11 things the Duchess of Sussex can't do now that she's part of the royal family

She stopped some of them before they married

The Duchess of Sussex
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 23rd May 2018
Last updated 23rd May 2018

Now that Meghan Markle has married Prince Harry she has been given the title of The Duchess of Sussex. Here are 11 things she CAN'T do now that she's part of the Royal family.

1. Go to bed before the Queen

Any guests who are with the Queen in the evening cannot go to bed before Her Royal Highness. The Queen reportedly goes to bed at midnight!

2. Take selfies

As a former actress it's likely that Meghan took a number of selfies, however this isn't allowed as part of the Royal family. Meghan confirmed this last year when she was meeting the public in Nottingham that she wasn't allowed to have a selfie taken. A well-wisher called Barbara Miller told OK! magazine, "She said thank you very much for braving the cold.

"I said 'can we have a selfie?' and said 'we're not allowed to do selfies'."

Meghan Markle posing for a photo

3. Open presents on Christmas Day

In accordance with tradition the Royal family open their presents on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. According to the Royal website, 'On Christmas Eve, The Royal Family lay out their presents on trestle tables and will exchange their gifts at teatime.'

Christmas Day is the day that the family spend at Sandringham House when they go to the morning service at St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham and then watch the Queen's Speech in the afternoon.

4. Sign Autographs

Another thing that would come naturally to a former actress is signing autographs, but this is not allowed due to forgery reasons. If the Royal family sign their name then there is a chance that their signature could be taken and forged. They are only allowed to sign official documents.

Meghan Markle signing

5. Social Media

In preparation for the Royal Wedding the Duchess's social media profiles were deleted. Members of the Royal family are not allowed to have their own social media accounts. As with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it is expected that the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex will use the Kensington Palace accounts to keep the public up-to-date on their activities.

6. Play Monopoly

Although not confirmed, some publications are reporting that the Royal family are banned from playing Monopoly! According to The Telegraph, Prince Andrew previously said, "We're not allowed to play Monopoly at home," although it isn't clear if that was because of the arguments it would inevitably create!

7. Vote

The Royal family are expected to remain neutral when it comes to politics and therefore they shouldn't vote during elections.

8. Crossed legs

Members of the Royal family are not allowed to cross their legs at the knee. Legs and knees must be kept together, but crossing at the ankle is OK. One popular way to sit is the 'Duchess Slant' named after the Duchess of Cambridge.

Duchess of Cambridge

9. Dress casually

In public the Royal family cannot be seen to wear casual clothes, so they are expected to be 'modest and smart' at all times.

10. Short hemlines

Since the announcement of their engagement, the Duchess has worn very smart clothes and it is thought that shorter hemlines are to be kept away from.

11. Go out in public alone

There will be no 'popping to the corner shop' by herself. Now that the Duchess is part of the Royal family she will have security surrounding her at all times.

The Royal family have already relaxed many of their rules, so we won't know if these will be enforced or not.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on the 19th May. When the bride arrived next to Prince Harry he told her she looked "amazing". Watch the lovely moment below.

Now take a look at some of the highlights from their special day in our gallery below.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding


On Monday three official wedding photos were released by Kensington Palace, the photos included one with the close family, bridesmaids and page boys.

You can see the other official wedding photos here.