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THE royal family has millions of eyes on them at all times, leading them to have many rules so they don't put a toe out of line.

However, rules are made to be broken and these royals have been guilty of it - from attending hospital appointments together to posing for selfies.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex broke royal wedding protocol many times
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex broke royal wedding protocol many timesCredit: AFP

LET THEM EAT CAKE

Meghan Markle's wedding back in 2018 was watched by millions across the world - but only avid royal fans would have spotted the rules she broke.

It's common tradition for the royal family to have a fruitcake at major celebrations - but Meghan decided to put her own twist on the sweet treat.

For centuries, “all special occasions in England, from Christmas to christenings, had been celebrated with fruitcakes," which started with Queen Victoria back in 1840.

But the loved-up couple broke away from tradition (once again) and celebrate their nuptials with a sponge cake drizzled with elderflower syrup and lemon.

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They opted for an elderflower and lemon cake over the traditional fruit sponge
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They opted for an elderflower and lemon cake over the traditional fruit spongeCredit: Getty - Pool

WITH LOVE

While it's common for us to attend the hospital with loved ones - it's not for the royal family.

Many people were stunned to see Queen Camilla escort King Charles to the hospital for his recent prostate surgery.

The couple are no stranger to showing their affections for each other in public even if it means breaking the rules.

The late Queen and Prince Philip always went to hospital alone, making the touching scene very rare.

Royal expert, Chris Ship : "Queen Camilla has gone into the hospital with King Charles.

"Whilst this might seem normal for most families, it is very unusual for the Royal Family to accompany their spouse like this (the late Queen and Prince Philip always went into hospital on their own.)"

King Charles left hospital earlier this week with Camilla by his side as he now takes time to recover at home.

IT's not common to see royals attend hospital appointments with their loved ones
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IT's not common to see royals attend hospital appointments with their loved onesCredit: Getty

HUG IT OUT

Public affection for the royals is a massive no-no usually, but the late Queen Elizabeth II shocked everyone when she reached a tender arm around Michelle Obama.

The rule-bending moment was captured on film when the former First Lady attended Buckingham Palace’s 2009 G20 Summit.

The half hug was reciprocated by Michelle who later revealed the pair bonded over their feet aching as they stood all day in heels.

The late queen and Michelle Obama broke protocol by embracing a half hug
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The late queen and Michelle Obama broke protocol by embracing a half hugCredit: AP

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED

No autographs is another rule that should be followed by the royal family - but there have been occasions that hasn't happened.

Apparently, the rule is put in place to stop people forging their signatures but King Charles let it slide on one occasion.

While meeting a family who lost their home in a flood, he asked his security team to find a piece of paper for him to sign and gave it to them.

He also for the “shaky writing,” saying that he “never writes standing up.

Royals are never meant to sign autographs - but King Charles made an exception
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Royals are never meant to sign autographs - but King Charles made an exceptionCredit: SWNS

SAY CHEESE

It's one thing to ask you favourite celebrity for a selfie but it's quite another to ask a royal.

Although it's not strictly a rule, it is discouraged for royal family members to pose for selfies.

"Royals would always rather have a personal interaction than have people clamouring for selfies," royal commentator Victoria Arbiter.

"If you grant one, then it quickly becomes overwhelming… From a security standpoint, they're also not ideal as they warrant a certain closeness."

Kate Middleton is regularly spotted interacting with fans and of course, the Princess of Wales is far to polite to decline the opportunity.

While visiting Wales last year, Kate stopped to meet the crowds outside Dowlais Rugby Club and stopped to take the occasional selfie.

Selfies are a no-no but it doesn't mean the royal can always stop it happening
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Selfies are a no-no but it doesn't mean the royal can always stop it happeningCredit: 2023 Karwai Tang

FAREWELLS

It's typical for the royals to not attend funerals of palace staff, not because they don't want to, but not to draw attention to themselves.

However when the late Queen Elizabeth's head housekeeper, Annette Wilkin, passed away it was reported she did attend the funeral to say a final farewell.

Annette had worked for the royals for 40 years, the two were said to be so close that the queen gave her one of her corgis.

Queen Elizabeth II was so close to her head housekeeper she attended her funeral
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Queen Elizabeth II was so close to her head housekeeper she attended her funeralCredit: 2013 Samir Hussein

KNEES -UP

The young boys of the royal family are expected to wear shorts at formal occasion up until they turn eight.

However, Meghan Markle broke the rule at her wedding, allowing Prince George to wear trousers instead.

Instead, he wore custom Dege & Skinner pants to match his dad and uncle on the big day.

Prince George wore trousers instead of shorts to Meghan's wedding
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Prince George wore trousers instead of shorts to Meghan's weddingCredit: Rex Features

FISH OUT OF WATER

We're sure royals eat whatever they fancy while at home, but in public there are some foods that need to be avoided - one being shellfish.

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This is because royal staff and family are concerned about food poisoning, especially when working.

However, Charles has been known to ignore the rule and clearly can't say no to tucking into a couple of fresh oysters when offered them.

Shellfish is usually a banned food for the royals while working
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Shellfish is usually a banned food for the royals while workingCredit: Getty - Pool
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