Meghan Markle isn't allowed to wear a tiara because of one British etiquette rule

Being a royal means following a lot of rules

Chelsea Ritschel
in New York
Monday 15 January 2018 18:42 GMT
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Royal Wedding: What will Meghan Markle wear on her wedding day?

Meghan Markle may be a princess-to-be, with the royal wedding just months away, but royal protocol prevents her from wearing one very-princessy accessory.

According to British etiquette, as explained by the Daily Mirror, there is one tiny rule that allows Kate Middleton to wear tiaras while Markle cannot - marriage.

So if you’ve been wondering why we haven’t seen pictures of the royal-to-be in a tiara, it turns out it’s because she is not yet allowed to wear one.

In the UK, a tiara represents much more than a royal affiliation - the crowns are actually a symbol of betrothal, similar to a wedding band.

In addition to fitting the image of a fairy-tale princess, by wearing a sparkling tiara a woman is also displayed that she is off the market and no longer looking for a husband.

And according to tradition, unmarried women are prohibited from donning one - even if royalty, and marriage, is imminent - as is the case with Markle.

However, once married, women are immediately able to wear their first tiaras - even as soon as their actual wedding days.

As many will recall, Kate Middleton wore her first tiara during her wedding to Prince William, despite royal etiquette that suggests tiaras are worn for evening-use only.

Kate wore her first tiara on her wedding day

So once Markle and her prince tie the knot on May 19, 2018, the tiara ban will officially come to an end - and if she decides to go the route of her sister-in-law, she may even wear one during her wedding.

Meghan will officially be able to wear a tiara on May 18

Royal expert and commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Independent: "No one would expect Meghan to wear a tiara before she marries into the royal family. It is, however, thought she might leant or gifted a tiara for her wedding by the Queen as Kate and Sophie Wessex and Zara Phillips were."

However, although the "The British royal family has reportedly the largest collection of tiaras," Fitzwilliams said, "Meghan has an edgier dress sense than Kate, but expect her to observe formal royal dress codes and wear tiaras on the appropriate occasions."

While Markle has already broken a few royal rules since the news of her royal engagement, this is one rule of etiquette the American actress has to follow.

However, we cannot wait until she is officially allowed to wear one.

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