The Duchess of Sussex has ignited fresh controversy after confessing her deliberate avoidance of wearing hosiery during official royal duties, directly contravening established Windsor dress protocols.
In a revealing conversation on her Archetypes podcast, Meghan Markle disclosed her longstanding resistance to the requirement, stating she would often "rag on having to wear tights" despite clear expectations for female royals to maintain covered legs at public events.
Defying Tradition
The former actress turned royal explained her consistent protocol breach, noting she would frequently attend engagements bare-legged despite knowing the established rules. Her admission provides rare insight into the behind-the-scenes tensions regarding royal wardrobe expectations.
Royal fashion experts have consistently noted that sheer nude hosiery forms an essential component of the Queen's preferred dress code for female family members during public appearances.
A Pattern of Protocol Breaches
This isn't the first time the Duchess has challenged royal sartorial norms. Her choice to forego traditional hosiery has been documented multiple times since joining the royal family, including during:
- Official tours overseas
- Commonwealth Day services
- Remembrance Day events
- Church services at Sandringham
Fashion commentators have suggested this deliberate deviation from protocol represents a broader pattern of the Sussexes distancing themselves from established royal conventions.
Palace Protocol Versus Personal Preference
While never officially codified, the expectation for female royals to wear hosiery has been consistently demonstrated by the Princess of Wales, the Countess of Wessex, and the Princess Royal during official engagements.
The Duchess's confession highlights the ongoing tension between personal comfort and royal tradition, particularly for newer members of the family navigating centuries-old expectations.
This revelation comes amid continued scrutiny of the Sussexes' relationship with royal protocols, following their step back from senior duties and subsequent move to North America.
