When Meghan Markle joined the British Royal Family, she encountered a complex web of traditions and rules, many of which were deeply rooted in royal life.
Among these was a particular custom held in high regard by the late Queen Mother, so much so that breaking it would have likely caused her considerable dismay.
Meghan Markle’s Royal Protocol Breaks
Known to the public as a successful actress from the TV series Suits, Meghan had to adjust to these strict expectations, which were a far cry from the freedom she enjoyed in Hollywood.
However, during a visit to a children’s hospital in Los Angeles in March, observant royal followers noticed Meghan engaging in an activity that would have raised eyebrows had she still been an active member of the Royal Family.
During her visit, Meghan graciously took photos with the young patients and, in a moment of kindness, signed the pictures with her autograph.
This gesture, while heartwarming, was a significant departure from royal protocol, as members of the Royal Family traditionally refrain from signing autographs.
The rationale behind this long-standing practice is often believed to be the avoidance of potential signature forgeries, though this has never been officially confirmed, as noted by The Express.
Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry no longer have to strictly follow these royal protocols during their public engagements and charitable activities.
The adherence to such rules was a hallmark of many royal figures, including the late Queen Mother, who passed away in 2002.
A columnist from the New York Post even suggested that the sight of Meghan signing autographs would have been enough to make the Queen Mother “roll over in her grave.”
In contrast, Kate Middleton, during a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show’s children’s picnic in 2023, gracefully handled a similar situation. When a young student requested her signature, Kate politely declined, saying, “I can’t write my name, but I can draw.”
When pressed further, she explained, “My name’s Catherine. I’m not allowed to write my signature; it’s just one of those rules.”