15 Ways Meghan Markle Has Broken Royal Protocol

Entering the British Royal Family means learning a new set of rules. That doesn’t mean the new American-born Duchess will always follow them.

 

As she walked down the aisle to marry one of the world’s former most eligible bachelors, Meghan Markle did so with her father-in-law, Prince Charles. That’s not before she escorted herself down the first half of the aisle before the Quire (where the main royal guests sat). Traditionally, the bride’s father gives his daughter away to his new son-in-law. But Thomas Markle, Meghan’s father, was unable to attend the wedding as planned.

Like many couples, royal or not, Markle and Prince Harry often enjoyed dates out together in public while they were dating. While out together at the Invictus Games, the couple was seen holding hands, and the prince even romantically kissed Markle’s head. Showing affection in public is definitely not something that the royal family does often. Here’s why Kate and Prince William are hardly ever seen holding hands.

 

Being on the inside of the royal family doesn’t mean that you’re not allowed to have friends who live out in the real world. In fact, a royal palace spokesperson said that Markle actually has a “very close-knit circle of friends and she didn’t want to choose one over another” when it came to having a maid of honor. These are more of the etiquette rules the royal family is supposed to follow. 

Free hugs

 

When you meet the Queen, royal protocol says men should bow their heads and women should give a small curtsy. However, Markle doesn’t seem to mind a hug every now and then. You’d never guess which royal family members have to curtsy to Markle only when she’s with her husband.