It's been two months since Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, and she's still adjusting to life in the royal household. There are a ton of rules to follow when you're the Duchess of Sussex. As it turns out, some of them are downright baffling, even to Meghan.
"I think she finds it a little frustrating at times, but this is her new life, and she has to deal with it," a source told People.
Being a duchess means that there are precise expectations pertaining to wardrobe, dining etiquette, mannerisms, and much more. Curtsying when the Queen arrives is just the tip of the iceberg.
With so many events to attend, Meghan has had a lot of opportunities to practice since becoming a duchess in May. But the 36-year-old still doesn't get certain royal rules — like the preference for skirts over pants.
The source told People that the duchess still has a lot to learn.
Meghan married Prince Harry in May, and she's been busy since then — going on outings with the Queen…
And hanging out with her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton…
And attending royal christenings.
In all the hustle and bustle, Meghan has already broken some of the royal rules — like baring her shoulders.
But some of these rules, well, they just don't make sense to the former Los Angeles resident.
Meghan "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," the source said.
After all, a little pantsuit never hurt anyone, did it?
But royal etiquette is an entirely different beast.
There's a long list of official rules. Hats, for example, are a requirement for royal women — hence all of those stylish hats that Meghan and Kate wear.
And beyond wardrobe guidelines, there are lots of other expectations around etiquette.
Royal family members are expected to steer clear of political discussions, which is new for this outspoken feminist.
The duchess made it into headlines recently with a controversial opinion on abortion rights — whoops!
A senator tweeted that, while at a garden party, Meghan had said she was "pleased to see the result" of Ireland's recent referendum to legalize abortion.
"That's an example of her naïveté," said Robert Lacey, biographer and historical consultant to the TV series The Crown.
"She's learning the hard way that you can't trust anyone outside the narrow circle."
Don't worry, Meghan — we're learning all these rules right alongside you! (And, tbh, maybe the royal family could use a little shaking up.)
You're doing great, sweetie.
