Meghan Markle [1] certainly isn't your traditional royal. Not only is her engagement to Prince Harry a historic moment [2] for the royal family, but she's proven time and time again that some rules are meant to be broken. Aside from doing her royal wedding her way [3] this May, the former Suits actress [4] has been veering from tradition and protocol during her official engagements. She's already showing the same fierceness as Harry's late mother, Princess Diana [5]. Whether Meghan is hugging children or showing sweet PDA with her fiancé, see all the ways she has rebelled against royal custom.
When She Didn't Wear Tights
While Queen Elizabeth II reportedly expects members of the royal family to wear stockings [6] with dresses or skirts, Meghan seemed to opt out of that rule for her engagement announcement [7] with Prince Harry. She appeared to be bare-legged when she posed for photographers [8] last year.
When She Attended Christmas With the Royals
After getting engaged to Prince Harry in November 2017, Meghan made history as the first royal fiancée to spend Christmas with the royal family [9]. Per royal protocol, only spouses of royals can attend the Queen's festivities [10], but Prince Harry reportedly asked that an exception be made. Even Kate Middleton wasn't granted that privilege!
When She Wore a Messy Bun
Meghan made heads turn during her first royal appearance of 2018 [11]. While royals typically choose more traditional hairstyles [12] — 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 with loose strands.
When She Showed PDA
Even though there isn't technically a rule against showing PDA [13], royal couples usually refrain from hugging [14] 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 [15].
When She Gave an Autograph
For security reasons, royals aren't allowed to give autographs [16], but Meghan made a small exception [17] for a 10-year-old girl at Cardiff Castle (though rumour has it she didn't actually sign her name, but wrote a message instead).
When She Hugged Kids
Per tradition, the monarchy suggests that you shouldn't go beyond a handshake [18] when meeting a member of the royal family, but some of the royals usually let the rule slide for children. When visiting a community centre in Tremorfa, Cardiff, Wales, Prince Harry encouraged a group of kids to "give Meghan a big hug [19]."
When She Dressed in All Black
Meghan had a big royal fashion don't when she stepped out for an official engagement in Cardiff [20], Wales, wearing black from head to toe [21]. Usually, all-black outfits are reserved for more sombre occasions [22] such as funerals, mourning periods, and events like Remembrance Sunday Service.
When She Wore a Crossbody Bag
Since protocol states that you shouldn't offer your hand to any member of the royal family [23], royals like the Duchess of Cambridge usually carry a clutch [24] to avoid any awkward confrontation. However, when Meghan stepped out in Edinburgh [25], Scotland, she surprised everyone when she opted to wear her bag across her body [26], freeing both of her hands for shaking.