Royal etiquette? The restrictive rules that confined Meghan Markle

It is no secret that Meghan Markle was not cut out for royal life and, by her and her husband's own decision, they left The Firm to move on and focus on their own life and projects in California. But what was the reason Harry and Meghan left (aside from the obvious ruptures within the family itself)? Did the restrictions of royalty and long list of obligations that come with such an important role cause them both to leave?

In Meghan Markle's case specifically, she probably had no idea just how restrictive her life would be when she joined the ranks. Princess Catherine of Wales, however, was clearly briefed and also grew up around solid etiquette. So what were the rules that Meghan found tricky to adhere to?

In the interview with Oprah, Meghan explained how shocked she was that she had to curtsey to the Queen, Harry's late grandmother, at a private meeting: "He said (Harry), 'Do you know how to curtsey?' 'What?' 'Do you know how to curtsey?' "

Meghan continued, "I thought genuinely that's what happens outside, that was part of the fanfare. I didn't think that's what happens inside. I go, 'But it's your grandmother'. He goes, 'It's the Queen!'"

Then, as many people remember, the video from their Netflix TV show which showed Meghan Markle reliving her curtsy to The Late Queen Elizabeth, went viral. And for the wrong reasons. She performs an awkward curtsy as she giggles saying: "Pleasure to meet you Your Majesty". Clearly in jest, Meghan Markle was not planning to courtesy in private to Her Royal Highness.

Members of the British Royal Family aren't allowed to demonstrate any political affinity.

That means they cannot vote—a huge sacrifice for anyone who believes in democracy. So when a commoner marries into the Royal family, they must give up their right to vote.

In her interview with Oprah, Meghan Markle spoke about how the Royal Family silenced her.

Unless told otherwise, Royal Family members must always respond with "no comment" to any queries made to them.

Another point that Meghan brought up in the Oprah interview is that you must ask permission to do even the simplest activities.

Her old life as she knew it was over. Meghan explained, "I remember so often people within The Firm would say, 'Well, you can't do this because it'll look like that. You can't'. So, even, 'Can I go and have lunch with my friends?' 'No, no, no, you're oversaturated, you're everywhere, it would be best for you to not go out to lunch with your friends.' I go, 'Well, I haven't. . . I haven't left the house in months'. "

Photo: Screenshot, Oprah

Queen Elizabeth had a stiff upper lip and expected her family to have one too. It could be said that King Charles is even more so.

The freedom to be honest about their feelings must be so liberating for Meghan and, in particular, for Harry, who has lived with this rule his entire life.

Photo: screenshot Oprah

For Meghan Markle, this must have felt like a huge blow. Being told she could no longer work and earn her own money, especially after being such a successful actress.

Luckily, now that the pair have 'freed' themselves, they have opened up a whole world of earning potential.

It seems the Queen was particularly adamant about this rule. It is said she missed eye contact with people, as the general public seems constantly glued to their screens.

It is also a massive sign of disrespect to turn your back on a member of the Royal Family. Prince Harry and Meghan failed to follow this rule on more than one occasion!

The entire Royal family is forbidden from signing autographs. The reason: fears of forgery attempts.

Royals are highly discouraged from hugging the late Queen, the now King and the Queen Consort. This rule may have been worrying to Meghan once she had Archie; imagine raising a child in such a sterile environment.

For security purposes, they are not permitted to hug or kiss fans either. As the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan couldn't stick to this rule. Here we see hugging a student while visiting a school in England.

Royal couples are also told to avoid any public displays of affection. Even holding hands is off limits.

Once again, with Meghan coming from America, where people often don't hold back regarding PDAs, this restriction must have felt very unnatural. As we can see in this photograph, the couple didn't respect this Royal rule.

The Queen insisted that Royal ladies do not cross their legs at the knees. Legs together and crossed at the ankles is the acceptable sitting position.

Perhaps the Queen wa worried about the young ladies' circulation? Whatever the case is, it must be stressful making sure you are always sitting in the proper fashion!

Members of the Royal Family must adhere to a modest and never overtly casual dress code.

Perhaps a life without sweats was just too much to ask of Meghan? You can't play football in a dress after all...

The Queen swore by 'Essie Ballet Slipper Pink' nail polish and expected the ladies in the family to follow suit. There is a rule that while on business, only natural nail colors are allowed.

Photo: Unsplash / Sarah Cervantes

Although it was never an official rule, the Queen highly discouraged her family members from eating shellfish.

The main reason for the no sushi rule is fear of food poisoning. Garlic is also banned from all Royal meals but the reason is slightly less terrifying. It is banned because the late Queen disliked it.

When dining with King Charles, all Royal Family members must finish eating when the King does, if you are still hungry, too bad!

The Duke of York has forbidden members of the family from playing Monopoly. The reason being that it reportedly gets too vicious.

The Queen's handbag wasn't just an accessory; it was also a means for her Majesty to send non-verbal signals to her staff. King Charles has less accessories than his late mother but even if it is a handkerchief - I would stay away.

One of the uses of the Queen's purse was to signal to her staff that a conversation is O.V.E.R. If the Queen moved her purse from her left arm to her right, that is the signal to her staff that she was done with the conversation and it was time to move on. According to this picture, the Queen was eager to finish her conversation with Donald Trump.

The Royal Marriages Act of 1772 states that royal descendants must seek the Monarch’s approval before proposing.

The King himself must first approve of the wedding and the wedding plans, of course.

But King Charles, believe it or not, also has the final say on the bride's wedding gown. If the King doesn't like it, you won't be wearing it.

It is an official rule that when a Royal baby is born, the King MUST be the first to know all the details.

Imagine going into labor and having to worry about making sure the King is the first to know?!

One of the most shocking parts of becoming a new Royal Family member is the fact that you really, truly do give up your freedom.

If you decide you want to leave one day, it isn't just as simple as calling an Uber. Royals not permitted to leave whenever they want.

Meghan explained this to Oprah: "You couldn't just go. You couldn't. I mean, you have to understand, as well, when I joined that family, that was the last time, until we came here, that I saw my passport, my driver's license, my keys. All that gets turned over. I didn't see any of that anymore."

Photo: screenshot Oprah

These rules are just a mere sampling of some of the British Royal Family rules and regulations. Living with so many rules and official protocols must be exhausting.

Photo: screenshot Oprah

Imagine having to second guess your every move and consider whether the King would approve; even things that may seem normal and natural to a mere peasant could be a faux pas as a Royal.

Kate Middleton seems invested in making the rules work for her, but for Meghan and Harry, it was obviously all simply too much.