King Charles Just Banned This From the Palace

Charles, Prince of Wales in 2021. Photo courtesy of The White House. Public domain.

When you think of royal rules, you might picture ancient etiquette, lavish wardrobes, or the infamous protocol on curtsies. But under King Charles III's reign, it turns out even household basics aren't safe — especially not at Buckingham Palace.

According to former royal cleaner Anne Simmons, two everyday items have now been completely outlawed in the royal household. And yes, at least one of them might be sitting in your own bathroom right now.

The Palace Plumbing Problem

The first banned item? Wet wipes.

"Despite being advertised as 'flushable', they don't break down in the system like toilet paper does," Simmons explained, according to the New York Post. She revealed that they've wreaked havoc on the royal plumbing for years — clogging ancient pipes, prompting repeated blockages and leading to sky-high maintenance costs.

To avoid further damage, King Charles ordered that all disposable wet wipes be banned from Buckingham Palace and other royal residences, including Clarence House.

Staff have since swapped them for reusable cleaning cloths. Simmons mentioned, "Not only did this prevent plumbing issues, but it also saved money in the long term by reducing the need for frequent repairs."

A Candlelit No-Go

Next on the royal blacklist? Scented candles.

While they may conjure cozy vibes and designer scents in most homes, these flickering favorites are strictly off-limits at the Palace. The reason? Air quality.

Simmons explained that scented candles release airborne toxins that could compromise the delicate filtration systems inside royal properties. Given King Charles's decades-long reputation as an eco-conscious monarch, it tracks that he'd prioritize fresh, clean air over fragrance — no matter how luxurious the brand.

Charles the Environmentalist

To outsiders, these bans might seem extreme. But to those who've followed Charles' long-standing environmental crusade, it's classic Charles.

The king has championed eco-initiatives since well before it was fashionable. He's spoken out on climate change for decades, swapped his royal fleet for electric vehicles — including a new claret-colored Lotus Eletre SUV — and pushed for greener policies at all levels of his estates.

Even the Sovereign Grant — the public funding that helps support the royal family — is now being partially directed toward Buckingham Palace's massive £369 million ($492 million USD) renovation. While some critics have blasted the royal raise amid a global cost-of-living crisis, palace insiders claim much of the funding is earmarked for energy-efficient upgrades.

What the Bans Really Reveal

On the surface, King Charles' latest household bans may seem trivial. But dig deeper, and they signal a shift in how the royal family wants to be seen — modern, mindful, and not above making sacrifices.

In banning wet wipes and scented candles, Charles isn't just protecting palace pipes or air filters. He's making a statement about sustainability — even in the most traditional, gilded corners of the monarchy.

It's a royal decree fit for a 21st-century king — one whose crown may be antique, but whose values are decidedly forward-facing.

References: King Charles has banned these two household items from Buckingham Palace | King Charles 'bans' this common item from royal properties – including Buckingham Palace