Daily Mail’s 16 Protocol Breaches article as a coded exercise in exclusion.

What they call ‘protocol’ is actually myth-making. It functions less like tradition and more like a loyalty test—one Meghan was never meant to pass. Most of the “rules” cited have been ignored by other royals without comment. When Diana wore sheer gowns, it was glamour. When Meghan does it, it’s rebellion. The rules are being racialized and gendered in real time. Protocol gets weaponized to infantilize Meghan’s choices and question her legitimacy. This is not about tights or nail polish. It’s about who gets to be visible without punishment.

The deeper issue is the monarchy’s unresolved discomfort with change. Meghan’s very presence—as an accomplished, biracial, American woman—was disruptive. So the institution and its defenders reframed her confidence as defiance.

Much of this commentary, including Lady Colin Campbell’s pregnancy accusations and Kevin O’Sullivan’s televised mockery, reinforce an exclusionary framework. They’re not enforcing etiquette. They’re policing access.

Meghan’s mistake, then, was not in breaking protocol—but in believing she was ever truly welcome to shape it.

Here are the 16 times Meghan Markle broke royal protocol according to the article:

1. Wearing a Veil as a Divorcee – The Queen allegedly disapproved of her 16ft-long Givenchy veil since she was divorced
2. Wearing White for a Second Marriage – Her bright white Givenchy wedding gown was deemed too white for a divorcee remarrying in church
3. Ripped Jeans – Wore Mother ripped and distressed jeans at the Invictus Games in 2017
4. No Tights – Went bare-legged at her engagement announcement and other occasions when royal protocol requires hosiery
5. Sheer Gown – Chose a Ralph and Russo gown with sheer detailing for engagement photos (£56,000)
6. Holding Hands – Frequently held hands with Harry at public engagements, breaking from restrained royal couple behavior
7. Crossbody Bags – Used Strathberry crossbody bags instead of clutches, leaving hands free for handshakes
8. Off-The-Shoulder Dress – Wore Carolina Herrera off-shoulder dress at Trooping the Colour 2018
9. Going Hat-less – Appeared without a hat at the Mersey Gateway Bridge opening while seated beside the Queen
10. Dressing In Black – Wore all-black Emilia Wickstead dress at British Ambassador’s residence in Ireland
11. Trousers At Wimbledon – Wore white Ralph Lauren trousers instead of the expected skirt/dress
12. Super Short Hemline – Wore a Judith & Charles mini dress to Hamilton gala performance
13. Going Barefoot – Removed her Castaner espadrilles on Bondi Beach during Australia tour
14. Dark Nail Polish – Wore dark burgundy nail polish at British Fashion Awards 2018
15. Wearing Dior to Royal Christening – Chose French designer Dior instead of British designer for Archie’s christening
16. Blue Eyeshadow – Wore bold cobalt blue eyeshadow at her final royal engagement at Westminster Abbey

These range from wedding protocol to everyday appearance choices, showing a pattern of prioritizing personal style over traditional royal conventions.

Recently, a news article noted how the Royal Family has started hugging more. Yet, they criticized Meghan for the same.