Five years after stepping away from the Royal Family and relocating to Southern California, Meghan Markle continues to reflect on her time as a senior royal. In a recent interview on August 27, 2025, the Duchess of Sussex highlighted a seemingly minor royal protocol, wearing nude pantyhose daily, as a symbol of the stifling traditions that drove her and Prince Harry to seek a new life. This revelation underscores ongoing tensions between Meghan and the monarchy, sparking discussions about tradition, modernity, and legacy.
Meghan described the requirement to wear nude pantyhose as a royal as “inauthentic” and restrictive, clashing with her personal style and sense of self. She used this “silly example” to illustrate broader issues with royal life, suggesting the monarchy clings to outdated traditions. “It felt like I couldn’t express who I was,” she said, emphasising how such rules contributed to her decision to leave.
This anecdote, while lighthearted, reflects Meghan’s broader critique of the Royal Family’s rigidity. By sharing it, she draws parallels to Princess Diana, who also challenged royal norms to protect her children. However, critics argue Meghan’s approach differs, noting that her departure from royal duties allowed her to retain privileges without responsibilities, unlike Diana’s efforts to remain connected to her sons.
Without the royal family, Meghan Markle would be nothing. No one would even know her name. Yet, time and again, she uses her platform to criticize the very family that gave her any relevance. In a recent Bloomberg interview—a prestigious outlet where you might expect substantive… pic.twitter.com/NfHvfMFYMK
— British Royaltea (@BritishRoyaltea) August 27, 2025Meghan’s Ongoing Connection to the Monarchy
Despite leaving the Royal Family in 2020, Meghan’s frequent references to her experiences keep the monarchy in her narrative. Observers note that her comments, including the pantyhose anecdote, may be an attempt to stay relevant while critiquing an institution she no longer serves. This has drawn mixed reactions—some see it as a valid critique of outdated practices, while others view it as contradictory to her stated desire for privacy and normalcy for her children, Archie and Lilibet.
Read: Close Friend Debunks Divorce Rumours About Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The pantyhose rule, although trivial, holds significance in the context of royal history. For example, Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936 for Wallis Simpson had lasting consequences, as they were barred from England without royal permission. Similarly, Meghan’s public criticisms could shape how her children are perceived within the Royal Family, potentially affecting their future relationships with the monarchy.
Royal journalist Pandora Forsyth reacts as Meghan Markle has taken aim at the royal dress code that required her to wear 'tights all the time'.
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— GB News (@GBNEWS) August 27, 2025The Monarchy’s Evolution
The Royal Family has undergone significant modernisation since the days of Edward VIII. Stepping away from duties today, as Meghan and Harry did, is less consequential than in the past. Queen Elizabeth II’s reign saw gradual reforms, and King Charles III has continued this trend. However, Meghan’s comments suggest the institution still struggles to balance tradition with modernity, a tension her story amplifies.
Meghan’s reflections highlight a larger conversation about the relevance of royal protocols in today’s world. The pantyhose anecdote, although brief, highlights the challenges of adapting an ancient institution to contemporary values. Her narrative resonates with audiences seeking authenticity but also risks alienating those who view her critiques as self-serving.
For Archie and Lilibet, Meghan’s public statements could influence their connection to their royal heritage. As history shows, even minor decisions can have lasting impacts—Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy was shaped partly by her uncle’s abdication. Meghan’s focus on personal freedom may prioritise her perspective over the broader family dynamics she left behind.
