In the world of royalty, adherence to tradition is paramount.
However, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has shown a penchant for breaking these time-honored conventions, most notably during her debut at the Trooping the Colour in 2018.
This grand event, which celebrates the Queen’s official birthday, saw Meghan donning an off-the-shoulder dress that caught everyone’s attention for the wrong reasons.
Trooping the Colour is steeped in history, demanding that royal family members present themselves with modesty and elegance.
Royal expert Laura Windsor emphasized the importance of adhering to a specific dress code where shoulders should remain covered.
She remarked, “The golden rule is to respect protocol,” suggesting that Meghan’s choice not only flouted tradition but also sent a strong message about her perspective on royal life.
As Prince Harry and Meghan made their first joint public appearance as a married couple, the couple received mixed reactions.
While some admired their glamorous look, others speculated about Meghan’s intentions behind her more modern style.
The event was particularly special for Meghan since it marked her inaugural appearance on Buckingham Palace’s balcony, alongside the Queen and other royals, yet her soft pink dress was a striking departure from the expected color palette.
During the ceremony, traditional royal figures like the late Queen, Kate Middleton, and Queen Camilla opted for coordinated blue outfits, emphasizing their shared commitment to royal decorum, while Meghan stood out in her distinctive pink ensemble.
Etiquette expert Myka Meir articulated that attire for such occasions must be “modest and appropriate,” cautioning that an extravagant outfit could distract from the royal role.
This wasn’t the first occasion for Meghan to rattle royal sensibilities.
At Prince Louis‘s christening, for example, she wore a dark olive-green dress, diverging from the neutral tones favored by other royal women.
It was reported that she may have selected this color to symbolize peace, but once again, her choice raised eyebrows amid royal watchers.
Meghan’s wedding was also a turning point.
Traditionally, divorced women are expected to refrain from wearing white, a practice rooted in the symbolism of purity.
Yet, Meghan opted for a stunning white gown and a long veil, representing a break from tradition that raised questions about royal propriety.
According to royal author Ingrid Seward, even the Queen perceived the dress as too white for someone remarrying.
Critically, a resurfaced clip has surfaced, illustrating a notable breach during her first royal engagement with the late Queen.
The Duchess could be seen walking ahead of the monarch, an action seen as a considerable faux pas.
Such etiquette rules dictate that royals remain positioned behind the Queen, symbolizing the royal hierarchy, and Meghan’s actions were met with surprise and disapproval from viewers.
Further analysis of the event revealed Meghan’s failure to handle the bouquets of flowers properly.
Protocol dictates that when flowers are offered, they should be handed off to aides rather than held directly, allowing royals to keep their hands free for greetings.
This oversight exemplified her struggle to navigate royal protocols effectively.
Despite these missteps, the day was not entirely devoid of positives.
Meghan and the Queen shared light moments that appeared to strengthen their relationship.
Various accounts highlighted how the two women enjoyed each other’s company, laughing and exchanging friendly banter while attending engagements across Cheshire.
In fact, Meghan later shared fond memories of her experience with the Queen, disclosing to Harry that they connected over motherhood.
While it was a trip filled with media scrutiny, it ultimately provided the opportunity for their relationship to blossom, with moments of shared warmth and chuckles.
As a newcomer to royal duties, Meghan’s challenges were not solely rooted in fashion choices.
Coming from a different cultural background, her transition involved a steep learning curve to embrace the nuances of royal life.
Things like proper curtseying, structured handshakes, and various etiquette rules were initially foreign to her.
While Meghan’s bold fashion choices often met with both criticism and admiration, they undeniably communicated her desire to bring modernity into a traditional institution.
Whether this was seen as an assertive expression of independence or blatant protocol violations remains up for debate, but one thing is clear—Her unique style continues to keep the spotlight firmly on her.
