Prince William Shocks By Breaking Royal Protocol In This Way

He’s been raised his whole life to prepare for his eventual rule as king, but that doesn’t mean Prince William doesn’t also break royal protocol sometimes.

According to Express UK, during a visit to Cumbria with wife Kate Middleton earlier this week, the Duke of Cambridge violated some major royal protocol by sharing a political admission during the outing, a big rule to break since members of the Royal Family are expected to remain politically neutral.

During the visit, Prince William asked farmers in Patterdale near Ullswater if they were “worried” about a no deal when it comes to contentious Brexit situation. By asking about Brexit specifically, Prince William steered clear of royal protocol which means he should avoid any political talk, even if he doesn’t express an outright opinion.

According to the Royal Family website, it is strictly outlined that the Queen has to remain neutral when it comes to political affairs, though the same rules don’t technically apply to the rest of the family.

“As Head of State The Queen has to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters, unable to vote or stand for election,” the website notes. “However, Her Majesty does have important ceremonial and formal roles in relation to the government of the UK.”

Though no specific rules are applied to other Senior royals, Express UK notes that there is an expectation that they stay politically neutral in public, which is why Prince William’s comment about Brexit is seen as shocking. However, he isn’t the only member of the family to previously comment on such affairs.

His sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, courted controversy last Summer after she made a faux pas at a garden party in Dublin, where she commented that she was “pleased to see the result” of Ireland’s referendum to legalize abortion at the time.

“That’s an example of her naivete,” “Crown” historical consultant and royal biographer Robert Lacey said at the time, “Within the royal family they talk freely, and everyone knows the rules. She’s learning the hard way that you can’t trust anyone outside the narrow circle.”