How Meghan Markle refuses to bow to the Queen’s strict fashion rules, from going bare-legged to wearing black

LAST week Meghan Markle stole the show watching the musical Hamilton in a £459 dress by Canadian label Judith & Charles.

The Duchess of Sussex, 37, went bare-legged as she wore the short dress that broke no fewer than FOUR royal golden rules.

Not only did the length raise eyebrows but it was also black – a colour typically avoided by the family.

There isn’t an official royal rule book, but women in the royal family are expected to adhere to some etiquette guidelines when it comes to their dressing.

While Kate Middleton is a pro in toeing the line when it comes to following the fashion rules, it appears Meghan Markle is not afraid to challenge the norm.

Here are all the royal fashion rules Meghan has flouted after joining the elite family…

Rule number one: No skirts above the knee

Leggy looks are frowned upon– so royal women tend to ditch the super-short lengths.

The Queen has a strict “no knees” policy at formal events. Elsewhere, hemlines can be no higher than an inch or two above.

Meghan certainly was pushing the boundaries with her thigh-skimming dress at Hamilton.

Rule number two: Do not go bare-legged

It’s said no matter the weather, a royal female must wear a pair of nude tights.

That could explain why, on her first public appearance as a Duchess, Meghan opted for an odd pair of white tights.

Of late, the Duchess appears to be ditching the etiquette and has been a repeat rule-breaker, including at the Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception in London and at an Invictus Games event in April.

She also broke this rule for their engagement photos, but as she wasn’t technically a member of the Royal family as this point, it’s a grey area.

Rule number three: No black outfits

Royals are encouraged to avoid wearing all black unless in mourning or at a Remembrance Day event.

But it appears the former Suits star is not inclined to ditch the dark shade she favours.

She's stepped out for a number of occasions in black, and looks sensational while doing so.

Rule number four: No shoulders on show

Arriving at the annual Royal event in a horse-drawn carriage with her husband Prince Harry in June, Meghan looked every inch the modern-day Princess in a bespoke creation by Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera.

However, the actress-turned-Duchess had already overlooked one royal fashion rule: exposing her shoulders.

Fashion tradition usually dictates that royal women do not wear off-shoulder or other more revealing styles.

Rule number five: No trouser suits

There's a reason you never see the Queen wearing a trouser suit.

Typically the fashion outfit is avoided by the royal family, but Meghan is proudly flouting this one too.

During her Dublin trip in July, she donned a smart black tailored trouser suit, which she paired with a round-neck white T-shirt, black pointed court shoes and a clutch handbag.

Rule number six: Must carry a clutch

Clutches can be used as an excuse to not shake hands. So it’s time to ditch the cross-body bags, Meg.

Just let your assistant hold all your essentials.

But hey, fashion rules are made to broken, after all.

And the Royal rule she IS going to follow...

Meghan Markle has reportedly been told that she has to ditch her beloved stiletto heels ahead of her upcoming royal tour to Australia and New Zealand.

She is said to be complying with the rule for day events, but will still wear towering heels in the evening.

Instead of day time high heels, she is said to be opting for kitten heels.

This is the strict shoe rule all royal women follow… and even Meghan Markle never breaks it.

There's also a reason why Prince George and Princess Charlotte can't eat with their parents at royal dinners. 

And, here's all of Meghan Markle's hair secrets revealed.