The Prince and Princess of Wales headed to the country of their name yesterday to celebrate Wales’ upcoming St David’s Day. While there, the couple stopped by Powys and Princess Catherine had an awkward interaction with a fan who made a request that she had to turn down – or else risk breaking a strict royal rule.
While doing a walkabout and greeting gathered crowds as part of a visit to the Hanging Gardens community centre, the Oriel Davis art gallery, and the Hafan yr Afon cultural centre, Kate got chatting with a man who asked her to sign an autograph.
In response, the poised Princess swerved the rule-breaking request and said, “I can’t sign things, I’m so sorry” and then offered up an alternative: “I can shake your hand, though.”
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WPA Pool
The Princess engages with the crowd in Newtown, Powys
Catherine then ended up hugging the man and saying it was “Nice to meet you”.
Reports add that she later circled back to speak with the man’s daughter, too.
As to why the royals can’t sign autographs, it all boils down to the fact that their external engagements are very much seen as work and stemming from a risk that their signature could be forged in future.
It’s not the first time the Princess has had to side-step such a request either, according to Town & Country, back in 2023 when she met children at the Chelsea Flower Show and was again asked if she could sign her name, she replied: “I can’t write my name, but I can draw,” before suggesting she scribble a tree or a flower, to be in-keeping with the day.
The royal also told another child that day, “My name’s Catherine. I’m not allowed to write my signature, it’s just one of those rules.”
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