Imagine this: you’ve just received an invitation to the wedding of the year. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are tying the knot, and you’re one of the lucky 600 people in attendance. But hold on—do you know how to act, what to wear, or even where not to sit? After all, it’s one thing to accidentally use the wrong fork, but it’s another thing entirely to embarrass yourself in front of the future princess. To help you navigate this once-in-a-lifetime event, royal romance expert and author Rachel Hauck is here with five golden rules every royal wedding guest should follow.

Rule #1: Be Punctual, Not Fashionably Late

Listen up, folks. If you’re attending a royal wedding, punctuality isn’t just polite—it’s mandatory. Guests are expected to arrive 20 minutes early. That’s right, no dawdling or last-minute hair fixes in the car. Showing up late is not just inconvenient; it’s disruptive. Picture this: you’re shuffling through the aisle as the bride is making her grand entrance, whispering, “Excuse me, is this seat taken?” Trust me, that’s not the kind of attention you want at a royal wedding. Be on time, and you’ll start the day on the right foot.

Rule #2: Leave the Selfies at Home

Here’s a big one: no selfies during the ceremony. I repeat, NO selfies. This isn’t the time to whip out your phone, pop into the aisle, and snap a quick pic with the happy couple in the background. You know the type: “Here I am at the royal wedding. Follow me for more details. Ahhhh! This is amazing.” Not only is it disrespectful to the bride and groom, but it also distracts other guests from the beautiful moment. Keep the phone in your pocket and focus on the love in the room.

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Rule #3: Tact is Key

Royal weddings are solemn occasions, folks. This isn’t a casual get-together where you can stroll up to the royal family and give them a big bear hug. No tapping the queen on the shoulder to casually ask, “How’s the reign going? Sixty some odd years now? Fantastic.” Remember, you’re a guest in their world, and it’s important to show respect. Keep your interactions polite, polite, polite.

Rule #4: Skip the Dancefloor Drama

Now, let’s talk about the reception. Sure, it’s a time to celebrate, but there’s a fine line between having fun and crossing boundaries. For instance, it’s a big no-no to kick off your shoes and beckon Harry and Meghan to join you for the Electric Slide. While they might appreciate your enthusiasm, it’s not exactly protocol. Let the royals enjoy the celebration their way, and you do the same without overstepping.

Rule #5: Keep It Classy

Finally, let’s talk about keeping it classy. No, you’re not at a rock concert, so please don’t call for “Free Bird” at any point during the celebration. Behave like the well-mannered guest you are. Remember the golden rule: treat others as you’d like to be treated. Be yourself, have fun, and soak in the magic of the day. After all, you’re witnessing history in the making!

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