All the times Meghan Markle chose personal style over royal protocol

It was an announcement that rocked the world: in early April, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed their plans to step back as senior royals and split their time between the UK and Canada. As soon as the news broke, everyone had their own opinion on the change, but there was no denying that life will look very different for the couple as they step into their new roles as ‘normal people’.

Though the announcement came as a big surprise to the public (and even to the Queen!), others were less shocked by the decision. Known for being a trailblazer, especially when it comes to fashion, Meghan has always veered from tradition by putting her own unique spin on royal dress codes. Below, we’ve listed the 3 times Markle’s style has broken from royal tradition.

Breaking the Royal Rules and Regulations (1)- Low cut necklines

Often described as a royal rule-breaker, the former Duchess of Sussex has a habit of breaking with royal tradition with her fashion choices. Shaking up royal dress codes, Markle has been seen to ruffle a couple of feathers with her low-cut and off-the-shoulder necklines. But what might have been a headache for the Queen, her smart reimagining of royal outfit choices was a cause for celebration amongst us everyday folk who loved her relatable style.

Break the royal rules and regulations (2)-short skirt✘ knees ✓

It might sound old school, but exposing your knees when wearing a dress is a big no-no among the royals. Protocol dictates that anytime you wear a skirt or a dress, the length must come below the knee. However, in the midst of her pregnancy, Meghan ditched the rules and showed off her bare legs and knees when wearing a high-necked dress and blazer. This look is not exposing by any means, but this wasn’t the first time Meghan violated the royal hemline.

Meghan in her acting days:

Breaking the Royal Rules and Regulations (3)-A large handbag at public events ✘

According to royal experts, style protocol extends to accessories too, with one of them being the prohibition of larger handbags at events. This dates back to an old style rule, whereby royal ladies were not expected to extend their hands to any member of the royal family unless their hand extends first. Which is why you often see Kate Middleton with a clutch - and why many people perceived Markle's large handbag to be a break with royal protocol.

By not sticking to strict royal family dress codes, Meghan has managed to stay true to her own personal style and proven herself to be a royal fashion trailblazer. Now finally free from royal sanctions, we personally, can’t wait to see more of Meghan’s post-royal fashion, bare knees and all.