Meghan Markle Broke Royal Protocol by Signing an Autograph for a Fan

Royal-to-be Meghan Markle has reportedly been in princess training for months, but during a recent outing, the actress definitely broke royal protocol. While visiting Cardiff Castle in Wales with her fiancé, Prince Harry, the 36-year-old signed an autograph for a fan — a major no-no for members of the royal family!

However, quick-thinking Meghan might have actually found a protocol loophole. According to People, when 10-year-old Caitlin Clark asked the former Suits star to sign her notepad, Meghan actually wrote “Hi Kaitlin” and doodled a cute heart and smiley face on the piece of paper instead of penning her own name. Clark later told reporters that she didn’t even mind that Meghan had unknowingly misspelled her moniker. “I don’t really care. My heart is still racing. I’ve never got a royal autograph before. This is going to make everyone jealous,” she said.

Meghan Markle Autograph Getty Images

Meghan in Wales on Jan. 18. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

According to a previous report by The Express, members of the monarchy aren’t allowed to sign autographs in public for safety reasons. “The long-standing rule remains in place for all royals because of the risk of the signature being forged,” the publication repots. “Prince Charles reportedly responds to autograph requests with ‘Sorry, they don’t allow me to do that.'” So, what exactly can royals do while greeting fans? According to official royal protocol, they can kindly shake hands, give hugs, chat, and take pictures.

Meghan’s latest outing isn’t the first time she’s allegedly broken royal protocol since becoming Harry’s fiancée in November 2017. During two other recent royal engagements, Meg was spotted wearing her long, dark brown tresses in a messy bun — a far cry from her future sister-in-law, Kate Middleton’s, typically picture-perfect hairdos. Fans also questioned whether the high-fashion Ralph & Russo gown Meghan donned during her official engagement photos with Harry broke protocol. At the time, opinions swirled that Meghan’s choice of semi-sheer lace dress was a little risqué for a royal-to-be. One journalist, Jacquelin Magnay, said, “Sheer, expensive, showbiz. Prince Harry’s lass is breaking all the rules!”

Interestingly, People recently reported that Queen Elizabeth has lately become much more lenient about royal protocol rules than ever before. “It’s her age. She is easier-going. It’s refreshing that [the royal family] is prepared to bend a bit,” Ingrid Seward, author of My Husband & I, a new biography about Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, revealed.