Royal Family members who openly broke tradition

Queen Elizabeth II is known for upholding years of strict royal traditions and rules during her reign that shaped the monarchy. But despite those longstanding protocols, some Royal Family members couldn’t resist bending those rules occasionally..

Whether it was small everyday habits or big decisions, these moments highlighted the Royals as ordinary people living extraordinary lives and prove that even royalty aren’t above breaking rules here and then.

Here are some of the times when they broke away from Royal traditions

Kate Middleton joins fans for selfies

Due to royal protocols, it is uncommon for senior royals to stop and take photos with the public. However, Princess Kate and Prince William have started to slowly break away from this tradition, and have occasionally been spotted smiling for photos with fans during their outings.

While visiting Foxcubs Nursery, a highly rated and affordable child care centre, the Princess of Wales interacted with the children and shared a conversation with the Foxcubs teachers on the importance of early childhood development.

Kate also gladly posed for some pictures with parents gathered outside.

Prince William films a TikTok?

Since stopping to take selfies with fans is discouraged, filming a TikTok seems out of the question. Yet Prince William surprised royal fans by helping out a student who was running late to class at Ulster University in Belfast, Northern Ireland because they were waiting to meet him.

After taking directions from the student and her friends, the future king looked into the camera, and stated, "Lesley, I'm very sorry we're late, but see we caught up, and they wouldn't believe you were here, so just say hi."

It’s not clear if William broke any protocols filming a video for an admirer, but the playful moment certainly felt like he was bending the rules ever so slightly.

Queen Camilla poses for a selfie

Just like the Prince and Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla also put royal protocol on the sidelines at times.

While touring Australia and Samoa with her husband King Charles, Camilla warmly greeted fans and posed for some pictures with those who asked.

During her trip, the 78-year-old Monarch was seen smiling for selfies with a fan who was standing outside St. Thomas' Anglican Church in Sydney, Australia.

During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, taking selfies with the public was highly discouraged. But ever since King Charles has taken the throne, it seems that unofficial rule may have eased, as the royals seem more comfortable taking photos with admirers.

Meghan Markle signed autographs

Royal Family members are generally not allowed to sign autographs, to avoid any risks of forgery. But when Meghan Markle joined the family and started her royal duties, she had brought along the fame of her Hollywood career.

In 2018, the Duchess of Sussex was seen breaking protocol, giving an autograph to a sweet young fan during her first walkabouts at Cardiff Castle, Wales.

Princess Diana’s fashion

Princess Diana was known for breaking Royal norms from time to time, especially when it involved fashion.

Her wardrobe includes several daring outfits that pushed some royal boundaries.

According to The Sun, members of the British royal family tend to steer clear of off-shoulder dresses, and instead opt for more of a modest and conservative style.

But the late Princess, and mother of Prince William and Prince Harry, made headlines back in 1994 with the iconic black ensemble that is known as the "revenge dress."

Her look continues to be one of the most talked about fashion moments in Royal history.

Diana stunned in the unique and bold off-shoulder ensemble which was designed by Greek designer Christina Stambolian.

Her extraordinary look challenged Royal Fashion norms and was arguably one of her most glorious looks.

The off-shoulder black silk cocktail dress which featured a shorter and asymmetrical hemline above the knees, which was flaunted at the Vanity Fair gala at London’s Serpentine Gallery on June 29, 1994.

She further enhanced the daring look with a luxurious pearl choker necklace, black tights and stiletto heels.

This wasn’t the only time Diana challenged the Royal fashion rules with her clothing choice. 

She also made a bold debut alongside then Prince Charles, turning heads in a glamorous black strapless gown at first engagement that essentially pushed boundaries of Royal protocol.

Best Man and Maid of Honor

During their wedding in 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton defied some royal rules by including a Best Man and Maid of Honour.

As per the traditions, such roles do exist but are called "supporters."

At the Westminster Abbey ceremony, William asked his younger brother, the Duke of Sussex, to be his Best Man, and Kate picked her sister Pippa Mathews as her Maid of Honor.

Honouring the brotherly bond, Harry then chose the Prince of Wales to stand by him as his Best Man at his own wedding at Windsor Castle, in 2018. However, it is reported by Harper's Bazaar, that Meghan Markle didn’t have a Maid of Honor.

Chose her own wedding hairstyle

Kate Middleton choosing to wear her hair down on her wedding day in 2011 was also a form of defiance to Royal rules. 

She reportedly refused the request o=to wear her hair in an updo for the grand ceremony, as revealed by the documentary William & Kate: The Journey.

Ashley Pearson, who is a Royal Reporter, spoke about the matter on the show, saying, "Royal sources tell me that the royals indicated very strongly to Kate that they would prefer her to wear her hair up for this very special occasion."

Running Barefoot

At Wetherby School’s sports day in 1991, Princess Diana took off her shoes and confidently ran barefoot in a parents’ race. The incident showcased her playful side, as per Harper’s Bazaar.

The Royal family usually follow the custom of keeping their feet hidden at all times, But Diana wasn’t hesitant to break away from those norms and chose to do somethings her own way.