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The rules that the First Ladies must observe go beyond those of royalty

The rules that the First Ladies must observe go beyond those of royalty

First Ladies do not find it so easy to live within the walls of the White House. Like royal princesses and duchesses, there are rules for them, even more stringent than those of Diana and Kate.

The rules that every First Lady must follow

They can make changes to the second and third floor rooms where they live, but that’s it. The first floor and other rooms can not be touched. They are historical and belong to the American people, not the people who live there.

If we want to make changes to historic rooms, such as Lincoln, they must get permission from the Committee.

They choose the designer with whom they want to furnish the part they are allowed.

After the inauguration they have 12 hours to transfer to the White House.

They raise the holiday fir according to their taste.

They should not accept any gift coming from a non-US government. Any gift to them would be considered a gift to America.

But they can accept gifts related to charities. Just that they have to declare everything.

They cannot open the windows of the White House even for ventilation. Michelle Obama recounted: "Once I opened Sasha and someone from the staff downstairs shouted at her: Shut up and never open it again!"

They have a duty to make a tour around the house of the First Lady who follows her. Although Melania Trump did not do this for Jill Biden.

She pays for everything she eats and spends while her husband is President. They cover them with their money from food, to toilet paper. Every weekend the finance sends the bill.

They can accept gift dresses from different designers, but are required to wear it only once and then give it away or sell it to charity.

They are not allowed to drive the car themselves. Even some time later, after leaving the presidency, they are still not allowed.

They are not paid for work in the White House.

They are not required to live in the White House. Melania waited until son Barron finished the school year.

* Marie Claire's article was adapted in Albanian by Tiranapost.al