Etiquette for Royal Neighbors

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex only moved in to Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate a few months ago, but their presence has quickly impacted the community. Earlier this weekend, British tabloid The Sun reported that Harry and Meghan's neighbors had been given a list of demands instructing them how to behave in the presence of the royal couple and in the vicinity of their home.

Those living near the Sussexes’ residence, including royal staff, were reportedly given a number of “dos and don'ts” which included the following guidelines:

• Don't approach or instigate conversation if you see the Royal couple 
• Do say 'Good Morning' or some other pleasantry if they speak to you 
• Don't pet or stroke their dogs, even if they come over to you 
• Don't offer to walk their dogs 
• Don't ask to see baby Archie or offer to babysit 
• Don't post anything through the letterbox of Frogmore Cottage 

Now, Buckingham Palace has issued a statement responding to the rumors of such a list of rules. A spokesperson has clarified that while “guidance” was offered to the community in a meeting, Meghan and Harry were not the ones to create a mandate; rather, the direction was issued by an “overly protective palace official.”

“The Duke and Duchess didn't request this, didn't know about it, and had nothing to do with the content or guidance offered,” said a spokesperson, according to ITV.

According to the Sun, a spokesperson also clarified that “this was a well-intentioned briefing to help a small local community know how to welcome two new residents and help them with any potential encounter.”

Following the birth of their first child, Archie Harrison, Meghan and Harry have sought to give him as private a life as possible. Notably, the Sussexes did not release the names of Archie's godparents, as they are private citizens, and they did not allow the press to document the royal family arriving or leaving his christening. But they have posed for a number of family portraits in recent weeks.– Town and Country Magazine, July 2019

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia