Meghan Markle [1] had one hell of year [2]. She married the love of her life [3], Prince Harry; she's expecting her first child [4]; and she became a member of the royal family [5]. While being a royal may sound glamorous and all, the title comes with a lot of rules [6] — emphasis on a lot. For starters, protocol states that greetings should never go beyond a handshake [7] and selfies and autographs are prohibited. Women of the royal family should wear hosiery, sport neutral-coloured nail polish [8], and always look perfectly polished. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Royals should also refrain from showing PDA during public engagements and shutting their own car doors. Sounds exhausting, right? Well, Meghan clearly seems to think so. Ahead, see all the ways the Duchess of Sussex marched to the beat of her own drum [9] and went against suggested royal protocol this year.
When She Gave an Autograph
Royals aren't allowed to sign autographs [11] due to security reasons, but Meghan made an exception for this young girl during her visit to Cardiff Castle in January.
When She Skipped the Tights
The queen reportedly expects members of the royal family to wear hosiery [12], but Meghan rarely does, so that may change soon.
When She Wore a Messy Bun to a Royal Engagement
Proof that you can still look gorgeous without having to be perfectly polished [13]!
When She Hugged Social Bite Cofounder Alice Thompson . . .
Apparently, the charity worker told Meghan how inspired she was [14] by the speech she gave to UN Women about female empowerment back in 2015.
And This Little Girl . . .
I mean, who could resist her? She's so cute [15]!
And This Young Fan . . .
The student probably waited all morning [16] to meet her.
And This Little Girl Who Slipped Past Barricades
Yep, we'd probably to the same [17].
When She Wore All Black to a Royal Engagement
All-black ensembles are usually worn at sombre events [18] like funerals.
When She Attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Summit Ahead of Her Wedding
These type of royal engagements are usually reserved for working members [19] of the royal family, and Meghan was still only engaged to Prince Harry [20] at the time.
When She Sported a Crossbody Bag in Edinburgh
Royals usually carry clutches to avoid any awkward moments [21] when shaking hands.
When She Delivered a Speech at Her Wedding
Usually, royal brides don't get up and speak [22] at their wedding. But then again, Meghan wasn't just any bride.
When She Showed PDA With Prince Harry . . .
Meghan and Harry couldn't keep their hands off each other [23] at the first Royal Foundation Forum in February.
Over . . .
They held hands [24] while visiting Birmingham in March.
And Over . . .
The cuddled up [25] at the Coach Core Awards in September.
And Over . . .
Harry and Meghan kept the PDA coming during their royal tour of Australia [26] and New Zealand in October.
Again
They kissed after Harry completed the Sentebale Polo Cup [27] in Windsor in July.
When She Wore Dark Nail Polish to the British Fashion Awards
Even though it may sound crazy, protocol states that royals should opt for neutral [30] or pink nail colours for royal engagements, so this beauty choice caused quite a stir.