We rarely get a glimpse of the Princess of Wales’ autograph—really, that goes for any member of the Royal Family—and there’s a solid reason behind it.

On November 24, Catherine Middleton released a heartfelt letter supporting the Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction Campaign, marking the start of Addiction Awareness Week. It also signaled the beginning of Addiction Awareness Week, a cause she has proudly backed since 2021.

“This Addiction Awareness Week, I am, as always, very glad to lend my support to this hugely important campaign,” Catherine wrote. She reflected on the progress she’s witnessed through her patronage of the Forward Trust, calling the experience “humbling.”

“Seeing the significant progress made to better understand addiction and tackle the stigma surrounding it has been incredibly moving,” she continued, “but there remains much more to do.”

A Rare Personal Stamp

While the letter spotlighted compassion and support for those facing addiction so they ‘know they are not alone,’ what also caught attention was Catherine’s personal cypher—something the public almost never sees. The monogram was stamped in elegant gold: a ‘C’ for Catherine, placed beneath a crown, sitting just above the words ‘Kensington Palace.’

The letter itself was typed, formal, and signed simply as ‘Catherine’ in black ink, the full name Prince William favors when referencing his wife. Fun fact? Catherine became known publicly as Kate during her university days at St Andrews, but her real autograph doesn’t make frequent appearances.

So… Why Don’t Royals Sign Autographs?

“My name’s Catherine. I’m not allowed to write my signature, it’s just one of those rules,” she once explained during the Chelsea Flower Show in 2022 when asked why she couldn’t sign schoolchildren’s drawings.

The Royal Family typically steers clear of autographs altogether, largely because of the concern surrounding forgery. Their signatures hold weight—and could easily be copied or misused.

The same logic applies to selfies. They’re discouraged because snapping a picture often means turning your back on a royal, and it places fans in close proximity, raising safety considerations.

That said… the rules aren’t ironclad. Royals have broken both autograph and selfie norms more than a few times.

Rules Royals Have Bent (Or Broken)

Traditionally, public displays of affection—like hugging, holding hands, or kissing—aren’t the done thing. But Prince Harry and Meghan famously held hands during official engagements when working royal roles still applied to them.

Royal men aren’t generally expected to wear wedding rings either. Yet Prince Harry embraced the custom, just as his father, brother, and grandfather did. And yes—Harry broke another unofficial royal tradition when he married Meghan, who had previously been divorced.

Of course, Harry’s father, King Charles, also broke norms when he married the previously divorced Camilla in 2005.