When it comes to being a member of the royal family, there are a lot of different rules and types of protocol that must be followed. Some of the rules are there to keep these high-profile people safe, while other rules — such as what color nail polish they're allowed to wear — certainly seem a lot more arbitrary. But apparently, earlier this year Meghan Markle broke an important royal rule that Kate Middleton has been vocal about upholding, and people have a lot of feelings about it.
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Meghan broke the rule while visiting a children's hospital.
On X (formerly Twitter), Extra shared footage from Meghan's visit this spring to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where she visited with children who are patients there. Not only did Meghan read the kids a story, but as Express reported, she also took Polaroid selfies with them that she autographed after they had developed.
There's just one problem.
There has been a longstanding rule in the royal family that doesn't allow any of its members to sign autographs, typically so they can reduce the risk of their signatures being forged.
Meghan clearly broke that rule by signing autographs during this event, making an exception for the children she met in the hospital that day.
Not all that long ago, Kate Middleton had to turn down a child's request for her autograph.
As News.com.au pointed out, last year, Kate visited the Chelsea Flower Show Inaugural Children's Picnic, where one of the little ones asked for her autograph. That's when she explained that she wouldn't be able to comply.
"I can’t write my name, but I can draw," she said at the time, later adding, "My name’s Catherine. I’m not allowed to write my signature, it’s just one of those rules."
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Meghan has followed this rule in the past.
Back in 2018, royal photographer Chris Jackson shared a photo of Meghan talking with a 10-year-old girl named Caitlin. At the time, she turned down her request for an autograph, instead writing her a message.
Maybe Meghan is no longer beholden to rules like this one now that she's not a working royal?
People have a lot of feelings about Meghan's latest rule-breaking incident.
Some called the move "desperate" and "cringe," and others directly compared her to Kate.
"The Princess of Wales would NEVER! Nor any other self respecting royal or even celeb for that matter," one person tweeted.
We're not sure if Meghan was reprimanded by King Charles for signing autographs, but this just goes to show that no good deed is ever left unpunished!
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
