Meghan Markle Has Broken These Important Royal Rules
It can be challenging to live up to the standards of in-laws. Meghan Markle, who married Prince Harry in 2018, likely knows this better than anyone.
Like any family, the royals welcomed Markle into their homes with open arms, some being more welcoming than others. After receiving the title of duchess, she was expected to adhere to the standards and protocols of the royal family.
Meghan Markle's Tendency to Break Protocol
Being a member of the British royal family is undoubtedly a life-changing experience. Keeping up with the list of rules that accompany the title of duchess can be difficult.
![Meghan Markle pictured in a white dress and golden earrings alongside Prince Harry at an event](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/c9e4a8c6-screenshot-2024-02-20-122011.jpg)
Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
As Markle has only been a part of the royal family for six years, it makes sense that she’s broken several royal rules as she adjusts to life as a duchess. Here are 10 times the Duchess of Sussex broke royal protocol.
Archie’s Birth Announced on Social Media
Traditionally, when a new child is born into the royal family, Buckingham Palace announces the newborn on a ceremonial easel outside the palace.
![Photograph of a newborn baby as it yawns in its father's arms](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/a1cde788-screenshot-2024-02-20-122027.jpg)
Source: Freepik
However, when Markle gave birth to Archie, she and Harry shared the news via Instagram, breaking royal protocol in the process (via ABC News).
Meghan Leaves Home without a Bra
The female members of the royal family are not permitted to attend any event without wearing a bra, according to an unwritten rule.
![Meghan Markle poses for a photo dressed in a turquoise colored dress](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/3cf803e5-screenshot-2024-02-20-122043.jpg)
Source: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
However, this is precisely what Markle did during her first appearance as a duchess in public. She later argued her beliefs as a feminist should be taken into consideration (via The Independent).
No Name Tag for the Duchess
The royal race in Ascot is an important day in any royal’s calendar. It also comes with a strict dress code, per Bright Side. All female visitors must arrive in a dress with closed shoulders and a skirt length that reaches down to at least the knees.
![Prince Harry photographed in a sleek blue suit alongside his wife Meghan Markle](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/5a7fc444-screenshot-2024-02-20-122055.jpg)
Source: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Royals are also supposed to wear a name tag. However, in 2018, Markle decided to walk around with the tag in her hand instead, breaking yet another royal rule.
Markle Shares Her Political Views
As it’s deemed unconstitutional for members of British royalty to vote in elections, they also refrain from speaking about politics.
![A woman in a pink shirt is pictured writing on a piece of paper at a voting station](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/4f39fb73-screenshot-2024-02-20-122125.jpg)
Source: Freepik
However, Markle has openly spoken about her political preferences in several interviews and her stance on abortion, per Cosmopolitan.
Follow the Leader
Royal protocol insists those with lower status than their partner should walk behind them. An example is Prince Philip, who was always pictured two paces behind Queen Elizabeth II, according to The New York Times.
![The late Queen Elizabeth II is pictured alongside Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/3157fd38-screenshot-2024-02-20-122147.jpg)
Source: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
However, Meghan doesn’t seem to be that interested in following this rule. The duchess has been photographed numerous times walking in front of Prince Harry.
Not Permitted to Sign Autographs
One seldom-mentioned rule of the royal family prohibits them from signing autographs. It aims to ensure that someone with malicious intent cannot use their signature.
![A woman holds out a clipboard and a pen to a bypasser on the street](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/fc1e2cad-screenshot-2024-02-20-122213.jpg)
Source: Freepik
However, Meghan devised a clever way to get around this rule when a young child asked for her autograph. Instead, she simply wrote, “Hi Kaitlin,” without signing her own name.
Markle Closes Doors Herself
While not a serious violation of rules, female members of the royal family aren’t expected to close the doors of vehicles. However, Markle has been caught doing so several times over the years.
![A woman in a long brown coat exits a car and begins to close the door behind her](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/1b1e610d-screenshot-2024-02-20-122238.jpg)
Source: Freepik
Speaking with the BBC, William Hanson, an etiquette expert, explains, “Usually, if you are a member of the royal family or a dignitary, you have a member of staff to open and close a car door for you.”
Markle Invited to Christmas at Sandringham
Spending Christmas at Sandringham is a right solely reserved for members of the British royal family. In 2010, Princess Catherine didn’t receive an invite even though she was engaged to Prince William.
![A large table is set up with Christmas decorations accompanied by plates and cutlery](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/817eafbe-screenshot-2024-02-20-122252.jpg)
Source: Freepik
However, in 2018, Harry forced his grandmother to make an exception for Markle so that she could join the royals for the holidays.
Not a Fan of Pantyhose
Pantyhose is a big thing for the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Cathrine, and even Princess Diana were seldom seen in public without wearing them.
![A woman in a short black dress lifts her bare legs as she is seated on a park bench](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/510bf621-screenshot-2024-02-20-122309.jpg)
Source: Freepik
However, Meghan Markle isn’t fond of this tradition. During her and Prince Harry’s engagement photo shoot, she chose not to wear pantyhose, and followers of the royal British etiquette were shocked by her decision.
Catholic Background
Of all the rules broken by Markle, marrying Harry in the first place, having come from a Catholic background, was the one that upset traditionalists the most.
![A Catholic Priest is pictured holding a small wooden cross in his hands](https://images.crowndaily.com/2024/02/013708ab-screenshot-2024-02-20-122324.jpg)
Source: Freepik
However, in 2013, the long-standing rule which prohibited British royals from marrying Catholics was removed. Yet, Meghan was still baptized into the Church of England before marrying Prince Harry.