12 Times Meghan Markle Went Against Tradition and Broke Royal Protocol

Updated on 10/6/2018 at 12:30 PM

Meghan Markle certainly isn't your traditional royal. Ever since tying the knot with Prince Harry, she's proven that some rules are meant to be broken. Aside from doing her royal wedding her way, the former Suits actress has veered from tradition and protocol during her official engagements. She's already showing the same fierceness as Harry's late mother, Princess Diana. Whether Meghan is hugging children or showing sweet PDA with her husband, see all the ways she has rebelled against royal custom, then check out the many times she's broken the fashion rules.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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