Here Are All The Things That Meghan Markle Gave Up When She Married Prince Harry
Spoiler alert: it isn't all crumpets and corgis in the British royal family, and Meghan Markle has had to learn that the hard way. She wasn't born into British royalty so she had to make changes and give up some stuff so she can fit in with the Windsors.
Let's take a look at what out this American actress turned Duchess of Sussex has had to cut out of her life since saying "I do." Luckily, the Queen's corgis aren't on the list but her dogs might be.
Her Acting Career Is Over
Suits was renewed for its 8th season, but the new Duchess announced she will not be in appearance. Luckily her last episode after 7 years on the show ended with her tying the knot with "Mike" her series longtime boyfriend. So life imitates art? Or is it the other way around this time?
The palace is notorious for making its new members quit their jobs and be fulltime royals - as was the case with photographer and marketing officer Kate Middleton. Markle also has a Reitman's clothing collection that looks like it hasn't been revisited by the now-Duchess.
No More Instagram Selfies
The palace keeps a close watch on social media for all its members. No single person has any kind of social media presence. Markle voluntarily deleted her Instagram and even The Tig—a lifestyle website she ran—when she became part of the Windsor crew.
However you feel about the move, Instagram definitely misses Markle's posts. Though, it's rumored that she'd been posting photos of speaking engagements on the palace's Twitter. At the Sydney Invictus closing ceremony, the palace's Twitter posted a photo credited to "The Duchess of Sussex." We see you, Meghan.
Privacy? What Privacy?
After marrying into the royal family, everything about her life both past and present is at the will of the press. We all remember the drama with her family life coming to light before the wedding and the photos of her father making waves in the press. Secrets just aren't a thing anymore.
To prove a point this is one of 500 photos taken of Meghan watching the 2019 Wimbledon tournament where there was a single camera trained on her and Kate Middleton to capture every expression she made.
She Can't Go Anywhere Without Security
The Suits actress is no stranger to paparazzi but now that she's married really she won't be able to go anywhere in public without being noticed by cameras or escorted by security. Although she may end up trying to stay private like Princess Diana, it's likely most of her attempts will be futile.
Her concerns for her and baby Archie's privacy are what spurred the couple to move to the more remote and secluded Frogmore Cottage to avoid the "fishbowl" of Kensington Palace. Even here she and Harry can't even go to the car without cameras following them.
Meghan Has To Follow Wardrobe Guidelines Now
It's a strict world to live in if you're a Duchess. Not that the mature and stylish Duchess has ever had a problem dressing, now that she's a part of the royal family there are strict guidelines she has to follow.
There are colors they have to avoid and certain designers they have to favor. Apparently, it's not becoming for a royal to wear pantsuits or trousers on special occasions. But Markle seems to not be taking these bizarre and archaic rules sitting down - as she attended the 2019 Wimbledon in jeans. Princess Diana even sported suits many times.
Leg Crossing Is A No No
Being a royal is like being in a beauty pageant or cotillion because the etiquette rules are basically the same but you never get to go home and kick back. Apparently, there's a boycott on the Sharon Stone Basic Instinct move and royals can't cross their legs.
Meghan, like other female royals, has to follow certain guidelines when sitting - legs and knees together and she may cross her ankles. As if there weren't enough rules for women already.
No More Selfies With Fans For This Actress Turned Duchess
Back when she was an actress, Meghan could take selfies with as many fans as she pleased. It's the norm in Hollywood to do so, and often times if you refuse a fan they'll get nasty and you'll have gossip websites calling you rude.
Like royal autographs, the palace forbids the royals from taking selfies with fans. Meghan let fans know the situation by saying the "Crown doesn't let me" when they ask for a selfie. Now if you were to take a selfie and she's walking in the background far away technically that might be okay.
She Has A New Bedtime
Although it is not a law, the Windsors have established a precedent that Queen Elizabeth II determines the bedtime not just for herself, but for everybody. You'd think that it was early because the Queen is an elderly woman right?
No. Apparently, the Queen likes to stay up late from 10 PM to midnight and it's considered bad taste to go to bed before her. This is because she's always supposed to have company around to chat with. Diana, a mother of 2 young boys, often broke this rule to get some sleep.
She Won't Have Custody Of Her Child
Since Archie was born into the royal family, Queen Elizabeth II has custody of Markle's son as well as the rest of her great-grandchildren. This bizarre situation arises because of a rule that's been in place since the early 1700s when King George was on the throne that states that "The sovereign has legal custody of the minor grandchildren."
Basically, this rule isn't fair. Imagine giving birth to a child and it technically not being yours. If Archie goes on a class field trip it would be funny if the Queen will have to sign for him.
She Has To Be A Step Behind Harry
This is another bizarre and problematic rule that if you look at any photos of the couple you'll immediately realize that they're not following because it's not the 1800's anymore. According to a "Royal Boot Camp" rule, Meghan always has to walk behind Harry. Right.
There are several explanations for this rule. One is that "in tradition, a gentleman tends to walk a few steps in front to protect the lady," another is because Meghan is "non-blood royal, so she should defer to born royalty." All fantastic reasons for Meghan and Harry to disregard this rule.
Her United States Citizenship May Be Changed
Now that she's said "I do," Meghan's citizenship will come under the light of public scrutiny. It would be strange if the member of a country's royal family was a citizen of another, however, British law states that just because you marry a citizen doesn't mean you can become one.
So Markle will be standing in line like the rest of us at a government office waiting for hours to apply for British citizenship, metaphorically of course. Rumors are swirling that she may even renounce her American citizenship in the process.
She Can't Voice Her Political Opinions
Meghan is an outspoken feminist and advocate for gender equality. She's been a counselor for the international charity One Young World where she spoke about gender equality and modern-day slavery. In 2016 she was a global ambassador for World Vision Canada where she helped raise awareness about clean water campaigns and women's issues.
Now that she's a duchess she'll have to be more careful of her beliefs because royals aren't allowed to express their political beliefs to the public. So far, she's been very involved philanthropically and has even established her own charity with Prince Harry.
The Queen Made The Duchess Give Up Garlic and Onions
In a rule that can only come from a vampire or a particular 95-year-old woman, Queen Elizabeth II has such a disdain for the bad breath garlic and onions that she mandates the entire family to forgo the ingredients. All the time. They don't even live in the same house. Do you have the nose of a bloodhound, Elizabeth?
One of Meghan Markle's favorite foods is the garlic filled Filipino chicken adobo with brown rice and salad that she likes to cook on Sunday suppers. Meghan, be strong.
Say My New Name
Meghan's going to have to get used to a new name and the sore hand that signing it will bring. Seriously this title is so long that it makes sense autographs are prohibited for the royals - signing her name over and over would definitely cause carpal tunnel.
As well as losing her Chrisitan name and taking on Harry's and she will go by Her Royal Highness (HRH), the Duchess of Sussex. She is also entitled to the "styles" of Countess of Dumbarton and Baronness Kilkeel.
No Tiaras Before 6:00 PM...Not That She'd Be Wearing It To Run Out For Groceries Anyways
Unlike happy hour, it's not always tiara hour somewhere. Tiaras are strictly reserved for evening events only. So if Meghan wants to fit a quick yoga practice in at 6 AM she can't wear one, but if she attends a night class it's okay.
Apparently, she's also not allowed to wear hairspray with the tiara because it'll dull the precious stones. That means on her wedding day she wasn't wearing any hairspray. So if you criticized her hair that day just know that it was all-natural to accommodate for the bling.
The "Six" Is No Longer Her Home
Even though Suits is set in NYC, the show is actually filmed in Toronto, Canada. So to make it easier on herself travel-wise while shooting, the American actress made her home in Toronto.
She rented a Bathurst and Dupont street house for 2 years while she dated Prince Harry. Reportedly, the home sold for $1.6 million in 2018. Though the little house is chic and gorgeous, she's onto bigger and better things as she moves into her new zip code at Frogmore cottage with Prince Harry.
She's Had To Bring One Of Her Dogs Overseas
Markle is an advocate for rescuing animals and even owns two rescued dogs herself. She's a mother to Bogart and Guy, two adorable dogs she rescued from high-kill-rate shelters. Guy will be coming to the U.K. with the Duchess while, unfortunately, Bogart remains behind.
Meghan and Bogart became a family back in 2012 when she adopted the Labrador-shepherd mix. Bogart is 5 years old so he's not quite a senior dog, but people speculate he may have a health condition that prevents him from flying. Markle told the press he's "staying with friends" so hopefully he's enjoying his new home.
Royals Can't Wear Cork Shoes
Another oddly specific and seemingly unnecessary rule can only mean one thing - the garlic avoider, the queen of England came up with it. Honestly, though, this one makes sense since cork wedges just don't ever look good.
Apparently, it's well known among the women of the family that the queen doesn't enjoy the shoes. This photo of Kate Middleton was only taken when she was attending an event that the queen wouldn't appear at.
She'll Always Be Compared
The thing with the British royals is that there's just not that many of them. It's a situation that's awesome for British tabloids but not so great for the people in the family. Every little thing Markle does will likely be compared to what Diana or Kate has done.
For example, even with Meghan's affinity for stylish designer pantsuits, her taste has been compared to Diana's fondness for suits as well. If she wasn't the youngest sibling who always gets compared to their older sibling before, now she definitely gets that experience again.
She Can't Just Make A Facebook Post About Having A Baby
Unlike the rest of us who have a child then write a lengthy Facebook or Instagram post about it then go back to mothering and recovering from the birth, royals are expected to appear in public and present their baby the exact same day.
Imagine pushing an entire human out and then being peeled out of your hospital bed despite whatever pain you or the baby are in and standing in front of cameras. Bizarrely and against all odds, that's exactly what Diana and Middleton did. Meghan and Harry more practically waited 2 days before introducing son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
No More Autographs, It's For A Good Reason Though
Even though this rule seems cruel it actually makes a lot of sense. Meghan Markle is no longer allowed to sign photographs because the fear is that someone will get an autograph that can then be used for forgeries and security breaches.
When your signature has national-level importance it makes a lot of sense you wouldn't want to be throwing it around. Actually, this rule makes a lot of sense for any celebrities with crazy fans. The last thing you want is someone buying a new car with your signature.
She Actually Doesn't Have To Throw Out Her Colored Nail Polish
The Queen is a huge fan of light pink and beige nail colors, so tabloids often report that Meghan is breaking "Royal Protocol" when she wears dark nail colors. Even though she has to follow a bunch of other silly rules like not eating garlic or onions doesn't mean that she also has to wear the same nail color the queen does.
There was an uproar in January 2019 when Meghan was spotted with dark nail polish on her toes because that's apparently newsworthy. She can wear whatever nails she wants as long as they're not made of garlic.
She Had To Re-Learn How To Drink Tea
We all know about the British and their tea. Now Meghan will have the experience of all those fancy tea parties on T.V. except it's her real life. Hopefully, she knows what a "lump" is and how many she wants in her cup.
Reportedly, before she had tea with the Queen, Meghan was coached on all the etiquette of a proper tea party. This advice included the correct way to hold the cup. She better get used to it too, because that's how she'll be handling a teacup for the rest of her life.
Markle Has To Say "Shell No" To Shellfish
It's like round two of the garlic drama and unnecessary rules. People claim that this one makes sense, but it really doesn't. Royals are told they shouldn't eat shellfish because shellfish carry a high risk of foodborne illnesses and the palace doesn't want these busy traveling royals to get sick.
Does the palace think royals don't know that so they made a rule? Do you think this reaches a new level of micro-managing? Luckily, Kate Middleton and Prince William publically say they love sushi and Prince Charles has been seen eating shellfish before. Viva la oyster revolution.
She's Done Eating When The Queen Says So
As per a royal rule that's been around as long as the monarchy, when the Queen says the meal is over, it's over for everyone. As soon as she stops eating everyone else is expected to as well and wait staff begin clearing plates.
Word has it that the Queen is very gracious about this rule and will take her time to make sure everyone else is finished with their meal. That's great, but what if Uncle Pete takes an hour to eat one dish? We can easily see this rule being a problem.
Her Bouquet Was Required To Have Myrtle
She's got to have something old, new, borrowed, blue, and something handpicked from a family bush. It's a tradition after all. Since Queen Victoria planted a myrtle bush in 1845 for her daughter's wedding day every royal bride has had myrtle in their bouquet.
Harry also hand-picked some forget-me-nots for the bouquet as a tribute to his late mother Princess Diana, who loved the flowers. These additions are quite cute and show the continuity of the royal line in the flowers.
Put The Cleavage Away
If there's no leg crossing allowed then there's absolutely no cleavage to be on display for the royal women. Diana reportedly had what she called "cleavage bags" designed to combat any slippage when she got in and out of cars, as the tiny satin bags had no other purpose than to shield her chest from the press.
Meghan won't be able to wear cleavage centered clothes like this striking silver dress she wore for an L.A. Awards event. It's funny that this is the rule now since Queen Victoria and other corseted royals often showed theirs.
PDA Is Frowned Upon
There's no technical rule against a little lovey-dovey action, but the palace frowns upon PDA especially if it's excessive or inappropriate. That's pretty obvious. It's also a rumor that royals aren't allowed to hold hands, so if you see them in public not doing that it's probably because they have sweaty palms.
These commemorative mugs from the Royal Wedding are here with a steamy wedding smooch so why wouldn't a little PDA be allowed? That's way more normal than a couple that seems repelled by each other.
Hopefully, Monopoly Wasn't Meghan's Favorite Game
Reportedly, the royals don't play Monopoly at home because the game gets "too vicious." We're not sure who came up with this oddly specific ban, but it fits right in with all the other random stuff Markle can't do anymore. Guess she'll have to just try and buy Park Place for real to get a taste of the game.
The only games that Meghan is publically involved with these days are The Invictus Games, one of Prince Harry's charities. The Invictus Games let ill or injured armed services personnel compete in Olympic-level competition. That's a much better use of time.
Don't Worry, She's Actually Allowed To Wear All Black
There's a weird rumor circulating that the royals can't wear black except when they're in mourning. If you look at any event photos of Markle or Middleton you'll know that's just not true. Meghan was at a baseball game recently in a black dress. All black is the new black and these stylish ladies obviously know that.
What is true is that they need to pack a black outfit when they go abroad. This rule stems from when the Queen's father died unexpectedly while she was abroad and she didn't have any mourning clothes as she made the return to England.
She's Encouraged To Keep Her Cool Always
Royals are encouraged to try their best to remain neutral, happy, or composed in public settings. But they're people like the rest of us and they feel emotions too - Diana, Kate, and Camilla have all welled up at various events that had them meeting with domestic abuse victims, sick children, and other people afflicted by hardships.
The Queen herself has even cried in public. She's been seen tearing up at Remembrance Sunday services. The first time she cried in public was in 1997 when her private royal luxury yacht was decommissioned because it was too expensive to maintain.
She Will Be Encouraged To Wear A Hat During The Daytime
We're all fascinated by the gravity-resistant hats and fascinators the royals sport on their heads. Before she was engaged Markle rarely donned a hat, but now she's in the royal family she's often pictured with some sort of headgear.
This is because of one traditional royal protocol from back in the 1950s that states female royals should wear hats at formal daytime events. At 6:00 she'll change into something more formal. We're hoping that's when it's tiara time.
She Had To Become A Purse Code Reader
Here's the secret rule you've been waiting for. We know you've been scrolling this list for some secret palace code that nobody talks about and here it is. It's the classic MI6 protocol, the rumored "purse trick".
Approximately five minutes before she is ready to leave, the Queen will put her handbag on the table. This covert method lets those around her know that it's time to prepare themselves to leave as well. Only royal noobs actually stop eating when the Queen does, the rest of them are in on and used to the covert purse signal.
She Can't Vote Now
This rule makes sense for a number of reasons. Monarchs shouldn't be able to vote because they basically rule a country anyways, and Meghan's citizenship is still being decided at the moment. If she's American she can't vote anyway.
We can imagine that this rule would be hard for Meghan. She's very socially involved so giving up her political agency and not having a say in who runs a country would be very difficult. Hopefully, she can find other charitable ways to make the changes she wants in the world.
Christmas Gifts Are A Thing Of The Past
Nowadays the royals are more economically and socially cognizant than their predecessors. We're looking at you Frenchman Louis XIV. IT's just not right to be extravagant and at the top of your country. The Queen takes this seriously, and in 2018 gave everyone in the household and the staff silver-plated coasters for Christmas.
The royal family exchanges their Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve after a special holiday tea service. The gifts are put on display and opened in front of everyone and they're usually simple gag gifts.
She Has To Accept Every Gift Given To Her
Fans and politicians alike are frequently given gifts. They are committed to accepting every single gift presented to them unless it's a food item. Further, they must release an annual list of every gift they received during the year.
Meghan received her first official Royal gift in 2017: an apron which Prince William accepted on her and Harry's behalf on a trip to Finland. Pictured: Prince William accepting a completely different gift a few years ago.
Meghan Has To Give Her Gifts To The Queen
Just like their babies, the Queen actually has custody over all the gifts the royals receive. Whatever they get they must send to her and she decides what to do with them.
This is kind of a good way to stay on top of all their stuff since royals are probably given a lot. According to the Daily Mirror, the Queen can choose to incorporate the items into the Royal Collection, donate them to charity, store them, or discard of them if necessary.
When The Queen Stands They All Stand
It's like Meghan will be at a rock concert of her favorite band all the time. When the queen stands every royal is expected to stand, and you probably should too if you're in the same room.
When Markle met the queen she also had to curtsey and apparently, you're not allowed to touch the queen unless she offers her hand. Canada's governor general got into a bit of hot water when he touched her elbow when she was descending some carpeted stairs so she wouldn't slip. Surely, there's got to be an exception, she's in her 90's.
The Baby's Gender Being Secret Means No Gender Reveal Party
We're all used to the big celebration that comes with a baby's gender being revealed. The couple cuts into a cake, breaks a balloon, or smashed something and out pops blue or pink. But that's just not something the royals get into.
The royals upkeep the tradition of keeping a baby's gender secret until it is born and officially announced when the child is presented. So if you were wondering why your invite to Meghan's gender reveal party never came it was definitely because of that.
Bare-Legs Are A No Go Now
If you think a royal woman has bare legs think again. These ladies are expressly forbidden from showing any naughty calf-skin, so all those ankles you're seeing are sheathed in a sheer pantyhose. We're curious if they have to wear sheer pantyhose under capris too.
Do the Princes have to wear pantyhose when they wear shorts too? That would only make sense in this crusade against exposed shin skin. Come on, palace, you're losing the battle if you haven't considered the danger of letting those man-ankles free.
