Meghan Markle Reportedly Broke Royal Protocol When a Guest Entered the Room

A seemingly small act of formality during an interview in New York is now at the centre of a royal etiquette debate — prompting new scrutiny of the Duchess of Sussex.

A peculiar detail from a recent magazine interview has raised eyebrows over Meghan Markle's behaviour, which, according to experts, may have breached protocol.

During a profile for Harper's Bazaar, journalist Kaitlyn Greenidge described being formally introduced to the Duchess of Sussex by a house manager, despite the absence of any audience. The encounter took place at a private residence in New York, reportedly belonging to one of Meghan's friends. Kaitlyn wrote:

"When I enter, the house manager announces, 'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,' even though we appear to be the only other two people in the house."

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, a former editor of The International Who's Who, confirmed that the gesture was not in line with standard royal protocol.

He explained that the journalist should have been announced to Meghan — rather than Meghan being announced to the journalist — and noted that "this breaks protocol," adding:

"It also makes her look silly."

In an August 26, 2025, appearance on "The Circuit with Emily Chang," Meghan addressed how her name — and the use of it — has evolved.

He also revealed that while introducing Meghan to others using her title is correct, the formality in such an intimate setting — for an interview no less — was misplaced.

Richard explained further, suggesting that the scene "would make a wonderful skit in the 'South Park' series," and pointed to what he viewed as Meghan's continued emphasis on her royal status.

He referenced earlier moments in the Netflix documentary "Harry & Meghan," where the duchess appeared to parody her first curtsy to Queen Elizabeth II, describing it as "medieval."

A similar mock curtsy was made during her 2021 sit-down with Oprah Winfrey. Still, the American royal has publicly acknowledged the complexity of her relationship with titles and identity.

In an August 26, 2025, appearance on "The Circuit with Emily Chang," Meghan addressed how her name — and the use of it — has evolved. "What I learned about myself is no matter what my name is or what people call me, I'm still the same person," she said.

"That didn't change who I am, and maybe that's probably the biggest distinguishing factor," the duchess added. Pressed for clarity on her official name, Meghan explained the nuances of royal naming conventions:

"When I got married, I changed my name. But it's a complicated one for people to understand because a last name is not typical in that construct."

While technically holding the title of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, she described Sussex as functioning as her family's surname. "So, my legal name is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. But Sussex for us works as our family name and it's the name that we share with our children," Meghan stated.

Though the formality of the title remains intact, her own reflections suggest a more fluid view of identity. Nonetheless, scenes like the one described by the Harper's Bazaar journalist reveal the continued tension between royal tradition and the way the Duchess of Sussex chooses to navigate her public image.

As we previously reported, Meghan recently graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar's 2025 winter issue, commanding attention with a striking no-makeup look that quickly set social media alight.

The publication's Instagram feed lit up with a series of portraits and behind-the-scenes posts, each offering a different glimpse into the Duchess of Sussex's quiet confidence and carefully styled minimalism.

Elsewhere, the duchess was photographed in a cream knit top and wide-leg trousers while seated in a relaxed pose, looking effortlessly composed.

Across the carousel of images, Meghan appeared in a variety of sleek and understated ensembles. In one widely shared portrait, she wore a sculptural black jacket tied neatly at the waist, seated with poise against a neutral background.

In another post, Meghan was pictured in a high-neck, sleeveless red dress — bold in colour but simple in cut — set against a plain backdrop. It was a pared-down look that placed emphasis on natural beauty, aligning with the issue's theme of authenticity.

The caption echoed that sentiment, quoting her as saying, "There's not a lot of fun in trying to be perfect," as she spoke about motherhood, marriage, and learning from past mistakes.

Elsewhere, the duchess was photographed in a cream knit top and wide-leg trousers while seated in a relaxed pose, looking effortlessly composed.

The accompanying caption included her quote from the interview, "I think the moment that you start making all of your personal decisions based on external judgment, then you lose your authenticity."

A monochrome shot depicted her lounging on a soft, light-toned sofa in a flowing off-the-shoulder dress. That caption shifted focus to her marriage, quoting her reflections on trust and Prince Harry's support:

"No one in the world loves me more than him, so I know he's always going to make sure that he has my back."

In a more candid moment, Meghan was shown laughing in a studio shot, wearing a tailored black dress with a camel trench thrown over her shoulders.

The caption linked her current career moves with the cultural impact of her 2017 engagement, noting her continued evolution through projects like her lifestyle brand, a forthcoming film cameo, and the return of her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan."

One of the most intimate portraits was a close-up in black and white, where Meghan leaned forward, resting her arms along the back of a chair.

The caption referred to her viral appearance at the Balenciaga show in Paris the month before, quoting her as stating, "I love being able to do both," referencing her dual roles as mother and fashion figure.

Each post, meticulously styled and captioned, built a layered narrative of Meghan stepping forward with vulnerability, strength, and an unwavering sense of self. The photos quickly drew widespread attention online as reactions to her appearance and the shoot's aesthetic poured in.

Not all reactions were glowing, though. A few questioned the editorial choices made by Harper's Bazaar.

Many praised the duchess's decision to embrace a more stripped-back look, celebrating her confidence and natural beauty. "😍 she is just breathtaking [sic]," shared one commenter.

"❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏this is Meghan Sussex without makeup and she is stunning and so beautiful and so young looking without makeup [sic]" another typed, while a third simply added, "She in gorgeous [sic]!🔥"

Others focused on the subtlety of Meghan's look and the power behind it. One viewer said, "I love the pared down barely there make up look [sic]. Such a breath of fresh air❤️," while another commented, "I think she is 🔥 !!! We have too much makeup fakery going on, I'm loving the natural makeup done look ♥️ [sic]."

Applauding Meghan's confidence, another person shared, "As a biracial woman the same age, she's flexing with this barefaced look. Anyone can do a beat. For her to look this good this bare is a massive flex."

Some responses moved beyond compliments, delving into the nuances of makeup and personal style. One person wrote, "I like the discussion of makeup coverage, clearly she likes to look natural & artists respect her wishes [sic]."

"I think she's beautiful. What do you use for foundation (since you compared your coverage?) bc u look flawless.. curious as I am in the market for new stuff, being 52 & looking for medium coverage & need new concealer..I'd love any recommendations [sic]?" they continued.

Not all reactions were glowing, though. A few questioned the editorial choices made by Harper's Bazaar. One commenter observed, "Video is much better than the final photos.The mag hates her to use those photos [sic]." Another added, "I love her but I agree. She looks too natural."

She described life in California, where her children often sit on her lap during meetings, and where work, play, and parenting overlap.

Still, behind the photos was a conversation that revealed far more. In her sit-down with Harper's Bazaar, Meghan reflected on her journey from being shaped by the public to finally shaping her own narrative.

Now 44, she spoke about rediscovering joy through motherhood, her work with the Archewell Foundation, and the creative freedom that came after stepping back from royal life.

Much of the interview centred on authenticity, a theme Meghan returned to more than once. "There's no such thing as perfect. I, too, get to make mistakes," she declared before adding:

"If it all goes swimmingly, you don't learn from it."

These reflections echoed the sentiments of her cover shoot and extended to her evolving role as a mother, businesswoman, and creative force. She described life in California, where her children often sit on her lap during meetings, and where work, play, and parenting overlap.

With her brand, As Ever, and the Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," she is, as she put it, "doing what works" — embracing a life that allows her to be fully present in each role.

Meghan Markle's conversation was candid, self-aware, and gently defiant — a reminder that beneath the headlines and glossy covers, she continues to seek agency, balance, and a little fun along the way.