8 Times Meghan Markle Went Against Tradition and Broke Royal Protocol

While Queen Elizabeth II reportedly expects members of the royal family to wear stockings with dresses or skirts, Meghan seemed to opt out of that rule for her engagement announcement with Prince Harry. She appeared to be bare-legged when she posed for photographers last year.

After getting engaged to Prince Harry in November 2017, Meghan made history as the first royal fiancée to spend Christmas with the royal family. Per royal protocol, only spouses of royals can attend the queen's festivities, but Prince Harry reportedly asked that an exception be made. Even Kate Middleton wasn't granted that privilege!

Meghan made heads turn during her first royal appearance of 2018. While royals typically follow more traditional hairstyles — 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.

Even though there isn't technically a rule against showing PDA, royal couples usually refrain from hugging 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.

Meghan had a big fashion don't when she stepped out for an official engagement in Cardiff, Wales, wearing black from head to toe. Usually, all-black outfits are reserved for more somber occasions such as funerals, mourning periods, and events like Remembrance Sunday Service.

Since protocol states that you shouldn't offer your hand to any member of the royal family, royals like Kate Middleton usually carry a clutch to avoid any awkward confrontation. However, when Meghan stepped out in Edinburgh, Scotland, she surprised everyone when she opted to wear her bag across her body, freeing both of her hands for shaking.