The Duchess of Cambridge may consider pre-marriage jibes of 'waitey Katie' or 'doors to manual' (a reference to her mother's former job as an air stewardess) as a relic of singledom, but it seems that some royal protocol dies hard.
The Queen's reported decision to update the Order of Precedence following the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton, has sparked fresh debate over the royal family.
In a move that makes it crystal clear that blue blood is born not made, sources have told British press that the rules insist that Kate must curtsy to those who are above her in royal status- and that includes getting on bended knee to Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.
'Blood Princesses': Beatrice and Eugenie are of higher status, according to the Order of Precedence
The rules of court also demand that Kate must show reverence to "blood princesses" unless Prince William is with her, in which case the Duchess of Cambridge assumes the status of her royal husband.
The document clarifying Kate's status has now been passed round the royal household, according to The Telegraph.
All a matter of status: the Duchess of Cambridge is considered to be of a higher rank when accompanied by Prince William
“Updating the Order of Precedence has been a simple matter of following the precedent set when the Prince of Wales married Camilla Parker Bowles,” a royal source told the Telegraph.
Many may be disgruntled that it is popular Kate has to show reverence to the princesses many consider 'wayward.' However by all accounts it is the Countess of Wessex who is most put out.
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who is married to Prince Edward
The Queen's new rules insist that Sophie will have to curtsy to Kate even when Prince William is not present. According to one royal source she was already peeved that Prince Charles marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles meant she was bumped from being one of the highest ranking women in the royal family.
Her Majesty changed the way the Order of Precedence worked after Charles' remarriage, in order that Princess Anne or Princess Alexandra would be seen on bended knee to Camilla when she wasn't escorted by Prince Charles.
The new Order also dictates who enters first into official events. Camilla and Kate could be left shivering and soggy outside as Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice are given first entrance into celebrations.
However the royal wives are often accompanied by their higher ranking husbands on official outings, meaning that it is a sight unlikely to be seen soon. Buckingham Palace declined to comment.