Ten things Kate will ‘lose’ for marrying Prince William
It's a story straight from the fairy tale books. A "commoner" marrying a handsome prince.
On April 29, 2011, Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Middleton (born 9 January 1982) will be tying the knots with Prince William of Wales at Westminster Abbey.
They're love story is being watched by the world's media since the two admitted they were a couple in 2011 after meeting at the University of St Andrews.
But while many women fancy, or even envy, Kate for her "luck," the soon-to-be princess will have to lose some of the things she used to enjoy once she becomes 'Her Royal Highness the Princess William of Wales'.
Here are the top 10 things Kate won't be able to do after the wedding.
1. Her name.
After assuming her new life in the House of Windsor, Kate will immediately lose her name. She will now be officially called, 'Her Royal Highness the Princess William of Wales'.
She cannot be referred to her old name 'Kate' but she can be called as 'Catherine' or 'Ma'am' (pronounced like 'ham').
During official functions sponsored by the Clarence House, the foreign media will be asked to refer to her as 'Catherine' and refrain from calling her by her old name.
2. Right to vote
Although legally, the Royal family are allowed to vote, the Queen and other members of her family have not been practicing their right to suffrage because it might be conceived as unconstitutional and violates the principle of neutrality.
In theory, the Royal Family should always represent the interest of all sections of the British society, including minorities and special interest groups so not one of them has participated in public elections.
3. Run for political office
Since they cannot vote, they cannot be voted too. Simple explanation.
4. Prying public and the media
As the most popular family in Britain, the Royal Family is always a good source of intrigues, rumors and gossips. No member of the Monarchy has escaped the prying eyes of paparazzis, and heartless slander.
Good thing for Kate, she has been dating Prince Williams for nine years already and she is expected to have adjusted to this kind of life. She had had her share of intrigues and rumors herself and faced public scrutiny over almost the most mundane and insignificant of things.
Some of the criticisms thrown at her was, she's just a commoner, she's a terrible social climber, she's not outgoing enough, her mother is an air hostess who uses the word 'toilet'.
Her every move will be carefully watched and criticized every second, 24/7. She is expected to carry her tiara elegantly but not to elegant or she will be labeled as exhibitionist.
Every aspect of her life will be scrutinized even her family roots.
5. Play board game like Monopoly
The Duke of York Prince Andrew complained in 2008 that the Monarchy was not allows to play Monopoly at home "because it gets too vicious". It has yet to be revealed what the Royal Family plays during Holidays.
6. Keep her mouth shut or say something controversial
Part of the public scrutiny are her words and actions. She cannot say or do anything that may be perceived as controversial. This includes receiving huge amounts of money from anyone who wants to have an audience with her husband.
This also includes public sucking of toes like Prince Andrew's estranged wife Fergie.
Kate cannot make public her social and political positions. In fact, she cannot reveal all positions.
7. Eat shellfish
It is a well-established fact that the British Royals have a big fear of food poisoning. So the Monarchy was never served selfish. And if Kate loves shellfish, she should learn to sneak out to satisfy her cravings.
8. Work
Being a member of the Royal Family is not healthy establishing a career. Prince Charles' had a disastrous foray as a part time factory worker. Countess Sophie Essex was also hugely unsuccessful with her PR firm.
So Kate, even with her History of Art degree, cannot expect herself gainful employment. But expect her schedule to be busy attending boat launches, pancake flipping gigs and other Royals functions.
9. Sign anything unofficial/autographs
Sigh, she cannot sign autographs. The British security guards the signatures of the Royal Family against possible forgery. And in case her husband William becomes king, Kate will become counselor of state and might sign some important government papers and brings legislation into force.
In 2010, Prince Harry got into trouble for violating this rule when he signed the plaster cast of a 17-year-old girl who had injured her arm. The Leicestershire girl was so surprised with the "Royal authograph" that she said she would frame the cast in a glass box.
10 Finish dinner
Kate should begin dieting, prepared to be starve or learn to hide food in her bag. The Royal rule in Britain, when the Queen stops eating, everybody stops too.