The Story Behind That Major Style Rule Meghan Markle Broke At Her Wedding

Markle decided to forgo tights for her bridesmaids on her wedding day, as evidenced by photos showing them with bare legs. Protocol dictates that they should be wearing tights, even despite the hot weather. While it's rumored that this decision caused tension between Markle and sister-in-law Kate Middleton, the royal family denies it.

While Clare Waight Keller, who designed Markle’s wedding gown, is British, many complained that the Duchess should've worked with a design house based in Britain. Givenchy, where Keller serves as Creative Director, is headquartered in France.

For baby Archie’s christening, Markle wore a white dress from Dior. Traditionally, for events such as these, royals tend to choose looks from British designers. In contrast, Kate Middleton chose dresses from Alexander McQueen for all three of her children’s christenings.

Markle’s choice to wear deep black nail polish to match her one-shoulder gown while presenting at The Fashion Awards in December 2018 was a stark contrast to the light pink or neutral nails most often expected of the royal family.

Royals keep their shoes on at all times even when it's not convenient. Kate Middleton has surely been seen playing multiple sports in heels. But when in Australia in October 2018, Markle boldly chose to remove her shoes while walking on the beach instead of wearing sand-friendly sandals or flats.

Attending the WellChild Awards in London in September 2018, Markle opted for a pantsuit in lieu of a skirt or dress typically preferred by royal protocols.

As Markle has chosen on multiple occasions since becoming a royal, she opted not to wear tights or pantyhose with her mini dress when attending a gala following a special performance of Hamilton in 2018, breaking a long-held royal rule.

Queen Elizabeth II generally prefers all women in the family to don skirts and dresses for official events, but Markle chose a pair of white wide-leg pants and a striped button-down shirt from Ralph Lauren when attending Wimbledon in 2018.

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly only likes her family to don black when in mourning. In 2018, however, Markle chose a sleeveless black dress for a summertime soirée.

While Queen Elizabeth II wore some iconic off-the-shoulder gowns for galas and parties in her youth, it's widely frowned upon for daytime events. Markle chose an off-the-shoulder two-piece set from Prada for 2018’s Trooping the Colour nonetheless.

While her outfit might have fit royal protocol for this particular event, Markle did not style a hat with her look, choosing not to follow the precedent Queen Elizabeth II set.

Meghan stepped out in Edinburgh in February 2018 wearing a plaid coat and cross-body bag. While it wasn’t her first time donning that style of accessory, royals generally opt for clutches, to respectfully avoid shaking hand with everyone they encounter.

Instead of choosing a gown or even a cocktail dress, Markle showed up to the Endeavour Fund Awards in February 2018 wearing a tailored suit from Alexander McQueen.

Markle caught flack when announcing her engagement, as she opted to forgo the nude tights that are often worn by royals with skirts and dresses.