Certain the royal life is for you?

Study the required regal qualities on this royal checklist and find out if you really have what it takes to wear a crown...

Education. A high school diploma with a stint at Swiss finishing school is no longer sufficient. These days, reigning royals must have at least one college degree, if not several. Fluency in multiple languages is also a plus.

Career. Princess Diana showed us that we can’t always count on the prince. Forge a career in what you love -- be it journalism, advertising or banking – and rest assured that the skills you learn in the business world (leadership, diplomacy, hard work) will serve you well in your future royal role.
 
Self-belief. Ignore your critics. If you know in your heart that you are worthy of a prince or princess, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
 
Style. Forget fashion trends and stick with the classics. Perfect the art of “conservative chic” and learn to love cashmere and tweed.

Manners. A true princess behaves like a princess no matter what the circumstances. Traditional etiquette is not about being superior to others, but about making those around you feel comfortable. So study up on continental dining, make sure you know how to curtsey, and always (always) write thank you notes.
 
True Love. Palaces and jewels can come and go, and many ancient royal families are not nearly as wealthy as they seem. Make sure that you’re with your prince or princess for love and not simply for status.

Discretion. No matter how much you want to tell your friends what goes on behind palace walls; no matter how much your royal in-laws drive you crazy – you must keep it to yourself. No gossip. No tell-all interviews. Just dignified silence.
 
Patience. Can you shake thousands of hands a day and keep smiling even if you have a headache? Can you sit through endless hours of presentations, speeches, parades and processions, month after month, year after year, without yawning even once?

Service. A prince or princess must look beyond themselves in every situation, place their duty to the realm before all else, and always use their privileged position toward the greater good.
 
Compassion. Wherever royals go, the press is sure to follow. Make sure you have the courage to draw the world’s attention away from yourself and onto those that need it most.

Self-reliance. Remember that happily ever after is a state of mind you have to create – every day, every moment – for yourself.