Within the gilded halls of Buckingham Palace, there is a long-standing list of rules and traditions that shape every aspect of the British royal family. From what to wear and how to dine to the intricacies of social behavior, these protocols weave a cloak of formality around royal life. However, these customs can sometimes appear outdated to outsiders. While Princess Diana is celebrated for her willingness to test these boundaries, it was Meghan Markle who continued this tradition of questioning established norms.

In her brief tenure as a working member of the royal family, the Duchess of Sussex shattered a multitude of royal norms. Now, years after stepping back from her royal duties, she has once again broken away from traditional expectations. 

Meghan Markle, recently, made a visit to a Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, where she spent time bonding with young patients through storytelling and activities. However, it was her decision to give her autograph to the children that caused a stir. In footage released by Extra TV, the Duchess is shown posing for Polaroid snapshots with the kids followed by signing autographs. And just like that, she broke another royal protocol. 

Traditionally, royal protocol prohibits members from giving signatures, as it poses a risk of potential forgery. This episode prompted people to look back at Kate Middleton's surprise visit to the Children's Picnic at the Chelsea Flower Show, where she politely declined a request to sign her name. She explained, "I am not allowed to write my signature, it is just one of those rules". While Kate Middleton could not escape this royal code, Markle did it not once, but twice.

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Meghan Markle has flouted the royal ban on autographs from the moment she became a member of the royal family.

Meghan Markle, the former actress, is no stranger to signing autographs and mingling with fans. During her series of visits to sites across the United Kingdom prior to her wedding, she broke this protocol for the first time. In 2018, outside Cardiff Castle in Wales, the former Suits actress and the then soon-to-be bride of Prince Harry spent time conversing with well-wishers, disregarding the usual protocol of maintaining a certain distance from the public.

Besides signing autographs, which breaks the rules, Meghan Markle was also seen being very friendly with the crowd. She even let one man kiss her hand! But since she was not officially married yet, she kind of got away with it. Markle is not the only royal who has bent the rules. According to The Telegraph, King Charles also did it in 2010, when he signed an autograph for a flood victim in Cornwall. That said, it seems like not many royals follow the rule of not signing autographs.

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Do you believe the royal rule against giving autographs is outdated? Share your views on Meghan Markle breaking away from traditions in the comments below!