30 Times Meghan Markle Broke Royal Protocol

1. She crossed her legs sitting next to the Queen

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

Most people know that females in the royal family are supposed to sit with their legs and knees together with their ankles crossed, just like the Queen is doing above. Meghan tends to skip this rule and often has her legs crossed, even when she is sat next to the Queen herself!

2. She wore a revealing dress in public

Image Source: marieclaire.com

The royals are expected to dress ‘modestly’…whatever that may entail! So when Meghan stepped out in this striped linen midi dress with a huge thigh split down her left side, it was not met with great approval. Despite the controversy, we think she looks great!

3. She contoured her face

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

Contouring your face isn’t exactly against the royal protocol, but women are expected to wear natural looking make-up with light coverage rather than walking around with a full face…which is why Meghan using bronzer to contour her cheek bones caught peoples attention.

4. She entered a car before the Queen

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

This was an iconic moment that hit the headlines…Meghan Markle entering a car before the Queen! According to royal protocol, nobody should ever enter a car before the Queen, but on this occasion Meghan had allegedly asked her what she preferred to do and she simply obeyed the Queen’s request.

5. She changed her engagement ring

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

Yes, the rumours were true, Meghan made several modifications to her engagement ring as well as getting a new eternity band. Although this isn’t technically breaking royal protocol, many people felt that altering a royal engagement was disrespectful. 

6. She closed her own car door

Image Source: chatelaine.com

Members of the royal family are not supposed to close their own car door, but Meghan rarely pays attention to this rule and will often close her own door behind her. This is a normal thing to do when you’re not a royal so it probably comes as second nature for Meghan.

7. She wore suit trousers to a royal event

Image Source: chatelaine.com

Royal women are supposed to wear dresses and skirts when attending formal public events, with trousers being reserved for very casual personal outings. However, Meghan often opts for a stylish suit showing that you can still look classy without wearing trousers.

8. She attended Christmas at Sandringham before marrying Prince Harry

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

Royal tradition states that only spouses of the Queen’s invites are allowed to attend Christmas at Sandringham…even Kate wasn’t allowed to go when she was engaged to Prince William! But Prince Harry managed to twist his grandmother’s arm and let Meghan attend in 2018.

9. She was a famous actress

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

Meghan played the character Rachel Zane on the American TV series ‘Suits’ which aired from 2011-2019. This is what threw Meghan into the spotlight and she went on the lead a high-profile life in the public eye, which is not the typical background of a royal family member! 

10. She wore a French designer to Archie's christening

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

This may not seem like a big deal but it is tradition for the royal family to wear pieces by British designers, whereas Meghan opted for a Dior dress on Archie’s christening day. Once again this stirred controversy over Meghan breaking royal traditions.

11. She didn't wear pantyhose on her engagement

Image Source: fortune.com

It is royal protocol for women to wear pantyhose, otherwise known as ‘tights’. You will rarely ever see female members of the royal family without them, but Meghan on the other hand is rarely seen with them! This was taken after the couple got engaged, featuring Meghan’s bare legs.

12. She held Prince Harry's hand in public

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Holding hands is not a royal crime, but public displays of affection are kept to the bare minimum within the royal family…I mean, have you even see Prince William holding Kate Middleton’s hand? But Harry and Meghan are too loved up to pay attention to the rules.

13. She wore ripped jeans

Image Source: glamour.com

If suit trousers weren’t bad enough, ripped jeans is really pushing it now Meghan! A formal dress code is expected of all members of the royal family when attending big events and jeans are only supposed to be worn for casual outings outside of the public eye.

14. She wore an all black outfit to a royal event

Image Source: harpersbazaar.com

Although an all black ensemble is considered a classy and sophisticated look in the fashion world, the royal family disapprove as all black should only be worn in mourning. Many people believe Meghan’s choice to wear all black outfits is breaking this royal tradition. 

15. She hugged a fan in public

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

Surely hugging fans who have waited hours to catch a glimpse of the royals should be an act encouraged by the royal protocol? But apparently not! Members of the royal family should only shake hands with members of the public, with the exception of young children.

16. She only gave Archie two names

Image Source: insider.com

It is royal tradition for all children to be given at least three names when they are born, but Prince Harry and Meghan only decided to give Archie two. I guess it doesn’t really matter that they broke this rule as Archie didn’t even have a royal title!

17. She has a diamond engagement ring

Image Source: marieclaire.com

Although Meghan’s engagement ring is sophisticated and classy, royal women do not tend to have diamond engagement rings but instead chose gems such as a sapphire or a ruby. This choice therefore caused a stir amongst the royal super fans who felt it was a break in tradition.

18. She signed an autograph

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

The royal family are not supposed to sign autographs as this makes their handwriting available to the public which may be used for criminal purposes…which is why Meghan caused uproar when she signed an autograph during a royal visit to Wales which could have caused big issues.

19. She didn't have a fruitcake at her wedding

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

It is tradition that all special occasions should be celebrated with a fruitcake, which has been kept up by the royal family for centuries. But guess who didn’t have fruitcake at her wedding…Meghan Markle! We don’t blame her, who likes fruitcake anyway?

20. She showed forms of PDA

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

This is just one of the many snaps of Prince Harry and Meghan showing public displays of affection during royal outings…something which is highly disregarded by the family. But this hasn’t seemed to stop the couple who continue to openly show their love.

21. She opted for a messy hairstyle

Image Source: people.com

Once again this isn’t technically breaking royal protocol, but it is preferred for female members of the royal family to wear their hair in a neat style which doesn’t fall across their face…basically the opposite to Meghan’s favourite messy bun style!

22. She gave a personal interview

Image Source: cosmopolitan.com

This interview rocked the world…it is unheard of for members of the royal family to publicly address their private life and personal issues, so when Harry and Meghan decided to speak out about their troubles within the royal family it shocked everyone watching.

23. She wore a low cut dress

Image Source: POPSUGAR

Another example of Meghan ignoring the royal family’s modest dress code…here she is wearing a low v-cut neck dress when attending a royal event when she was pregnant, which is not considered appropriate. She may have broken the rules but we think she looks pretty fabulous. 

24. She is divorced

Image Source: the independent.co.uk

One of the most controversial issues surrounding the engagement between Harry and Meghan was the fact she had already been married and divorced. This may not seem like a big deal for most other people, but marrying a divorced person was taboo within the British monarchy for centuries.

25. She wore a crossbody bag

Image Source: thekit.ca

According to tradition, royal women are expected to only carry clutch bags as this keeps their hands busy and stops fans reaching out to grab them. Meghan tends to ignore this rule and opts for more functional and fashionable choices, like this crossbody bag.

26. She wore dark nail polish to an award ceremony

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Females in the royal family are only allowed to wear neutral coloured nail polish, but Meghan is much more daring with her choices. Rumour has it that the Queen herself had been wearing the light pink shade “Ballet Slippers” by Essie for the last 28 years!

27. She had a baby shower

Image Source: vanityfair.com

She didn’t technically break royal protocol by having a baby shower, but it isn’t a typical tradition in the royal family. So when Meghan flew to New York City where she hosted a lavish event costing over $200,000 people were not very impressed, labelling it “over the top”.

28. She wore a sheer dress for her engagement photos

Image Source: vanityfair.com

Yet another example of Meghan completely ignoring the modest dress code favoured by the royal family and wearing what she wants…well, it was her official engagement photo after all! She looks stunning in this revealing sheer black dress with gold embellishment.

29. She talked about Prince Harry in an interview with Vanity Fair

Image Source: vanityfair.com

Although she wasn’t technically a member of the royal family at this point as they were only dating, her interview with Vanity Fair was not very well received after she chose to discuss her romantic relationship with Prince Harry. The royal family prefer to keep their personal lives private.

30. She wore a very short dress to an event

Image Source: vanityfair.com

What can we say, Meghan is a style icon! People may not agree with her fashion choices as they ‘break’ royal protocol, but these tend to be unspoken rules that date back centuries. Nobody can deny that she always looks smart and sophisticated in public.

31. She's not part of the Church of England

Image Source: closerweekly.comMeghan Markle is not a part of the Church of England, which the majority of other British royals are. I guess because she came from an entirely different life before entering the royal family, we cannot expect her to have the same Christian beliefs...

32. She wore a dress with a slit

Image Source: Pinterest.comNow we may love Meghan's style. But she really does break all the protocols. And she donned a dress with a split in it. We love that she pushes the royal boundaries and considering her style before she married Harry - she's definitely now a LOT more conservative.

33. She acted steamy scenes

Image Source: dailyexpress.comNow we've discussed the fact that she was an actress. Which obviously is a royal first. But then there's the fact that she actually acted steamy sex scenes which are now out there forever. This without a doubt was one of the biggest royal rules she broke, despite not being a royal at the time.

34. She had a lifestyle blog

Image Source: tradingbvld.comCan you imagine a royal with a lifestyle blog? No, but we'd absolutely love to read it. Imagine: 'a day in the life as a royal'...it would be very eye opening. Meghan ditched her blog when she entered the royal family as it would not be deemed appropriate.

35. She issued in Vogue

Image Source: Yahoo.comShe issued and edited a cover on Vogue. This has not been written into the royal guidelines - not to edit a feature in Vogue. But again, it's not something that the royals would usually promote. Markle really does not mind pushing the boundaries at all.

36. She discussed politics

Image Source: BusinessInsiderAsutralia.comNow this is a HUGE no. Royalty are never supposed to share their political views. It is one of the biggest rules that a royal member can't declare allegiance to a political belief as they could sway the rest of the country's decisions. And royalty are not political figureheads. But Meghan did just this...oops.

37. She doesn't always wear a hat

Image Source: knewz.comOkay so it's not, NOT allowed - but it is certainly unprecedented. For example, could you even imagine our late Queen Elizabeth without her iconic matching hats? Meghan breaks this protocol frequently and is regularly spotted at royal events without a hat.

38. She sometimes carries a tote

Image Source: Pinterest.comTotes are cute. But for a royal? Supposedly not. At least, royal members are not supposed to carry a tote. One, it is not considered elegant enough to carry a tote. And two, as for the reasons before royal females are expected to carry a clutch bag instead.

39. She wore an off the shoulder dress

Image Source: tumblr.comRemember when she wore an off the shoulder dress? On this occasion....and a few more. Now we love an off the shoulder dress. The royals - not so much. This is amongst a number of rules which Meghan has discarded of and decided to break royal protocol yet again.

40. She's worn crops

Image Source: vanityfair.comOkay so wearing an off the shoulder dress is one thing. But a CROP top. Now this is definitely a royal rule that can't be broken. But - she wasn't a royal back then when she used to absolutely love a crop. Unfortunately, now for the royals these pictures are still out there.

41. And done sexy shoots

Image Source: bestofcomicbooks.comYou may have seen that Meghan did many photo shoots during her time as an actress and as she was up and coming into fame. She even did lingerie and sexy shoots as she said she was desperate to be noticed. But, after marrying into the royal family breaking this huge rule must have been an awkward one.

42. ...With men

Image Source: besthealthmagazine.comAnd not only has Meghan Markle done sexy shoots alone. She's also done them with men. Now this must have been a very awkward moment when the palace finds her old pictures and discover that most of their royal rules have been well and utterly shattered.

43. A deep V neck

Image Source: PopSugar.comAgain...another fashion choice which caused controversy amongst avid royal fans who are sticklers for the royal rules and were not happy at all when Markle wore a V neck top. It may not be usual for a royal to do, but it's not the worst rule she can break.

44. Heavy blush

Image Source: tomandlorenzo.comMeghan's makeup always looks flawless we've got to give it to her. But she definitely goes for a more natural glam rather than natural look as we can see here with her heavier blusher choice. Royals always have to look natural; they can never look too done up. Meghan certainly toys with this line.

45. Took her shoes off in public

Image Source: nexteter.comCould we picture King Charles taking off his shoes in public to get some air to his feet... Definitely not. Does Meghan care that this isn't considered appropriate for a royal member? Also no. She took them right off and enjoyed the fresh air on her feet.

46. She got married on a Saturday

Image Source: businessinsider.comIt is royal protocol to be married in the week, just as the late Queen did, as well as William and Kate and those before them also did. But not Harry and Meghan they decided to go against all the traditions of marrying on a weekday and instead chose a Saturday to celebrate their special day.,

47. She gave a wedding toast

Image Source: Pinterest.comThis is not something that usually occurs for women in the marriage ceremony - it is not traditional - yet of course, not unheard of. Het for a royal - it most certainly is. And Meghan decided to give her own speech and tell her loved ones just how much she loves Harry and how she has been welcomed into his family.

48. She has social media

Image Source: Yahoo.comWhat we really don't expect even in this day and age is for the royals to have social media. But Meghan Markle is quite active on her accounts. And before Harry she posted selfies and the lot.... She even had Snapchat. his is highly unusual for a royal.

49. She kept her birth plans secret

Image Source: whowhatwear.comOften, a royal princess will have no secrets in terms of their birth. This style is considered more for celebrities. But since Meghan's been both I guess this comes as less of a surprise. She kept everything hush hush when it came to her baby and her birthing plans.

50. She stepped down as a senior member of royal family

Image Source: celebmafia.comNow this one really has to be the biggest of all because they do not come more unexpected or unprecedented as stepping down from royal titles and duties. And then literally moving to the other side of the world. The whole thing became a huge controversy and divided the nation.

51. Her personal affairs became public

Image Source: vanityfair.comRemember when Markle's family affairs and controversies with her father came to light? Markle's personal letters to her father were actually leaked to the press and there was scandals in the royal family. But, this was a breach of privacy and totally outside of Markle's control.

52. She asked to ditch her title whilst on their family South African tour

Image Source: vanityfair.comWhilst Meghan and Harry were on vacation in South Africa on a family trip, they told those they were with and people they met to drop the HRH titles and simply refer to them as Meghan and Harry. This was even before they had officially renounced their titles.

53. And they ditched the curtsying

Image Source: usweeklyNot only did they ditch their royal titles for the trip, they also threw some other protocols out of the window for the time they were away. Meghan Markle decided not to do the royal curtsying and to ask those she met also not to curtsy for her as she wanted a relaxed family holiday.

54. They got married in May

The saying goes 'Wedding day in May...rue the day'. It was a royal suspicion that getting married in May was a bad omen for the marriage. But, Meghan and Harry like many other traditions decided to break the conventions and go ahead and Marry in the month of May.

55. She had a private baptism for her baby

Image Source: BuzzfeedFor a royal member, the usual tradition is to have a public baptism for the new-born baby. But with baby Archie, Meghan Markle organised a private baptism for Archie with close family and friends attending, but the press or the public were not alerted.

56. She received a personal coat of arms

   Image Source: wikiAs soon as somebody marries into the royal family, the royal protocol is that they are given a coat of arms which is assigned to their family. But, due to Markle's family history and broken family and estranged father, she was assigned a new personal coat of arms instead.

57. She attended royal only events before she married Harry

Image Source: Daily MailCertain events are often only attended by members of the royal family. This means when somebody is officially married into the family. Yet Markle appeared at a few royal only events before she was officially married to Harry - for example, the Commonwealth Youth Forum.

58. She accounted her baby's birth on Instagram

Image Source: MirrorIt is very unheard of to have a member of the royal family on social media, especially regularly posting. So, when Meghan Markle announced the birth of her son on Instagram, many royals and royal fans raised their eyebrows at the complete lack of royal etiquette.

59. She entered a car before The Queen

Image course/ thecutThe late Queen Elizabeth would get into a car first before anybody else. This is the royal rule. But, Meghan Markle has been known to break a few rules, and this rule was no exception. Meghan was seen entering a car before the late Queen Elizabeth which was not received well.

60. She released a Netflix series!

Image Source: the metroNow this has to be the biggest rule that a royal has ever broken. So, now Meghan and Harry have officially renounced themselves from the royal family they have decided to release a full series letting the public in on what goes on behind the palace 's closed doors.

61. She's called out the behaviour at the palace

Image Source: RedditSpeaking against the palace or royal family is a huge no-no. And, it has never really been done before, or at least not in a way comparable. Meghan Markle has spoken openly about how the behaviour of certain royals has been cruel and unhelpful towards her.

62. And revealed royal secrets

Image Source: PinterestNot only has she called out behaviour as being inappropriate, she's also revealed royal secrets about people and about how certain royals have behaved. In the past secrets such as these would only have ever been leaked in the press in small amounts, never openly discussed.

63. She claimed that nobody at the palace helped her

Image Source: cosmopolitan.comMeghan Markle opened up about how she was treated by people at the palace, and how nobody would help her. She claimed that she struggled to fit in with the family and she was given no guidance. When she stepped a toe out of line, it was because nobody had given her any help or advice.

64. She signed an autograph

Image Source: PinterestMeghan Markle came from the celebrity world, and when she continued to act as such by signing autographs she faced a lot of criticism. Markle is very interactive with her fans, but some people claimed it was her using her celebrity status and continuing to act as if she was in Hollywood.

65. She's worn all black outfits

Image Source: RedditIt was thought that the late Queen Elizabeth did not like royal family members wearing an all black outfit apart from in times of mourning. But, Markle broke this royal rule at several times when she appeared dressed in all black for public events.

66. She hugs her fans

Image Source: usweeklyMeghan Markle is extremely kind and caring with her fans. And, on occasion she hugs them rather than keeping a distance and not closely engaging which is considered 'proper' royal etiquette. In fact she faced backlash for these moments for being too friendly.

67. She's kissed fans

Image Source: PinterestAnd as well as giving out hugs to her fans she has also kissed some fans on the cheek such as this little girl. Meghan was attending a royal event when she was stopped by this little girl. She bent down to talk to her and even gave her a kiss on the hand as a show of kindness.

68. She got a diamond engagement ring

Image Source: hotnewsDiamonds may be traditional in usual engagements. But, for a royal it is not traditional at all. Usually, a royal bride will have a stone or a gem as their engagement ring such as an emerald or a ruby such as the late Queen did and the Duchess of Cambridge also did.

69. She went against wedding protocol

 Image Source: celebrityinsiderIn the past, almost every single royal at their wedding has had a wedding cake made of fruit. This is the general royal protocol. Again, Meghan Markle went against the gran and instead of fruitcake she opted for a light sponge infused with elderflower syrup.

70. She didn't do the Lindo Wing photoshoot after giving birth

Image Source: celebgossipYou may have noticed that each member of the royal family after they have had a baby has had a photoshoot with the new-born outside of the Lindo Wing. But, instead of adhering to the tradition Markle instead decided to have her photoshoot outside of her home at the time.

71. Archie's godparents remained a secret

Image Source: insider.comThe Godparents of babies of the royal family are usually announced publicly as a part of royal tradition and celebration. But, Harry and Meghan's choice of Godparents cannot be disclosed as they have chosen to stay anonymous and out of the public eye.

72. She's made a few surprise appearances

Image Source: Daily MailRoyals do not usually do surprise appearances. Why? Because the planning and security have to be so rigorous that these things have to be planned for some time previously. But, Markle disregarded this royal fact as she has made several surprise appearances including going to support her friend Serena Williams at the US open.

73. They were caught in a feud between the royals

Image Source: glamourThe royal family before Meghan and Harry has never been embroiled in so many feuds - apart from historically speaking of course. But, Markle's candour and openness has started royal feuds which have never been done before as nobody had ever dared to speak out.

74. She took part in even more personal interviews

Image Source: cosmopolitan.comMeghan Markle did not just give a couple of interviews to magazines. No, she dd an interview alongside Harry which went worldwide. It hit the headlines in various countries as she spoke out against the royal family and how they treated her unfairly...

75. She wore wedges

Image Source: cnnEverybody loves a pair of wedges. They are much more comfy and practical whilst still adding a little bit of height. But, they are not considered elegant enough to be worn by a royal. But. Markle styles herself and decided that wedges for fie for her to wear, despite royal guidance.

76. She chose her own flower arrangements

Image Source: TodayWhen the royal family have a wedding, the flowers are always done by the Royal Warrant holder Shane Connolly. This is royal tradition. Markle decided not to use Connolly as all royal members have done before her, and instead she found her own and decided her own arrangements.

77. They flew economy

Image Source: RedditOne thing you do not expect to find when you board the plane and sit in your economy seat is the royal family sat next to you. But Harry and Meghan used British Airways when they took the plane in London Heathrow. They bought a few rows as the back of the plane for privacy.

78. She spoke up about the #MeToo Movement

Image Source: TodayThe #MeToo movement is an extremely important cultural movement which has brought attention to women's suffering of abuse and sexual abuse on a day to day basis. Royals do not usually speak out about such issues, but Meghan Markle declared the importance of the movement in helping women.

79. She wore bright colours

Image Source: marieclairieMeghan Markle discussed how she used to wear neutral colours continuously to try and fit in with the royal family. She declared that she never wanted to wear the same colour as the late Queen as a sign of respect, as well as other senior royal members. But, as time grew on she disassociated herself with the royals and started to embrace the vivid colours.

80. She shed light on racial issues in the Royal family

Image Source: insider.comRacism within the royal family is something that had never been discussed before. So, when Meghan Markle opened up about the racism and prejudice she had faced in the very palace itself, the world was rightly shocked and appalled. She shed light on an issue that had never been raised in this capacity before.