Catherine, Princess of Wales, is known for being kind and gracious with members of the public. But when it comes to signing autographs she always declines

Kate, the Princess of Wales is one of the most famous women in the world – but unlike most celebrities, she can’t sign an autograph.

Members of the Royal Family aren’t permitted to give fans their signatures and it is widely suspected the reason is the risk of forgery. The rule was demonstrated last year when Kate made a surprise appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show, joining in with a children’s picnic.

Students were working on sketches of the gardens and, according to People magazine, one asked Kate to add her signature to their drawing. “I can’t write my name,” Kate reportedly told them, adding a flower instead. “But I can draw.” “I’m not allowed to write my signature, it’s just one of those rules,” said the royal.

Occasions where royals are allowed to sign their names include in visitors books or official documents. And just like Kate, some members of the family have thought up creative ways to get round the rule.

The royal is only permitted to sign official visitors books ( 
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Getty Images)

The autograph ban is thought to exist because of the risk of forgery ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

When visiting Cardiff in 2018, Meghan Markle wrote ‘Hi Kaitlin’ in a young girl’s autograph book, prompting the youngster to tell a reporter: “I’ve never got a royal autograph before. This is going to make everyone jealous.”

And back in 2010 Air Training Corps cadet Charlotte Wilkinson-Burnett had her cast signed by Prince Harry, who wrote ‘Get Well Soon’ and his signature on her injured limb.

Then third in line for the throne, Harry was risking the wrath of his grandmother The Queen due to his role as a counsellor of state who signs Government papers and brings legislation into force when he stood in for her.

King Charles’ new signature is ‘Charles R’ and according to expert Paul Fraser, writing for Antique Collecting magazine, he uses an autopen machine to sign all but his closest correspondence. Christmas cards signed by both Charles and Diana can sell for up to £4,500.

Kate chatting with youngsters at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show ( 
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Maureen McLean/REX/Shutterstock)DON’T MISS

Paul wrote that Prince William’s signature was ‘almost impossible’ to obtain, saying: “In my entire career, I’ve only ever handled two examples. The first was a first-day postal cover, signed very much against protocol at a charity event in 2003. And the second is a playing card initialled by the Prince in 2005, during a magic trick at another charity event.

“Having inherited his father’s position as the new Prince of Wales, William now officially signs with a ‘P’ at the end of his name. But handwriting experts suggest that William’s almost unreadable signature reveals him as a deeply private figure. And certainly not a man who signs his name readily on anything.”

This means King William’s signature could become the most sought after of any modern day British monarch.