Meghan Markle’s Royal Rule-Breaking Was “Conscious Rebellion,” Claims Expert

The crisp perfection of royal fashion has long been a symbol of tradition, but Meghan Markle’s 22-month tenure as a working royal shattered expectations stitch by stitch. From refusing to wear tights to selecting off-the-shoulder gowns and non-British designers for high-profile events, the Duchess of Sussex’s wardrobe choices weren’t mere oversights, according to royal commentator Richard Eden. They were, he asserts, calculated acts of defiance against centuries-old protocols—a “conscious, committed rebellion” foreshadowing her and Prince Harry’s dramatic exit.

Was Meghan Markle’s Style a Deliberate Challenge to Royal Norms?

Eden, host of the YouTube analysis series Reading the Royals, meticulously cataloged over a dozen protocol breaches during Meghan’s brief royal career (May 2018–March 2020). Speaking on his show, he emphasized the frequency: “Given the volume of headlines, people forget her royal tenure spanned a mere 22 months… In that time, there were more than a dozen examples of breaking the rules—about one every two months.”

The deviations were stark when compared to contemporaries like Kate Middleton or the late Queen. At Wimbledon 2018, while Kate adhered to the unspoken dress code of skirts or dresses, Meghan wore white wide-leg trousers. For her official engagement photos, Meghan chose a £56,000 ($75,000) designer gown—a stark contrast to Kate’s £385 ($500) dress. Other noted infractions included:

• Bare legs in winter: Consistently opting against sheer hosiery, even in cold weather
• Shoulder-baring outfits: Wearing strapless or off-shoulder designs at formal events
• International designers: Choosing non-British labels for the British Fashion Awards

Evidence Mounts: A Pattern of Defiance

Eden argues these weren’t isolated incidents but a clear rejection of the monarchy’s core bargain: privilege in exchange for conformity. “The signs were there from the beginning,” he stated. “Meghan refused to accept the contract… that says being a royal comes with undoubted benefits, but there’s a price to be paid.” That price, he notes, requires subordinating personal brand to institutional duty—a trade Meghan allegedly resisted.

Royal biographer Robert Jobson echoed this sentiment to The Telegraph, noting, “Protocol exists to depersonalize the institution. Individual flair is secondary.” Meghan’s Hollywood background, Eden suggests, made this submission untenable. Her fashion “rebellion” was less about aesthetics and more about autonomy—a harbinger of the Sussexes’ eventual withdrawal from royal duties.

Why Protocol Matters in the Modern Monarchy

While critics dismissed Meghan’s choices as progressive updates to stale traditions, royal historians emphasize protocol’s symbolic role. Dr. Carolyn Harris, author of Raising Royalty, explains: “Royal dress codes—like tights, hats, or skirt lengths—aren’t arbitrary. They signal respect, neutrality, and continuity. Defying them publicly challenges the institution’s cohesion.”

The tension culminated in Meghan and Harry’s relocation to California in 2020. Though Harry has since made efforts to reconcile with the Royal Family, insiders suggest the Palace remains wary of Meghan’s return. As Eden bluntly concludes: “She never wanted to dedicate her life to public service under the Crown’s terms.”

Meghan Markle’s calculated divergence from royal style rules exposed a deeper rift—one where personal identity clashed irrevocably with ancient tradition. Her sartorial rebellion wasn’t just about fashion; it was a 22-month manifesto that redefined her role on her own terms, leaving the monarchy to grapple with the boundaries of change in a modern world.

Must Know

Q: How many times did Meghan Markle break royal protocol?
A: Royal expert Richard Eden documented over a dozen breaches during her 22-month tenure—roughly once every two months. Key examples include Wimbledon 2018 (wearing trousers instead of a dress) and consistently avoiding tights.

Q: Why is royal fashion protocol so strict?
A: Dress codes—like wearing British designers or covered shoulders—symbolize neutrality, respect, and tradition. They minimize individual branding to emphasize the institution’s unity, explains historian Dr. Carolyn Harris.

Q: Did Kate Middleton follow the same rules as Meghan?
A: Yes. Kate consistently adhered to protocols like wearing tights, knee-length skirts, and British designers. Her £385 engagement dress contrasted sharply with Meghan’s £56,000 gown.

Q: What did experts say about Meghan’s intent?
A: Richard Eden called it a “conscious, committed rebellion,” arguing her choices signaled rejection of the monarchy’s demand to prioritize duty over personal expression.

Q: Has any other royal defied protocol like Meghan?
A: Princess Diana occasionally bent rules (e.g., black dresses pre-Queen’s death), but not as systematically. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, faced early criticism but adapted fully.

Q: Are Meghan and Harry returning to royal duties?
A: Prince Harry has sought reconciliation, but reports (e.g., The Times) suggest the Palace opposes Meghan’s return as a working royal due to unresolved tensions.