The Royal Family’s Hidden Protocols: Black Mourning Clothes, Bags of Blood, and Other Unspoken Rules on Tours.HL

Royal tours are carefully orchestrated events, with meticulous planning that extends even to the rules the royal family must follow. The recent royal tour of King Charles and Queen Camilla is a perfect example of the precision involved. This tour, which began on October 18, 2025, takes the monarchs through Australia and Samoa. It is particularly significant as it marks King Charles’s first tour of this scale since his cancer diagnosis earlier this year. This visit, which will wrap up on October 26, is jam-packed with engagements, symbolizing the King’s resilience and commitment to his duties. For the royal family, every element of the tour is governed by an intricate set of protocols, ensuring not only smooth operations but also the protection and respect for the family’s legacy.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for a visit in Canberra at Defence Establishment Fairbairn, Canberra Airport on Oct

Among the most essential and notable rules are the requirements for packing. For instance, the royal family must always have a black outfit ready. This rule was born from an unfortunate moment in history when Queen Elizabeth was on a tour in Kenya in 1952, and the news of her father’s death arrived unexpectedly. She had no mourning attire, leading to her being unable to be photographed until a suitable outfit arrived. To avoid such a misstep in the future, black outfits became a mandatory item in their luggage, ensuring that, in the event of an emergency, they can always uphold the royal tradition of mourning.

This level of preparedness extends to the family’s travel habits, with royals often changing clothes mid-flight. Last-minute briefings are commonplace, and it’s not unusual for them to don a new outfit just before arriving at their destination, avoiding wrinkles and spills that could be captured by waiting photographers. Their presentation matters, and they are always ready to be seen at their most polished and composed.

The royal family also makes every effort to represent the United Kingdom in a diplomatic manner. A significant part of this is their relationship with British Airways. Although not a hard rule, flying with Britain’s flagship airline is encouraged during royal tours to reinforce national pride. However, for security reasons, as seen during the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s 2019 visit to Pakistan, they may sometimes opt for different modes of transportation, such as a military jet.

Before embarking on any international tour, members of the royal family undergo intense preparation to ensure they understand the local culture and etiquette. This includes learning basic greetings in the country’s native language and familiarizing themselves with local customs. The goal is to avoid any missteps that could potentially damage diplomatic relations and instead create a positive first impression. This level of cultural awareness highlights the respect the royal family has for the countries they visit and their dedication to fostering goodwill during their travels.

Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive at LAX Airport

Fashion also plays a critical role in royal diplomacy. Royal women, in particular, are known to wear clothing designed by local designers, incorporating cultural symbols or national colors into their outfits. This is not a coincidence, but a deliberate choice to communicate respect and solidarity with the host country. The meticulous selection of attire, from hemlines to accessories, allows royals to send powerful, non-verbal messages to the people they meet. For example, during a 2019 tour of Pakistan, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a traditional outfit to pay homage to the country’s culture, and such gestures are always part of the strategy.

While preparing for such royal duties can be grueling, the time commitment is substantial. Tours can last up to two weeks, and each day is filled with a packed schedule of events and engagements. King Charles and Queen Camilla’s current tour is no exception, with 36 engagements lined up across nine days in Australia and Samoa. The family’s commitment to these demanding schedules speaks volumes about their dedication to public service and their enduring connection to their people.

Health and safety are also primary concerns during royal travels. King Charles, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, traveled with two doctors on this tour and even brought along bags of blood matching his blood type, a precautionary measure that has been followed by previous monarchs. This step is particularly important when visiting countries where medical supplies may not be readily available. The late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were known to carry their own medical supplies and travel with a royal doctor, ensuring that they were always prepared for any emergency.

Finally, the rules governing the travel of royal heirs are among the most interesting. In a move designed to protect the line of succession, heirs to the throne do not travel on the same flight as the reigning monarch. This rule was introduced after Prince William turned 12, as a precautionary measure to preserve the monarchy in case of an accident. The logistics surrounding royal travel are extensive, and this decision highlights just how deeply the royal family’s safety and legacy are embedded in their travel protocols.

Each of these rules, from packing the right clothes to ensuring safety and diplomatic respect, plays an essential role in the royal family’s public image and global standing. These meticulously planned efforts are not just about maintaining appearances, but about honoring the responsibilities that come with being part of the British monarchy. As the royal family continues to evolve and adapt, their tours will remain a testament to the careful balance between tradition and modernity, service, and diplomacy. It is a narrative of legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide, reflecting the enduring relevance of the royal family in the 21st century.

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales is driven down The Mall after the funeral for HM Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on Sept. 

For content creators, marketers, and communicators, the story of the royal family’s tours offers valuable lessons in branding, storytelling, and audience engagement. The seamless blend of tradition and modernity in their travels can be likened to how brands build lasting relationships with their audience—through careful planning, cultural awareness, and an unwavering commitment to their core values.