The royal dress code, an unofficial but closely followed set of rules that’s been handed down and modified by Kings and Queens over the centuries, sets out all kinds of dos and don’ts.
Meghan Markle, however, often turned heads with her contemporary approach to fashion, controversially not always making choices that aligned with traditional royal protocols.
Challenging dress codes with her penchant for off-the-shoulder dresses and bold nail colours, she was considered unconventional by royal standards.
‘The bottom line is that the outfit always has to fit the occasion,’ says royal expert Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette. ‘It has to be modest, elegant and appropriate, and it should never distract from the role.’
Former royal butler Grant Harrold tells MailOnline: ‘A royal’s clothes shouldn’t take the focus away from the event or what they’re doing.’ He explains that while they want to stand out, they also need to be modest: ‘If you look at Princess Diana or Catherine, they’ve worn outfits that some might say bend those rules a bit, but they’ve always stayed true to the protocols.’
According to fashion etiquette expert Liz Wyse from Debrett’s, they are always dressed appropriately for the occasion, adhering to the rules of colour coordination and always with a faultless fit. ‘Their clothes are never incongruous, and they always use their fashion choices to communicate their respect for their hosts and the general public.’
Etiquette expert Myka Meier explains that although neutrality plays a significant role in royal dressing, their fashion choices are designed to reflect their role. ‘It’s less about personal expression and more about how their appearance supports their duties, from projecting professionalism to creating a sense of approachability and respect.’
Handbags
Royal women always place their bag in their left hand and never hold more than one accessory at a time, ensuring their right hand is free to meet, greet and shake hands.
Royal etiquette states that you always place your bag in your left hand and never hold more than one accessory at a time, ensuring your right hand is free to meet, greet and shake hands
According to royal expert Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette: ‘This small yet thoughtful detail allows them to navigate public engagements with grace, ensuring they’re always prepared for interaction.’
However the one royal who has been seen swapping hands is Meghan, who chooses to keep her left hand free to hold Prince Harry’s, as seen here with her Montunas bag at the WellChild Awards in 2019.
Colour over neutral tones
Splashes of colour are a vital tool in a royal’s wardrobe arsenal, often choosing vibrant hues, not merely for style but to ensure they stand out in a crowd.
Arriving at the University of Johannesburg in 2019, Meghan was wearing a camel coloured sleeveless dress. She later explained that it was so she could blend in
The late Queen Elizabeth famously said: ‘We have to be seen to be believed.’ She chose to stand out from the crowd by using signature bold hues, with each shade carefully curated to convey dignity and approachability.
The Duchess of Sussex alternatively wore muted tones and subdued colours during her time as a working royal, explaining it was so that she could blend in.
Hem length and bare legs
The royal family has many rules surrounding the length of garments to remain modest and exude elegance and sophistication, mirroring the monarchy.
The short black tuxedo dress Meghan wore at the Hamilton Gala performance caused quite a stir as it was coupled with bare legs, and while it wasn’t strictly enforced, the late Queen preferred royal ladies to wear tights for formal events
After announcing their pregnancy news at the start of their official 18-day tour of Australia, Meghan was seen wearing this summer dress from Reformation which had a rather large split down the side
The appropriate length should never be more than three or four inches above the knee with leg slits kept to a minimum as modesty reigns supreme and while it’s not said to be strictly enforced, the late Queen was believed to prefer royal ladies to wear tights for formal events
Meghan however bucked this trend, championing her fashion staple the mini dress, wearing a tuxedo style by Judith & Charles for a performance of Hamilton in 2018.
Flashing her legs again in 2018, Meghan caused some controversy when wearing a Reformation sun dress with thigh-high slit while visiting Fraser Island in Australia.
Wearing hats
Hats remain de rigueur for many royal occasions all year round, and a stylish one can certainly steal the limelight.
The Duchess of Sussex was invited by the Queen to help open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. She arrived with the Queen who was wearing a hat, but Meghan was surprisingly hatless, with hair down doubled with a strong wind causing all sorts of problems with her hair. She looked stunning in a cream Givenchy dress
While they are less common than they were up until the 1950s, we still see quite a lot of hats when the royals are out and about, however they must never be worn after 6pm.
Although for her first joint engagement with the Queen, the Duchess of Sussex possibly broke the golden hat rule when she decided to forego a headpiece for their trip to Chester in 2018 but other reports say she was told to avoid a hat and the colour green.
Jeans
Even casual dressing comes with a set of rules, and jeans are strictly reserved for off-duty appearances.
Although Meghan had only just been introduced to the world’s media and wasn’t even engaged, her appearance in Toronto at The Invictus Games wearing ripped jeans and a white ‘husband’ shirt must have sounded alarm bells at the Palace
The Princess of Wales looks more polished at an engagement to promote Sports Aid at Bisham Abbey, where she wore a blazer with her jeans and smart white Veja trainers
The Princess of Wales wears her denim for relaxed events pairing them with smart blazers to maintain a polished look, however Meghan chooses to rebel with more casual ensembles, and her debut ‘royal’ look included ripped skinny denim and an oversized shirt.
Liz Wyse says: ‘When members of the royal family wear casual clothing, they always look polished, never scruffy.’
Tiaras
Tiaras, the ultimate symbol of regal elegance, are reserved for the most exclusive of occasions.
Meghan’s tiara was on loan from the Queen, who had chosen one which Meghan could wear for her big day
The tiara Meghan Markle ultimately wore on her big day is known as Queen Mary’s bandeau tiara, a royal family heirloom on loan from Her Majesty the Queen, which she personally choses for the royal brides to wear.
Although Meghan Markle’s wedding tiara was nothing short of spectacular, reports indicated that the Queen Mary diamond bandeau wasn’t the sparkly accessory she originally had in mind.
Too much black
A touch of noir is fine, but too much is considered a fashion faux pas. Synonymous with mourning, black ensembles are reserved for more sombre times.
The Duchess of Sussex wore a black dress by feminist LA-based label Black Halo, named the Jackie O, to attend a Women’s Empowerment reception in London, on day four of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Another black dress, this time by Givenchy teamed with her Aquazzura heels and Givenchy clutch at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, in 2018
Meghan’s love of the LBD was a constant fixture during her time as a working Royal. Even though it is frowned upon in royal circles, she always managed to look chic and modern.
Loose messy bun
This technically isn’t a full-on rule, but when have you ever seen Kate Middleton wearing an updo with messy tendrils falling around her face?
Kate’s updos never fall around her face and even though Meghan’s hair was always styled beautifully by celebrity hairdresser, George Northwood, her love of the loose tendrils was a common feature during the time she was a working royal.
Neutral nails
In 2018, Meghan’s dark-hued manicure at the British Fashion Awards was considered a breach of protocol. Further dispelling the breach-of-protocol rumour, Kate has worn dark shades on her feet more than once
Even nails must adhere to a strict code of elegance, and that means sticking to neutral tones.
Bold or flashy nails are considered a breach of protocol, with shades like soft pinks, nudes and clear polish reigning supreme.
The late Queen Elizabeth famously favoured Essie’s Ballet Slippers, a delicate blush shade synonymous with understated sophistication, however Meghan instead favoured darker hues, drawing attention to them at the Fashion Awards in 2018.