Meghan Markle Breaking Royal Protocol

1 When She Didn't Wear Tights

While Queen Elizabeth II reportedly expects members of the royal family to wear stockings with dresses or skirts, Meghan seemed to opt out of that rule for her engagement announcement with Prince Harry. She appeared to be bare-legged when she posed for photographers last year.

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2 When She Attended Christmas With the Royals

Image Source: Getty / Chris Jackson

After getting engaged to Prince Harry in November 2017, Meghan made history as the first royal fiancée to spend Christmas with the royal family. Per royal protocol, only spouses of royals can attend the queen's festivities, but Prince Harry reportedly asked that an exception be made. Even Kate Middleton wasn't granted that privilege!

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3 When She Wore a Messy Bun

Image Source: Getty / Samir Hussein

Meghan made heads turn during her first royal appearance of 2018. While royals typically follow more traditional hairstyles — Kate Middleton keeps hers in place with a hairnet and Queen Elizabeth II usually wears hats — Meghan opted to let her hair down, so to speak, by wearing a messy bun.

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4 When She Showed PDA

Image Source: Getty / Chris Jackson

Even though there isn't technically a rule against showing PDA, royal couples usually refrain from hugging or holding hands during official appearances since they are serving as "working representatives of British monarchy." However, Prince Harry and Meghan have completely disregarded that custom by being extra affectionate whenever they're together.

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5 When She Gave an Autograph

Image Source: Getty / Chris Jackson

For security reasons, royals aren't allowed to give autographs, but Meghan made a small exception for a 10-year-old girl at Cardiff Castle.

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6 When She Hugged Kids

Image Source: Getty / GEOFF PUGH

Per tradition, the monarchy suggests that you shouldn't go beyond a handshake when meeting a member of the royal family, but some of the royals usually let the rule slide for children. When visiting a community center in Tremorfa, Cardiff, Wales, Prince Harry encouraged a group of kids to "give Meghan a big hug."

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7 When She Dressed in All Black

Image Source: Getty / Karwai Tang

Meghan had a big fashion don't when she stepped out for an official engagement in Cardiff, Wales, wearing black from head to toe. Usually, all-black outfits are reserved for more somber occasions such as funerals, mourning periods, and events like Remembrance Sunday Service.

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8 When She Wore a Crossbody Bag

Image Source: Getty / JAMES GLOSSOP

Since protocol states that you shouldn't offer your hand to any member of the royal family, royals like Kate Middleton usually carry a clutch to avoid any awkward confrontation. However, when Meghan stepped out in Edinburgh, Scotland, she surprised everyone when she opted to wear her bag across her body, freeing both of her hands for shaking.

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9 When She Attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Image Source: Getty / YUI MOK

High-profile events, like the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Summit, are usually reserved for official members of the royal family, but Meghan broke that tradition when she attended the Commonwealth Youth Forum alongside Harry ahead of their May wedding.

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10 When She Closed Her Own Car Door

Image Source: Getty / Max Mumby/Indigo

Meghan caused a frenzy on Twitter when she was spotted closing her own door during her first solo outing as a royal in September. Most royals usually let their driver close their doors for them.

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11 When She Delivered a Speech at Her Wedding

Image Source: Getty / WPA Pool

Usually, royal brides don't get up and speak at their wedding, but Meghan flipped the script at her nuptials.

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12 When She Wore Dark Nail Polish to the British Fashion Awards

Image Source: Getty / Tristan Fewings/BFC

Even though it may sound crazy, protocol states that royals should opt for neutral or pink nail colors for royal engagements.

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