In the world of royalty, tradition often reigns supreme, but Meghan Markle has consistently found ways to push against those established norms.
The Duchess of Sussex, known for her modern approach, has been vocal about her struggles with royal protocols.
One memorable instance involved her decision to attend a royal event without the mandatory nude tights—much to the discomfort of the late Queen Elizabeth II and other royal observers.
Traditionally, female royals are expected to don nude-colored stockings under their attire, a custom that Markle famously opted out of on more than one occasion.
While she looked stunning in an elegant H&M dress complemented by a designer Armani coat during her visit to the Mayhew Animal Home, her bare legs caught the eye of royal experts, such as Victoria Arbiter.
Arbiter remarked that not wearing hosiery is one of the Queen’s steadfast rules, emphasizing its importance in royal engagements.
It wasn’t just the Queen who seemed to be displeased with Markle’s fashion choices.
Reports indicated that Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, also felt that Markle’s disregard for traditional expectations disrupted the royal decorum.
In his book, “Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors,” author Tom Bower noted the tensions during discussions about floral arrangements for a royal wedding, suggesting that Kate’s fatigue following the birth of her son contributed to her inability to confront Markle over the protocol violations.
Markle has since spoken candidly about her challenges with the royal family’s rigid customs.
In her Netflix docuseries “Harry and Meghan,” she expressed frustration over the myriad of rules she was supposed to follow, likening them to an overwhelming list of do’s and don’ts.
She openly confessed to having prepared for her first meeting with the Queen by practicing her curtsy, only to be so nervous that she ended up performing an exaggerated version of the gesture.
When scrutinizing her other royal engagements, Markle’s track record continues to raise eyebrows.
A particularly noteworthy incident occurred at the Young Leaders Awards at Buckingham Palace, where she was seen sitting cross-legged next to Queen Elizabeth—a posture generally deemed inappropriate for royal ladies.
Expert Grant Harrold explained that while some royal women might cross their legs, it’s typically not done at the knees, a deviation from tradition that caught attention.
Fast forward to September 2022, the somber mood surrounding the Queen’s passing saw hundreds of mourners converging outside Windsor Castle.
The joint appearance of Prince Harry and Prince William, alongside their wives on the very same grounds where they had once walked as children after their mother’s death, provided a poignant context.
Despite the natural nostalgia, an underlying tension was palpable.
The couples made their way through the crowds, but their interactions were marked by visible awkwardness.
During the walkabout, Meghan incited chatter among royal watchers when she appeared to ignore established protocol regarding the handling of floral tributes.
It seemed she was determined to hold onto the bouquets given by mourners, a significant breach since royals are expected to relinquish flowers to aides for safety and logistical reasons.
Footage captured her briefly resisting an aide who offered assistance, wanting instead to place the flowers herself.
The royal protocol dictates that flowers be handed over to staff, primarily for security reasons—there are concerns that bouquets could potentially harbor harmful substances.
Despite the advice, Meghan held onto the flowers and engaged briefly with spectators, even as her body language hinted at a reluctance to follow these unspoken rules.
The lip reader’s analysis of the interaction revealed an exchange where she downplayed the aide’s suggestion, showcasing a defiance that many interpreted as tone-deaf.
This isn’t the first time Meghan has strayed from royal customs.
During her initial public appearance with the Queen, she was recorded entering a car ahead of her, something considered very out of step with royal etiquette.
It seems her time in the royal spotlight has been rife with misunderstandings of protocol, leading to both public admiration and criticism.
The Windsor walkabout, despite its emotional context, also reflected the strained relationships within the royal family.
As Harry and William attempted to present a united front after years of public feuding and media scrutiny, observers noted the lack of warmth between the couples.
Experts remarked that this 40-minute engagement was one of the most awkward public displays seen from the royal brothers, highlighting just how deep the rift had grown.
In retrospect, the emergence of these incidents has created a complex narrative around Meghan Markle—a woman straddling two worlds.
Her efforts to challenge outdated norms have garnered her both critics and fans alike.
The flowers, as symbolic gestures, represent larger cultural shifts that suggest a need for modernization within a historical institution.
Despite the undeniable controversies, Meghan’s journey has sparked significant discussions about traditions, personal expression, and the evolving role of modern royals.
The legacy of her time in the royal family continues to resonate, igniting conversations among supporters who advocate progressive changes in royal representation.
As the royal family adapts to a changing society, many wonder what the future holds for royal protocols and how they might further evolve.
