Royal fans disappointed Meghan Markle adheres to strict rule requiring royal women to wear pantyhose

Today Meghan proved she isn’t quite the rule-breaker we thought she was, succumbing to the Queen’s wishes.

MEGHAN Markle has been hailed as a modern feminist icon, a woman who has no qualms about breaking traditional royal protocols, but today she showed us she’s still beholden to the Queen’s archaic rules.

Meghan and Prince Harry attended an official event as part of Prince Charles’ 70th birthday celebrations at Buckingham Palace, their first as a married couple. They delayed their honeymoon so they could attend the garden party.

During what was her first official royal engagement as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan wore a $590 peach dress from UK brand Goat, a custom hat by Philip Treacy, nude heels and — wait for it — pantyhose.

Despite flouting the rules and going sans-stockings at previous royal functions — including her own engagement announcement — it seems now she’s officially a member of the family, she has to play by the rules.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend The Prince of Wales’ 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace. Picture: Mega

Left: Meghan at Prince Charles’ birthday celebrations. Right: At the public announcement of her engagement to Prince Harry. Picture: Dominic Lipinski; Chris Jackson

Why Meghan, why? Picture: Mega; Karwai Tang/Wireimage

The Queen requires all royal women to wear nude stockings while in public.

“You never see a royal without their nude stockings. Meghan, from what I can see from the engagement photographs, it doesn’t look like she was wearing tights or stockings,” royal family expert Victoria Arbiter told Insider.

“I would say that’s really the only hard, steadfast rule in terms of what the Queen requires.”

Any woman who has had to wear pantyhose knows they are insanely impractical. They’re uncomfortable and you spend the entire time panicking you’ll snag them and get a ladder. It’s exhausting.

Royal fans on Twitter expressed their sadness that Meghan had caved to this old-fashioned rule.

Harry and Meghan make their first public appearance as husband and wife.

It is with great sadness I note that the pantyhose reign of terror has begun. pic.twitter.com/rktJgFWDYF

— Criminelle Law (@CriminelleLaw) May 22, 2018

I keep thinking about all the things Meghan had to give up to marry Harry, and I mostly get it. But now she has to wear PANTYHOSE. Forever! I don’t know if I could ever love a man that much.

— Hannah Orenstein (@hannahorens) May 22, 2018

i knew they would make meghan wear pantyhose once they got a ring on her finger and was prepared for this but it didn't make it any easier to see it happen

— Nicole Cliffe (@Nicole_Cliffe) May 22, 2018

Meghan looks amazing but I have to say I would not marry a prince, any prince, if it meant having to wear pantyhose. Pantyhose is where I draw the line. pic.twitter.com/CMaZtRIYJR

— Hilary (@NotThatHilary) May 22, 2018

Me: omg I wanna marry royalty I could totally do this

*Sees Meghan Markle’s outfit from today that included pantyhose*

Me: yeah no that’s a deal breaker never mind

— LPM (@SlaylorJ) May 22, 2018

The greatest tragedy is the fact that Meghan is forced to wear pantyhose like it’s the 50s

— Kamryn (@kamrynangela) May 22, 2018

Many also noted that her trademark low-key “messy bun” had gone, replaced by a very chic, professionally styled chignon.

Left: Meghan Markle pictured in January before her wedding, rocking a chilled messy bun. Right: Wearing a tight, professionally styled bun. Picture: Chris Jackson; Dominic Lipinski

Also, her pantyhose are an unfortunate shade of pale pink and clearly don’t match her mixed race skintone.

Hoping that Meghan doesn't turn into a Stepford princess and lose her terrific style... pantyhose? No messy bun? Handbag position?
Clone of Kate seems to me!!!

— Florri Beckley (@FlorriBeckley) May 22, 2018

the pantyhose rule was fine until they forgot meghan was half black pic.twitter.com/Ew5RWRBCqE

— rachelle ! (@rachmontil) May 22, 2018

Big fat nooooo to Meghan *Windsor*’s blush pink pantyhose!!!!!

— kob (@KSOqueso12) May 22, 2018

I know any sensible mental health expert would tell us all to get a life and stop overanalysing this poor woman’s minute fashion choices.

But for women around the world desperately looking for progressive high-profile women to relate to, Meghan represents a glimmer of hope.

Let’s hope one pair of pantyhose doesn’t kill that spark.

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