Why Kate Middleton never signs autographs

Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, will always politely refuse to sign autographs. Photo / Getty

By Siofra Brennan

As one of the most photographed women in the world and future Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge draws huge crowds wherever she goes with those lucky enough to get close to her eager to come away with a memento.

But while you might manage to snap a selfie with the Duchess or shake her hand, if you ask for an autograph you'll be met with a polite refusal.

And the reason has nothing to do with being standoffish, but is all about security.

Kate, 35, and her fellow royals are bound by strict protocol not to give out their signatures because of the risk of them being forged The Express reported.

Additionally, a royal signature can fetch a significant amount of money when sold on - a Christmas card signed by the Queen is currently for sale on eBay for £1,200, so naturally the family is keen to avoid fakes circulating.

The only time a royal has made an exception was when the Prince of Wales whipped out his royal Parker Pen and scribbled 'Charles 2010' on a scrap of paper for the victims of devastating flooding in Cornwall.

Among them were Tony and Meg Hendy - whose home in St Blazey had been deluged with water and mud.

As he said farewell to the couple he asked them if there was anything he could do to help and Meg replied by cheekily asking for an autograph.

The signatures of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Photo / Getty

She asked him: "Can I be really cheeky please sir and can I have your autograph for my young son Tom? I'm not sure if you do autographs but it would make his day?"

Charles then stunned his protection squad by asking one of them to find a piece of paper for him to sign.

The Prince then wrote 'CHARLES 2010' and even apologised for the 'shaky writing' because he 'never writes standing up'.

Of course, the royals often sign their names in guest books when on official duties.

Before her marriage, Kate would sign her name Catherine Middleton but since becoming the Duchess of Cornwall she sticks to writing her first name only.