All about the six occasions when Meghan Markle broke Royal protocol

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Meghan Markle broke the Royal protocol at the Queen’s Young Leaders reception. Photo: Instagram/meghanfc

Meghan Markle is the newest addition to the British Royal family, and the world couldn't be more thrilled. The Suits actress exchanged vows with Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

But it isn't easy being a Royal, with the number of rules in place. And the Duchess of Sussex have already broken quite a few, including the recent instance of crossing her legs at a Royal engagement.

1. Showing her legs in public

Meghan did not wear stockings when she and Prince Harry announced their engagement. Photo: Pinterest

According to the public protocol for the British Royals, no member of the family should bear his/her legs publicly. The women, who are not allowed to wear pants, have to sport nude-coloured stockings with dresses, as a rule.

Meghan, however, broke the protocol on the day of the official announcement of her engagement with Prince Harry. The actress wore a white coat over a teal-green dress, without a pair of nude stockings, thereby bearing her legs.

2. Turning her back to the Queen

Meghan Markle turned her back to the Queen. Photo: Pinterest

The 36-year-old is said to have gone against royal protocol by momentarily turning her back on Her Majesty to chat to her new hubby.

According to the Royal Family website, there are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family however, many people wish to observe the traditional forms.

3. Exposing her shoulders

Meghan Markle exposed her shoulders in her dress at the Queen's birthday earlier this year. Photo: Reuters

The newest member of the Royal Family set fashion tongues wagging after appearing at her first Trooping the in a bespoke creation by Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera.

Fashion tradition usually dictates that Royal women do not wear off-shoulder or other more revealing styles.

4. No hugs

Meghan hugging children in January 2018 at Birmingham. Photo: Instagram/meghanfc

Meghan hugged a starstruck schoolgirl on a royal visit to Birmingham, after the girl told the royal couple that she wanted to be an actor when she grew up.

Kate often only gives a hug if a child dives for it, while the Queen keeps things formal with some of her trademark waving and the occasional handshake.

By traditional forms they mean handshake, bow or courtesy.

5. Walking down the aisle alone

Meghan Markle on her wedding day. Photo: Instagram/meghanfc

In an extraordinary twist to the biggest wedding of the year, Meghan entered St Georges Chapel alone before tying the knot with Prince Harry.

After her father Thomas Markle pulled out of attending the wedding, it was announced Meghan would walk solo down the aisle on her big day. The move was also seen as Meg expressing her feminist beliefs - walking down the aisle as an independent woman.

A source told a daily, "It was something she made clear she wanted to do when she and Prince Harry started planning their wedding last November."

6. The crossing of legs

Meghan Markle." Photo: Reuters

All eyes were on Meghan Markle this week as she attended the Queens Young Leaders reception at Buckingham Palace.

Meghan, who wore a pink Prada dress for the occasion, sat with her legs crossed and her legs stretched to one side.