Meghan Markle has once again found herself at the center of conversation after breaking her silence on what she described as the “inauthentic” life she lived as a royal — and the one rule she admits she hated most. The Duchess of Sussex’s candid remarks came during an interview with journalist Emily Chang, while promoting the second season of her Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, released on August 26, 2025.
In the sit-down, Meghan reflected on her time within the royal family and the constant struggle to balance authenticity with strict protocol. “It was different several years ago, I couldn’t be as vocal,” she explained, acknowledging the tension between being relatable and carrying the weight of a duchess title. While she emphasized she was always “just being herself,” Meghan revealed that certain traditions left her feeling far from genuine.
One rule in particular stood out: the expectation that royal women wear nude pantyhose at all official events. “I had to wear nude pantyhose all the time… that was not very myself,” Meghan admitted. Though she called it a “silly example,” she said it represented a broader sense of constraint that left her uncomfortable. “That felt a little bit inauthentic,” she continued, stressing that being able to dress freely, speak honestly, and present herself authentically now allows her to feel comfortable in her own skin.
Royal experts have long noted that tights were never a written rule but an unwritten expectation influenced by Queen Elizabeth II’s personal style. HELLO! reporter Danielle Stacey explained that while some royals — including the Princess of Wales — occasionally go bare-legged for informal engagements, most adhere to the late Queen’s traditional preference.
This revelation fits into the larger picture Meghan has painted since stepping back from royal life: a world of rigid protocols, many tied to appearance, that often clashed with her personal values. From limits on nail polish colors to the requirement of always traveling with mourning attire, the monarchy’s fashion codes reflect its deep-rooted traditions.
Now, however, Meghan insists she no longer feels the need to prove anything. Free from these rules, she embraces authenticity, both in her personal style and in her professional projects. With With Love, Meghan, she offers audiences a glimpse into a life defined less by palace expectations and more by her own terms — a space filled with food, laughter, and honesty.
Her comments may seem lighthearted, but they once again highlight the divide between her independent spirit and the centuries-old institution she once represented.
