All The Things That Meghan Markle Gave Up When She Married Prince Harry

While all of the benefits of marrying into the royal family may be obvious and seem grand, the downsides are often overlooked. This even applies to Meghan Markle. So before you think she's in it for the title or the lifestyle learn about all of the things she had to give up after saying "I do" to Prince Harry.

Her Privacy Is A Thing Of The Past

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After marrying into the royal family, everything about her life both past and present is at the will of the press. She isn't able to keep any secrets and she'll constantly be in the public eye. She'll be subjected to either constant ridicule or endless praise depending on her actions.

Her Independence Is Down The Drain

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As if she wasn't already popular enough, now that she's married, she won't be able to go anywhere in public without being noticed. Although she may end up trying to stay private like Princess Diana, it's likely most of her attempts will be futile. She is also escorted almost everywhere for her own safety which could easily blow her cover.

Her Acting Career Is No More

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Her acting career has also come to a screeching halt. Although she had established herself as a well-known actress, she has to put that all aside for her new royal career. No one in the royal family holds a paid job outside of their royal philanthropic duties which would make her acting career impossible.

Social Media Is A Thing Of The Past

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For the most part, members of the royal family do not have personal social media accounts of any kind. However, Markle voluntarily deleted her Instagram and her blog, The Tig. She figured that they wouldn't do anything but lead to problems in the future. It's not like she needs to share more than will already be known.

Her Personal Wardrobe Is Changing

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Although she won't be told what to wear every day, there are strict guidelines as to what is okay for royals to wear and what's not. There are colors that they are to avoid, pants are out of the question, and they favor certain designers. Although Markle hasn't fully adhered to these rules, she doesn't have much of a choice anymore. We'll take a closer look at Meghan's new wardrobe restrictions later.

Freedom From Comparison

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Whether she likes it or not, Markle has some big shoes to fill regarding current and former princesses such as Kate Middleton and Princess Diana. Her every move will be compared to others to see how she's doing in her new position. Most likely anything said about Markle will be followed up with something about Diana or Middleton.

Her United States Citizenship Will Be Changed

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Now that she's said "I do," Meghan will give up her United States citizenship. It would be a bit twisted if a member of the royal family was a citizen of another country. Although she'll be able to apply for a dual citizenship she will become a full United Kingdom citizen.

Her Clothing Line Will Be Stopped

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If you were unaware, at one point, Meghan Markle teamed up to do a clothing line with Reitmans. However, this partnership has ended now that she's assumed her new role in the royal family. There's little chance any more of her clothes will be released so hold onto anything of hers if you got it!

She Can't Voice Her Political Opinions

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In the past, Meghan has been vocal about things such as social issues and other activism. Now, she will have to be much less outspoken about her beliefs because royals aren't allowed to express their political beliefs to the public. Not only is it inappropriate, but it can be contradictory to Britain's ideals.

Being a Duchess Means Giving Up Garlic and Onions

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Being a duchess means giving up the garlic — oh, and onions while we're at it. Queen Elizabeth II has such a disdain for garlic and onions that she mandates the entire family to forgo the ingredients. The royal matriarch is known to hate garlic and onions because they cause bad breath, which is something no royal can risk having when talking to another dignitary.

No More Personal Space

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Much like her future lack of mobility, she will also have to get used to having personal bodyguards following her every move. Although she may already be experiencing a decrease in personal space since the engagement, it will likely only get worse.

New Husband, New Title

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For the most part, Meghan will have have to say goodbye to her Christian name along with all of her other nicknames that she's acquired over the years. There will be no more causal introductions and she will go by Her Royal Highness (HRH), the Duchess of Sussex.

She's Saying Goodbye To Her House In Toronto

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After scoring her role in the show Suits in 2011, she made her house in Toronto, Canada her new home. It's luxurious and comfortable, and a home anyone would be happy to have. This us no longer her home, as she moves into a royal cottage with Prince Harry.

She's Leaving One of Her Dogs Behind

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Meghan Markle loves Bogart, her dog, and previous roommate at her Canadian home. While most may think that Bogart is getting an upgrade to Nottingham Cottage, they'd be sadly mistaken. Bogart is now too old to make the trip and she has to regretfully leave him behind. She did, however, bring her other dog named Guy with her. He's being spoiled with rides with the Queen.

No More Selfies With Fans

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Back when she was an actress, Meghan could take selfies with as many fans as she pleased. However, after the engagement, this was forbidden. She has let the public know as to not seem rude when she denies them. She said that "The Crown doesn't let me." Surely, this was a hard pill to swallow to her many fans.

She Can't Cross Her Legs

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This may not seem like a big trade-off to become royalty, but you cross your legs more than you think while sitting. When you're a royal, there's a certain way for women to sit: Legs and knees together, although she may cross her ankles. We'll see how long it takes her to get this down.

No More Colored Nail Polish

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Although from a style standpoint it might not be preferred, it might make Markle's life easier knowing she'll never have to think about nail polish color again. Much like clothing, there are strict rules for a royal's nails as well. She is limited to baby pinks and nudes.

No More Casual Cups Of Tea

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Tea is already a big part of living in the United Kingdom. Yet, when you're a royal, it's an even bigger deal. Before having tea with the Queen, Markle was coached on the new way she was to hold her tea from now. She better get used to it too, because that's how she'll be handling a teacup for the rest of her life.

She Has A New Bedtime

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Although it is not a law, the Windsors have established a precedent that Queen Elizabeth II determines the bedtime not just for herself, but for everybody. It doesn't seem right to go to bed before Her Majesty. Princess Diana was known to break this unspoken rule, which was considered in bad taste.

No More Autographs

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Much like taking selfies, Meghan Markle is no longer allowed to sign photographs. However, it is for a logical reason. The fear is that someone will get an autograph that can then be used for forgeries and security breaches. Better safe than sorry.

Hope She Doesn't Love Shellfish

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Another thing that Meghan has given up is eating shellfish or any kind of messy food in general. As much as royals must look their best at all times, they must also look their best eating. In addition, there is a higher chance of food poisoning with shellfish which is to be avoided in order to prevent illness while traveling.

Speaking Of Eating...

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When the new Duchess of Sussex dines with Elizabeth II, she (and everyone else present) are required to take a cue from the Queen. When the Queen says the meal is over, it's over for everyone. Forks down! Word has it that the Queen is very gracious about this rule and will take her time to make sure everyone else is finished with their meal before she ends things.

She Had To Carry A Bouquet Of Myrtle

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Even if Meghan's favorite flowers were red roses she had to include myrtle in her bouquet. Per tradition, every Royal wedding bouquet should contain some myrtle. These flowers come from a bush planted by Queen Victoria in 1845. Harry also hand-picked a special addition for the bouquet: some Forget-Me-Nots. This was a tribute to his late mother Princess Diana, who loved the flowers.

PDA Is Frowned Upon

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We'd better hope that Meghan and Harry are able to contain their obvious love for each other while they're in public. Hey, at least we have these commemorative mugs from the Royal Wedding to remind us how dreamy the couple is together.

No More Games For Meghan

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It's a good thing that Meghan's new role as the Duchess of Sussex will keep her so busy since she's not allowed to play Monopoly anymore. This is because the Duke of York finds the game distasteful and vicious (even a version as British as Beatles Monopoly?). In fact, the only games that Meghan is likely to be involved with these days are The Invictus Games, one of Prince Harry's charities. The Invictus Games provide a forum for ill or injured armed services personnel to compete in Olympic-level competition.

Wearing Black Is A No-No

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In her former life as a famous actress, the lovely Meghan was frequently spotted in all-black dresses and ensembles. Wearing these outfits publicly is now a no-no for the Duchess. This one isn't a hard set rule, just a guideline that most Royals tend to follow. Black is typically reserved for mourning.

...But She'll Be Expected To Bring A Black Outfit When She Travels

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When members of the Royal family travel, they are expected to pack a black outfit just on the off-chance that a relative or government official dies during their trip. This stems from when the Queen's father died unexpectedly while she was abroad. She was embarrassed not to have had any mourning clothes as she made the return to England.

No More Walking Next To Harry

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During the "Royal boot camp" Meghan went through before her wedding to Harry, she was given an extensive set of rules. One of these guidelines is that she should always walk a few steps behind her husband. According to a former Royal butler who sat down with Town & County, “in tradition, a gent tends to walk a few steps in front to protect the lady, if you’re being very traditional and royals normally do lead the way."

Becoming Emotional In Public Is Out Of The Question

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Meghan is a world-recognized actor already so this Royal rule might not be too difficult for her to adjust to. Royals are to try their best from crying or becoming emotional in public. They are encouraged to remain happy, or at least neutral.

No Tiaras Before 6:00 P.M.

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This one isn't exactly a big lifestyle change for Meghan since she just started wearing a tiara during her wedding ceremony. But in the future, she'll need to remember that tiaras are considered too formal for daylight hours and should be reserved for evening events only.

She Will Be Encouraged To Wear A Hat During The Daytime

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We've already seen Meghan embrace the Royal family's love of hats. Now that she's married into the family, she'll be encouraged to sport a hat or fascinator at every formal daytime event. At 6:00 she'll change into something more formal.

She Had To Become A Code Reader

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Now that she is an official Royal, Meghan is expected to read social cues from none other than the Queen herself. One of these is known as the "purse trick" and it relates to the rule that once the Queen is done eating, everyone is done eating. Approximately five minutes before she is ready to leave, the Queen will put her handbag on the table. Those around her, Meghan included, are expected to understand this cue and prepare themselves to leave as well.

Voting Is A Thing Of The Past

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As mentioned earlier, this restriction may be difficult for Meghan since she is so involved with social causes. But, as the parliament's website says that " it is considered unconstitutional for the Monarch to vote in an election." The family must remain politically neutral, in public at least.

No More Christmas Day Gifts

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Now that Meghan is a Royal, she'll have to celebrate the holidays like one. They exchange their Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve, after a special holiday tea service. The gifts are put on display and opened in front of everyone. Typically the family exchanges humorous gag gifts for the occasion.

More about Royal gifts coming up next...

She Has To Accept Every Gift Given To Her

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Fans and politicians alike are frequently given gifts. They are committed to accepting every single gift presented to them, unless it's a food item. Further, they must release an annual list of every gift they received during the year. Meghan received her first official Royal gift in 2017: an apron which Prince William accepted on her and Harry's behalf on a trip to Finland. Pictured: Prince William accepting a different gift a few years ago.

Meghan Won't Necessarily Be Allowed To Keep Her Gifts

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All members of the Royal family have to give any gifts they receive to the Queen, who then decides what to do with them. According to the Daily Mirror, she can choose to incorporate them into the Royal Collection, donate them to charity, store them, or discard of them if necessary.

She Must Stand When The Queen Stands

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This rule is certainly no surprise but could be intimidating to someone who's such a new member of the Royal family. Anytime the Queen stands, everyone must stand. Meghan must also curtsy whenever she greets the Queen.

Absolutely No Cleavage!

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As we mentioned earlier, there should be absolutely no cleavage on display by any member of the Royal family. Meghan has been adjusting her fashion choices to fit in with her new family but back in her acting days she really wowed in some spectacularly racy dresses. This striking silver choice was absolutely appropriate for an L.A. Awards event but would likely drop some jaws if worn to Buckingham Palace!

She Gave Up The Right To A Gender-Reveal Baby Shower

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The "gender reveal" party or shower has become an increasingly common event among expecting parents. Meghan will most likely not participate in anything like this, if she and Harry have children together in the future. This isn't a strict rule, just a tradition of the Royals to keep a baby's gender secret until it is born and officially announced.

Meghan Cannot Go Out Bare-Legged

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At least she'll still be able to show off those great legs... just in some skirts that aren't quite so short and with stockings or other type of legwear underneath. When Kate Middleton stepped into the international spotlight she helped to bring pantyhose back in style, so hopefully this is one transition that will be easy for Meghan to make.

Royals Cannot Wear Fur

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This rule was put into place by King Edward III in 1137. His ban has been broken a few times but it's unlikely Meghan will ever wear fur. A known animal-lover, Markle doesn't support the use of genuine animal goods in fashion, instead preferring vegan leather and fake fur as seen here.