Unlike many celebrities who readily sign autographs, royal family members like Kate adhere to a longstanding protocol that prohibits such practices. The primary concern revolves around the potential for forgery.
A royal signature carries significant weight, and the misuse of it through imitation poses risks to both the monarchy and individuals. The thought of a forged royal signature on a fraudulent document or used for unauthorized access raises concerns about damage to the monarchy's reputation and potential security breaches. Consequently, the royal family maintains a strict stance against signing autographs to mitigate these risks.
For fans seeking a personalized touch, Kate and other royals often explore alternative ways to engage. Kate once shared with a group of youngsters, "I can't write my name, but I can draw," offering hand-drawn illustrations of a flower, a tree, and plants to children who requested autographs. Explaining the rule, she told another child, "My name's Catherine. I'm not allowed to write my signature; it's just one of those rules."