Why Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle can’t give out autographs

We rarely see the Princess of Wales' autograph, or that of any of the Royal Family, for that matter, and there's a very good reason why.

On Monday (24 November), Kate Middleton released a letter for the charity's Taking Action on Addiction Campaign to mark the start of Addiction Awareness Week, a cause she has been championing since 2021.

"This Addiction Awareness Week, I am, as always, very glad to lend my support to this hugely important campaign," she wrote. "Through my role as Patron of the Forward Trust, it has been humbling to see the significant progress made to better understand addiction and tackle the stigma surrounding it, but there remains much more to do."

Alongside words calling for greater conversation and compassion around addiction so those dealing with the disease 'know they are not alone,' the letter featured Kate's rarely-seen solo cypher stamped in gold; a 'C' for Catherine below a crown, over 'Kensington Palace'.

The typed letter was signed 'Catherine' in black ink, her full name, which Prince William uses to refer to her.

Kate Middleton's rarely-seen signature was spotted on a letter she recently shared to social media (Instagram/@princeandprincessofwales)

Catherine - who became more commonly known at Kate during her time at the University of St Andrews - doesn't share her signature often. In 2022, she explained why she couldn't sign her name on school children's drawings during the Chelsea Flower Show.

Why can't royals give out autographs?

"My name's Catherine. I'm not allowed to write my signature, it's just one of those rules," Kate said.

In fact, members of the Royal Family are said to largely avoid signing their names altogether. When to comes to meeting fans, they aren't supposed to sign autographs, due to the worry that their signatures could be forged.

They also aren't supposed to take selfies, because the fan taking one with them would be turning their back on a royal, and also would be in close proximity to them, which can be seen as a safety concern.

However, they've been known to break both rules on occasions.

Which other rules have Royals broken?

Kate explained that it's a rule that the royals shouldn't sign autographs (Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Another rule broken by the royals is the tradition that they aren't supposed to hug, hold hands or kiss in public. Harry and Meghan in particular were known for holding hands at various engagements while they were still active members of the Royal Family.

And, while royal men don't typically wear wedding rings, Prince Harry touted the tradition followed by his grandfather, father and brother. In fact, by marrying Meghan in the first place, he broke the 'rule' regarding not marrying someone who is divorced.

And, of course, his own father did the same when he married the previously divorced Camilla in 2005.

I guess some rules are meant to be broken!