Meghan Markle criticised for this ‘unprofessional’ habit – do you agree?
Etiquette expert William Hanson blasted her 'casual' pose on an outing in New Zealand
MEGHAN Markle has been criticised for putting her hands in her pockets, with an etiquette expert branding it a "step too far" for a Royal Family member.
The Duchess of Sussex was snapped with her mitts tucked into the pockets of her £520 white tuxedo dress, made especially for her by New Zealand designer Maggie Marilyn, while attending an event in Wellington on Monday.
The couple were on a visit to Courtenay Creative, which runs programmes for young people looking to get into film.
Etiquette expert William Hanson said the laid back pose is "too relaxed and too unprofessional" for a royal appearance.
However, he acknowledged that pregnant Meghan's "small blip" can easily be corrected in time for her next outing.
He told : "We know that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pioneering a new, relaxed, tactile branch of monarchy but having hands in the pocket is a step too far.
"There is good casual and there is bad casual. Placing a hand in the pocket is too relaxed and unprofessional, however dressed down Prince Harry and his wife may have been.
"Will the world end? No. It is just a small blip in Meghan’s usually delightful manners that can be easily corrected for future engagements."
However, body language expert Judi James has suggested that the duchess's "unprofessional" habit stems from her love of fashion.
"It is also a probable nod to her love of 50's styling.
"Her full skirts are very Audrey Hepburn and to wear them well a hand in one pocket is almost de rigueur.
"She also loves slouchy coats and jackets and the same fashion rule of 'wearing' the tailoring would apply with them too."
Yesterday we told how Meghan "did a Diana" by stepping out in a daring see-through skirt on the final day of her and Prince Harry's first overseas tour.
The pair crammed in an incredible 76 engagements during their trip - here are the highlights.