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The Truth Behind Meghan Markle’s Legs Controversy

The Duchess of Sussex found herself in hot water over a pair of stockings.
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Being a part of the British royal family comes with a lot of rules – everything from what you say, to how you act, to what you’re allowed to wear is dictated by royal guidelines. And no one knows that better than Meghan Markle, one of the newest members of the reigning House of Windsor.

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Even before Markle married into the royal family, she was already breaking protocol. Her engagement was racked with scandal when the American actress – gasp – did not wear pantyhose in her engagement photos, a major fashion faux pas according to the royal dress code.

Let’s take a look at Meghan Markle, the original bare-leg controversy that started it all, and how the Duchess of Sussex continues to break tradition.

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Who Is Meghan Markle?

Meghan Markle first gained international fame as an actress, most notably for her role as Rachel Zane on the TV show Suits. She’s also appeared in films such as Remember Me, Horrible Bosses, and Get Him to the Greek. Markle is a proud feminist and once ran a lifestyle blog called The Tig where she regularly featured powerful and influential women in different industries.

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However, Markle retired from acting in 2017, following the announcement of her engagement to Prince Harry, the grandson of Queen Elizabeth and sixth in line to the throne. Upon her marriage in 2018, she assumed the title Duchess of Sussex, becoming the first biracial person to become a member of the British royal family.

The Duke & Duchess of Sussex with their newborn son
(Credit: Getty)

Earlier this year, Meghan gave birth to her first child with Prince Harry, Prince Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. Although she quit acting, Markle’s been incredibly busy fulfilling her responsibilities as a royal. She’s been both heavily criticised and praised for her tendency to break royal protocol, especially when it comes to her wardrobe.

So What’s The Deal With Meghan Markle’s Legs?

Markle’s legs first became the subject of a major scandal in 2017. In her engagement photos, the future royal did not wear tights under her dress, opting instead to show off her gorgeous legs. While this would be unremarkable for most people, it caused quite a stir for the duchess-to-be.

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Because the Queen and sister-in-law Kate Middleton often wore nude stockings, the public speculated that Markle broke royal protocol by going bare-legged. Royal experts disagree about whether or not that rule’s actually in place, but most do agree that it’s generally encouraged, especially for formal or conservative events.

In addition to her breaking royal tradition by ditching the hosiery, the Suits star was also criticised for her legs itself. Nasty commenters resorted to body shaming, calling her out for having ugly ‘chicken legs’ and tiny ankles.

The Royal Family’s Dress Code

Besides being expected to wear pantyhose to public events, the women in the royal family are also expected to follow other wardrobe guidelines, such as:

  • They must carry a clutch, and in their left hand, so that they can use their right hand to wave and interact with the public.
  • Although pants are not expressly forbidden, the Queen prefers that the women in her family wear dresses and skirts.
  • Dresses and skirts need to be knee-length. If it’s shorter, it cannot be more than a few inches above the knee.
  • Hats and fascinators are expected at formal engagements such as weddings, the races, and other occasions.
  • The Queen doesn’t like wedge heels and prohibits her family from wearing them when she’s around. However, it seems that the royals are free to break this rule as long as they’re not within the Queen’s eyeline.
The Royal Family attending church on Christmas Day
(Credit: Getty)
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Has Markle Broken The Stockings Rule Since Then?

Although there was some initial bad backlash, it didn’t seem to faze the Duchess. In fact, Meghan Markle and her ‘skinny’ legs have kept making public appearances sans pantyhose since then. But while Markle prefers to go without stockings for most of her outfits, she does wear them on occasion. 

Similar Royal Controversies

When it comes to Meghan Markle’s royal controversies, it’s not just limited to stockings. For Trooping The Colour 2018, Markle wore a blush pink off-the-shoulder dress, which some critics thought was inappropriate for the event. Then, on a visit to Ireland, the Duchess of Sussex did away with the traditional dress or blouse-skirt combo and wore a pantsuit. 

Duke & Duchess of Sussex visiting Ireland in 2018
(Credit: Getty)
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Finally, Markle’s been spotted with crossed legs at multiple events, which is considered bad manners and ‘unladylike’, especially for someone from the British royal family. This is compared to the more modest and elegant ‘duchess slant’ (which Kate Middleton has perfected), where she sits with both feet on the floor.

The Best Photos Of Meghan Markle’s Legs

Before her relationship with Prince Harry, Markle was a Hollywood actress and model. The former Suits star wasn’t shy about showing off her great figure and toned legs.

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Markle obviously worked very hard with her personal trainer to achieve a long and shapely look.

Conclusion

Because Meghan Markle is a part of the most watched family in the world, her every move and wardrobe choice is subject to a ton of scrutiny. But although she has to adhere to royal tradition for the most part, Markle still manages a few moments of rebellion – including a few stocking mishaps here and there.

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