

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, she entered one of the most tradition-bound families in the world – the British monarchy.
As the cameras rolled and millions watched across the globe, Meghan‘s every move and outfit became a subject of intense scrutiny.
Yet, rather than conforming completely to the expectations that typically come with the royal title, the American actress-turned-duchess charted her own course.
In doing so, Meghan frequently stepped outside the bounds of royal protocol – sometimes subtly, sometimes in full view.
Trump Says UK Trade Deal Is ‘Full and Comprehensive’
From fashion rules to public decorum, she repeatedly broke long-standing royal norms, leaving a lasting impression on how the monarchy could look in a modern age.
Even before her wedding, Meghan made waves by appearing bare-legged in her official engagement announcement.
Royal tradition holds that women should wear nude tights during formal photo calls – a rule followed by Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and the now Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
Meghan’s decision to forego hosiery on a chilly day in October was the first of many choices that challenged conventional royal expectations.
The engagement photos themselves featured a $56,000 sheer Ralph and Russo gown, a glamorous and risqué choice by royal standards, with sheer paneling at the bust – drawing attention not just for its elegance but also for how it defied conservative royal styling.
At her wedding, Meghan wore a bright white Givenchy gown with a 16-foot-long veil, despite being a divorcée – a choice that reportedly raised eyebrows within royal circles.
Tradition holds that only first-time brides should wear pure white and a veil. In contrast, Queen Camilla, who had also been previously married, opted for a less traditional ensemble for her wedding to Prince Charles in 2005, forgoing a veil altogether.
Other style decisions continued to defy norms. Meghan wore ripped jeans during her first public appearance with Prince Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games – a look widely considered too casual for royal appearances.
Later, she wore an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress for Trooping the Colour in 2018, a move royal watchers deemed too revealing for the formal event.
She was also seen using crossbody bags instead of the royal-favored clutch, allowing her to shake hands – something royal women typically avoid initiating.
Meghan also went hatless during an appearance with the Queen in 2018, a stark contrast to Queen Elizabeth II‘s lifelong habit of headwear during public engagements.
A modern duchess in an ancient institution
Meghan‘s disregard for traditional royal beauty standards also stood out. At the British Fashion Awards in 2018, she sported dark burgundy nail polish, a departure from the pale shades royals usually wear.
And at her final royal appearance at Westminster Abbey, she completed her look with striking cobalt blue eyeshadow – a bold choice in a sea of neutral tones.
She wore all-black to a summer garden party – a color typically reserved for mourning or evening events – and trousers to Wimbledon, where royal dress codes usually call for dresses or skirts.
At Bondi Beach in Australia, she even went barefoot, breaking another unwritten rule followed by other royal women, including Princess Diana and Kate Middleton.
Perhaps most controversial of all, Meghan and Harry‘s frequent hand-holding during public events broke with the usual royal behavior, where couples tend to avoid displays of affection while on duty.
For Archie’s christening, Meghan again took a different approach. She chose a French Dior ensemble, whereas Kate Middleton had worn British designers to all three of her children’s christenings.
These actions were not accidents or moments of ignorance – they were deliberate choices. Meghan Markle‘s time as a senior royal may have been brief, but it was undoubtedly transformative.
Her approach redefined what it meant to be royal in the modern age, emphasizing personal expression and individuality over rigid adherence to tradition.
This news was originally published on this post .
Be the first to leave a comment