the newly updated 'protocol' Kate falls below the Duchess of Cornwall, right, but above the Countess of Wessex, left

The Duchess of Cambridge is expected to curtsey to 'blood princesses' Beatrice, left, and Eugenie, right 

Royal observers suspect Kate will not mind the new rules as she is keen to please everybody, but William may be less happy. However, it seems getting to grips with life in the royal household does have its benefits.

The increasingly glamorous Duchess is thought to have spent more than £35,000 on couture and high-end outfits since the start of the year – and the bill is being met by her father-in-law.

Prince Charles has agreed to pay for any dresses the Duchess wears for ‘work-related’ functions and engagements through his official household budget.

He will open up his accounts to the public this week for the first time since Kate, 30, joined the family.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2163963/Will-Duchess-Cambri...