Meghan Markle Criticizes Royal Dress Rules as Inauthentic

Meghan Markle has openly criticized the royal dress code, particularly the unwritten rule requiring royal women to wear nude pantyhose during official engagements, calling it "inauthentic" and not reflective of her personal style. Speaking in interviews and on podcasts, Meghan described feeling constrained and less herself during her time as a working royal, noting she "couldn’t be as vocal" and had to conform to traditions established by Queen Elizabeth II. While acknowledging the example of pantyhose as "silly," she used it to illustrate broader challenges of maintaining authenticity within royal protocol. Meghan also emphasized the importance of being able to dress and speak authentically now that she is outside the royal spotlight. Royal commentators have noted that wearing tights was more a mark of respect to the late Queen rather than a strict rule, with some royals occasionally opting to go bare-legged at less formal events. Meghan's reflections coincide with the release of the second season of her Netflix lifestyle show, where she continues to share personal insights about her life and family.