Has the fairytale ever truly been rewritten? The story of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has captivated the world, a narrative of a modern woman navigating the ancient institution of the British monarchy and challenging it, one bare leg at a time.
From the moment her engagement to Prince Harry was announced in 2017, Meghan's choices, both sartorial and otherwise, have been scrutinized under the unforgiving gaze of public and press alike. Its a scrutiny that often seems to focus on the details of her departure from Royal protocol, a deviation from the established norms that have governed the lives of Royals for centuries. This has led to the creation of numerous platforms, offering a repository for all memes, caricatures, satire and parody dedicated to Meghan Markle and Harry Harkle. Her journey has been one of both defiance and integration, a tightrope walk between embracing tradition and forging a new path.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rachel Meghan Markle |
| Born | August 4, 1981, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Education | Northwestern University (Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and International Studies) |
| Former Profession | Actress, Model, and Philanthropist |
| Notable Role | Rachel Zane in the television series Suits |
| Marriage | Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (May 19, 2018) |
| Children | Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor |
| Philanthropic Interests | Gender equality, mental health, education |
| Current Residence | Montecito, California, USA |
| Reference | The Royal Family Official Website |
One of the most persistent observations, and one that highlights the contrasts between tradition and modernity, revolves around the seemingly simple matter of tights. Or, rather, the lack thereof. Meghan's decision to forgo the mandated nude hosiery a staple of royal women's wardrobes for generations in favor of bare legs caused quite a stir. Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter, speaking to the Mirror, noted that the Queen was reportedly irked by this particular breach of protocol, considering it essential for women representing the monarchy to wear tights in public. This seemingly small detail became a symbol of Meghan's approach: choosing her own style and challenging convention, even within the confines of the Royal family.
The focus on Meghan's adherence to, or deviation from, royal protocol has become a constant in the narrative surrounding her. There are a comprehensive list of the ways Meghan Markle has broken royal protocol since getting engaged and married to Prince Harry. This list, often compiled and shared across various media outlets, tracks everything from her choice of clothing to her public displays of affection (PDA). This is where the world of memes, caricatures, satire, and parody dedicated to the Sussexes comes to play. The internet allows everyone to voice their opinion with humor, creating a place to either celebrate or critique their choices.
Of course, the matter of breaking royal protocol extends beyond sartorial choices. The Sussexes move to step back from their royal duties in 2020, and their subsequent relocation to the United States, marked a significant turning point. Following their decision, the couple has largely forged their own path, pursuing independent ventures and speaking out on issues they are passionate about. This has included various instances where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex allegedly strayed from the unwritten rules governing members of the Royal Family.
The focus on the rules also includes the "autograph rule" a protocol, which is a neat reminder of how creaky and mouldy some traditions can seem in the modern world. The royal family members avoid giving autographs to prevent the possibility of forgeries. Public encounters, charitable engagements, or attending international events, each provides fresh opportunities to either observe or challenge the boundaries of the Royal family's established norms.
The world has been watching, and continues to watch, the Sussexes every move. Each appearance, each statement, each carefully chosen outfit, is dissected and discussed. When Meghan Markle visited Children's Hospital Los Angeles on March 21, 2024, to support their Make March Matter fundraising campaign, the event was covered extensively. As recently as the Invictus Games in Canada, attended by the Duchess, alongside other high-profile figures such as Michelle Williams and Naomi Watts, the focus remained on the balance between Meghan's public life and her personal choices.
The contrast between the Sussexes approach and the established practices of other Royal family members is often highlighted. For instance, the fact that Meghan opted to show off her bare legs while other members of the royal family adhered to the protocol of wearing tights is a recurring theme. This seemingly small decision became a symbol of her individuality and a subtle challenge to the ingrained expectations of the monarchy. And the opposite side also showed up, when Meghan Markle became a duchess, she started wearing nude tights to adhere to the royal protocol.
The ongoing scrutiny also extends to the couple's public image. Instances of paparazzi intrusion, and the circulation of unauthorized photographs, are treated with a particular sensitivity. Any content that is deemed abusive, harassing, sexually explicit, or inappropriate is removed, with a view to fostering a respectful online environment. The rules also discourage what they call "jerkoff posts, comments, or usernames," emphasizing the desire for a level of decorum and respect.
This constant public attention has also led to the rise of communities dedicated to examining every aspect of the Sussexes' lives. These communities often create humorous content, offering a lighthearted perspective on the couple and their choices. "Welcome to the repository of all memes, caricatures, satire and parody dedicated to Meghan Markle and Harry Harkle," a platform dedicated to the creative expression surrounding the couple.
The story of Meghan Markle is far from over. As she continues to navigate her role, it's clear that the narrative will evolve. Whether she is adhering to tradition or challenging it, the world is watching, waiting to see what comes next. From pantyhose to PDA, the list tracking the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's deviations from royal protocol is continuously updated, and that ensures the conversation surrounding them will continue.
