The rules were slammed as being ‘over the top’.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s neighbours have reportedly been given a list of do’s and don’ts around the royal couple.
According to The Sun, the “over the top” rules were given to people living close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new home at a recent residents meeting.
Neighbours were warned not to ask to see baby Archie or to offer to babysit him; and to not post anything through the letterbox of Frogmore Cottage.
They were also cautioned against petting or offering to walk the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s two dogs – even if the dogs come up to them.
A local told the publication:
“It’s extraordinary. We’ve never heard anything like it. Everyone who lives on the estate works for the royals and knows how to behave respectfully.
“We aren’t told how to behave around the Queen like this. She’s very happy for people to greet her.”
However, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told the publication that the rules had been issued without Meghan or Harry’s knowledge – and that they had come from an “overly protective palace official”.
They said:
“The Duke and Duchess had no knowledge of this briefing and no involvement in the concept or the content.
“This was a well-intentioned briefing to help a small local community know how to welcome two new residents and help them with any potential encounter.
“There was no handout or letter. The talk was undertaken by a local manager and was widely viewed as being well received.”