Meghan Markle is settling in to her new life as a duchess, representing the royal family at events and becoming fast friends with the Queen. From her stunning sartorial choices to her independent feminist spirit, she is crushing it. A lot of people wish they could switch places with Meghan for a day.
But it's not all tiaras, gowns and castles. As a royal, Meghan has to follow a lot of ridiculous rules. She can't eat garlic. She can't have social media. She has to wear tights or stockings. She can't take selfies. She can't eat shellfish. She has to wear hats to official occasions. She can't show public displays of affection. She can't talk about politics. Instead of crossing her legs when she sits down, she has to master the "duchess slant." And don't even think about wearing wedges around the Queen - she will beat you with them.
It isn't easy to live in the spotlight while following all that protocol. Every time the Duchess of Sussess slips up, like by trying to hold Harry's hand in public, it's documented for the world to see. Beneath that radiant smile, is Meghan stressed out? Last Sunday, Meghan's dad, Thomas Markle told The Sun that he thinks his daughter is "terrified."
"I see it in her eyes, I see it in her face and I see it in her smile," said the 73-year-old. "I’ve seen her smile for years. I know her smile. I don’t like the one I’m seeing now. This one isn’t even a stage smile – this is a pained smile. ... It really worries me. I think she’s under too much pressure. There’s a high price to pay to be married to that family."
Meghan makes it look easy, but reportedly she's still adjusting. A source told People she "has found certain rules in the royal household difficult to understand, like the fact that the Queen prefers women in dresses or skirts rather than trouser suits, and is often asking Harry why things have to be done in a certain way. I think she finds it a little frustrating at times, but this is her new life, and she has to deal with it."
Yes, deal with it Meghan! This is what you signed up for. There will be no trouser suits, no sweatpants, no Daisy Dukes, no overalls, and don't even think about wearing a Snuggie.
Clearly the Duchess is still learning the ropes, as shown by her recent faux pas in Ireland. The Irish Senator Catherine Noone tweeted that Meghan said she was "pleased" by the country's decision to legalize abortion. The royal family is supposed to avoid political conversation, so Meghan voicing her support for the referendum caused a controversy.
Well, Meghan, if you get sick of being a royal, I'm sure they'll take you back at Suits (or Deal Or No Deal).