Prince William reportedly asked some sheep farmers if they were 'concerned about Brexit' in a break from royal tradition
- Prince William broke from royal tradition on Tuesday when discussing politics with farmers at an engagement in the Lake District in northern England.
- During a visit to a sheep farm, the future monarch reportedly asked farmers if they were concerned about Brexit.
- It's unusual for the royal family to discuss politics with members of the public, and they never make their personal views known.
- Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told INSIDER that royals should "remain aloof from the issues which divide us."
- Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.
The Duke of Cambridge broke from royal tradition by discussing politics at a royal engagement on Tuesday.
Prince William and Kate Middleton travelled to the Lake District in northern England, where they met with local farmers at Deepdale Hall Farm to learn about the challenges they face within their community.
According to ITV royal editor Chris Ship, William asked the farmers: "Is Brexit a big concern?"
To which one farmer replied: "I was very surprised that farmers voted for Brexit, to be honest. It was like turkeys voting for Christmas."
This could be seen as a break from protocol for the future king, as royals and monarchs traditionally do not discuss political matters, and their personal views are never disclosed to the public.
The Head of State "has to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters," states the royal family's official website. Therefore, with William being second in line to the throne, this rule would most likely apply to him also.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told INSIDER that royals should "remain aloof from the issues which divide us."
"Members of the royal family should avoid making any controversial comments on issues which are party political as the institution is a symbol of national unity and above party politics," said Fitzwilliams, former editor of "The International Who's Who."
"With our politics in such chaos it is now more important than ever that the royals remain aloof from the issues which divide us.
"This is is why the idea that the Queen could be advised by the prime minister to prorogue Parliament to exclude it from the Brexit process would be dangerous, as although she acts on the advice of her ministers, prorogation is also a power she exercises acting on the advice of the Privy Council.
Read more: Kate Middleton channeled one of Princess Diana's trademark looks at her latest royal engagement
"If it was opposed by Speaker Bercow, and it would be, it would create a constitutional crisis."
He also claimed that comments made by senior royals on controversial subjects are analyzed "to see if they are sending a coded message."
However, Robert Jobson, royal editor at the Evening Standard, told INSIDER that Prince William technically didn't break any rules because "he did not express a view, he simply asked a question."
Kensington Palace declined to comment when contacted by INSIDER.
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: Goth Crocs combine punk and comfort