Kate Middleton forbidden to follow simple request from fans due to royal rule

Kate Middleton had to decline a request to sign an autograph for a young fan during her appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show’s first-ever children’s picnic earlier this Summer, because of “one of those” royal rules.

The appearance at the picnic came two weeks after the coronation of her father-in-law and stepmother-in-law, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla. The Duchess of Cambridge attended the event wearing a bright pink dress as she chatted away with the children about the royal family. However, we take a look at the one request she couldn’t fulfill, and why.

Kate Middleton ‘refuses’ to sign autograph

While speaking amongst the 100 children from 10 different elementary schools, Kate Middleton could be overheard saying: “I can’t write my name, but I can draw,” as the children asked her to sign their flower sketches, as per PEOPLE.

Of course, the curious children asked the Princess of Wales why she wasn’t able to sign her name, to which she responded: “My name’s Catherine. I’m not allowed to write my signature, it’s just one of those rules.”

Instead, “Kate drew a flower for a 7-year-old a tree for another girl, and a pond surrounded by plants for a third child,” the publication states.

She also spent time speaking to the children about her and Prince William‘s three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and youngest, Prince Louis.

Much like the children, many adults may also be wondering why the royals aren’t allowed to write autographs. Well, according to the Daily Express, “the long-standing rule remains in place for all royals because of the risk of the signature being forged.”

King Charles previously broke the rule

Despite the rule meaning no royal family member is able to sign an autograph for fans, the rule has actually been broken before, by King (then Prince) Charles in 2010.

As per The Telegraph, the then Prince was asked to sign an autograph for one of the victims of the Cornwall floods.

Meg Hendy, whose home had been deluged with water and mud asked: “Can I be really cheeky please Sir and can I have your autograph for my young son Tom? I’m not sure if you do autographs but it would make his day?”

The Prince then wrote “Charles 2010” on a piece of paper, as he apologized for his “shaky writing” as he “never writes standing up”.