When Meghan Markle recently claimed that being forced to wear nude pantyhose as a royal felt 'inauthentic', it sparked a fascinating debate about royal protocols, workplace dress codes, and what it really means to be yourself.
But here's the twist that might surprise you: the pantyhose 'rule' she's complaining about wasn't actually a rule at all.
In a recent Bloomberg interview, Meghan said royal protocol, like not being allowed to be as vocal as she would like or always having to wear nude pantyhose, 'felt a little inauthentic' to her when she was a senior royal.
She went on to explain that 'that's a silly example. But it is an example of when you're able to dress the way you want to dress, and you're able to say the things that are true and you're able to show up in the space really organically and authentically, that's being comfortable in your own skin.'
The timing of these comments is particularly interesting, coming as her Netflix lifestyle show 'With Love, Meghan' holds a dismal 38 per cent approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and ranked just #383 out of all Netflix titles with 5.3 million views since its March debut.
What Royal Experts Are Saying Now
Royal commentators haven't taken kindly to Meghan's latest complaints. Royal expert Kinsey Schofield told Fox News that Meghan's 'crack' at the royal family about inauthenticity 'was an obvious ploy to get headlines. She knows that any mention of her time as a senior working royal gets instant worldwide attention.'
Schofield added that Meghan's 'constant contradictions are jarring,' particularly 'insinuating that nude tights are somehow archaic while promoting a TV series where she's glued to a kitchen being Susie Homemaker.'
'There are no rules for royal women regarding pantyhose'
The criticism highlights a broader pattern that many observers have noted: Meghan's tendency to reference her brief royal experience in ways that keep her in the headlines, even when the facts don't quite support her narrative.
The Pantyhose Myth Busted
Here's where it gets interesting for anyone who's ever wondered about those famous royal dress codes. Royal expert Marlene Koenig definitively told Harper's Bazaar: 'There are no rules for royal women regarding pantyhose.
While most women (royal or commoner) wear pantyhose with suits or gowns for a good slim line, it is not required by any decree from the Queen.'
This directly contradicts what many people believe about royal protocols. While royal women were not required to wear pantyhose, it was highly encouraged that they do out of respect for the queen, though with Queen Camilla recently crowned, this unspoken rule could be updated.
The confusion seems to stem from the fact that royal expert Victoria Arbiter previously told Insider: 'You never see a royal without their nude stockings. I would say that's really the only hard, steadfast rule in terms of what the Queen requires.' However, this appears to have been more about tradition and expectations than formal rules.
Other Surprising Royal Dress Traditions
Boys must wear shorts until age 8 (trousers are considered 'middle-class')
All royals must pack a black outfit when travelling (in case of emergency deaths)
Wedge shoes were reportedly disliked by Queen Elizabeth II
Nail polish should be nude or clear for formal occasions
Clutch bags are used to send secret signals to staff
What About Kate and Other Royals?
The reality is more nuanced. Kate Middleton pretty much always wears nude hosiery, but there have been several public occasions when the Duchess of Cambridge has opted to go bare-legged—further proving that Meghan deciding not to wear tights is really not that rebellious of a royal move after all.
Meghan was actually 'the most frequent royal to flaunt this rule,' often appearing without tights during her time as a working royal. Although Meghan did wear a pair of nude tights for her first public appearance after her wedding to Prince Harry, she has mostly opted to go sans stockings since.
The Broader Context of Royal Dress Codes
Understanding the pantyhose issue requires looking at the broader picture of royal dress expectations. Wearing pantyhose is considered 'a gesture of respect for cultural norms and protocols, especially during formal events and public appearances. It reflects a commitment to uphold the values and expectations associated with their roles.'
The tradition has deep historical roots. During Queen Elizabeth I's rule in the late 16th century, silk stockings became a symbol of status and elegance, and Queen Elizabeth's fondness for silk stockings sparked a trend that would eventually evolve into the pantyhose we know today.
The transition from stockings to pantyhose was driven by both practicality and fashion. As hemlines rose and skirts became shorter, the need for leg coverage without visible stocking lines became apparent.
The innovation of combining stockings and panties into a single garment birthed pantyhose, catering to evolving fashion trends while preserving modesty.
Why This Matters for Workplace Authenticity
For many Australians over 60, this debate touches on familiar territory. Most of us have worked in environments with dress codes that felt restrictive or outdated at the time. The question of when to follow workplace expectations versus expressing personal authenticity is one that resonates across generations.
Modern individuals also use fashion to express their identities. The choice to wear pantyhose can reflect personal style preferences and a desire to uphold tradition in ways that resonate with unique personalities.
The pantyhose debate also reflects broader generational shifts in workplace attire. What was once considered essential professional wear—from hats and gloves to pantyhose and ties—has evolved significantly over recent decades.
Key Takeaways
- Question whether workplace 'rules' are actually mandatory or just tradition
- Consider the balance between personal expression and professional expectations
- Understand that some dress codes serve practical or respectful purposes
- Remember that authenticity can coexist with meeting reasonable expectations
The Netflix Factor
Meghan's comments about authenticity take on additional significance given the reception of her post-royal projects. The Guardian's review gave 'With Love, Meghan' one out of five stars, saying that 'what With Love, Meghan vibrates with most is a vacuous, over styled joylessness.'
The Times gave it two stars, The Spectator concluded it was 'surreally dull,' and The Daily Telegraph offered two stars, describing it as 'an exercise in narcissism, filled with extravagant brunches, celebrity pals and business plugs.'
The criticism isn't limited to UK publications. Variety noted that 'all of this effort is carried across in an on-camera attitude that resembles Meghan's wardrobe: Well-tailored and beige,' and observed her 'less-than-adept' speaking skills with 'seemingly endless repetitions.'
When Success Becomes Subjective
When asked about mixed reviews, Meghan told Bloomberg: 'I think I knew who I was trying to meet, and so if you know your audience, you know your demographic, well, they love the show.
And my partners love the show, and that's why we have a season two and why we have more fun coming.'
She added: 'So I think often times the negative voices, are they saying negative things and then secretly going home and making single-skillet spaghetti? Possibly.' The response shows a different side of how she handles criticism compared to her royal protocol complaints.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Despite the poor critical reception, Meghan's show did achieve some initial success. It reached Netflix's Global Top 10 TV shows in 47 countries within a day of release and accumulated 12.6 million hours viewed in its first week, though it only spent one week in the top 10.
The Bigger Picture on Royal Rules
The pantyhose controversy reveals something important about how royal protocols actually work. The royal dress code is 'an unofficial but closely followed set of rules that's been handed down and modified by kings and queens over the centuries.'
While it's 'no longer as strict or formal as it was back in the day, there are still a lot of things every royal has to keep in mind, especially the royal women.'
As royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams explains: 'The bottom line is that the outfit always has to fit the occasion.'
This suggests that rather than rigid rules, royal dressing is more about understanding context, showing respect, and making appropriate choices for different situations—skills that are valuable in any professional environment.
What This Means For You
The debate raises questions about how we define authenticity in professional settings. Is authenticity about expressing every personal preference, or can it coexist with meeting reasonable expectations and showing respect for traditions and colleagues?
Many Australians navigating retirement or later-career changes might find themselves reflecting on similar questions: When is it worth pushing back against workplace norms, and when is it better to work within existing systems while finding other ways to express individuality?
What do you think? Have you ever felt torn between workplace expectations and personal expression? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we'd love to hear how you've navigated the balance between fitting in and standing out in your professional life.
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/entertainme...e/news-story/1c3945867dc65e6ba919a5673a3f0bac
Meghan Markle's pantyhose story called 'ludicrous' by royal expert | Fox News
Cited text: In a video interview published Tuesday, Markle told Bloomberg that royal protocol, like not being allowed to be as vocal as she would like or always h...
Excerpt: Meghan said royal protocol, like not being allowed to be as vocal as she would like or always having to wear nude pantyhose, 'felt a little inauthentic' to her when she was a senior royal
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainme...al-rules-claim-just-another-pity-party-expert
Meghan Markle's pantyhose story called 'ludicrous' by royal expert | Fox News
Cited text: 'But that’s a silly example. But it is an example of when you’re able to dress the way you want to dress, and you’re able to say the things that are t...
Excerpt: 'that's a silly example.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainme...al-rules-claim-just-another-pity-party-expert
With Love, Meghan—Wikipedia
Cited text: On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an overall 38 per cent approval rating from 34 critics.
Excerpt: her Netflix lifestyle show 'With Love, Meghan' holds a dismal 38 per cent approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/With_Love,_Meghan
Meghan Markle’s Cooking Show Ranks #383, Topped By ‘Suits’ Reruns In Netflix’s 2025 Ratings
Cited text: In the What We Watched semi-annual Netflix report about the performance of all of its titles from January-June 2025, With Love, Meghan ranked #383 wit...
Excerpt: ranked just #383 out of all Netflix titles with 5.3 million views since its March debut
https://deadline.com/2025/07/meghan-markle-netflix-show-with-love-ratings-suits-reruns-1236462738/
Meghan Markle's pantyhose story called 'ludicrous' by royal expert | Fox News
Cited text: In a story meant to remind us of how suffocating being a very brief member of the royal family was, Meghan tells the host, ‘I hadn't seen pantyhose si...
Excerpt: Royal expert Kinsey Schofield told Fox News that Meghan's 'crack' at the royal family about inauthenticity 'was an obvious ploy to get headlines.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainme...al-rules-claim-just-another-pity-party-expert
Meghan Markle's pantyhose story called 'ludicrous' by royal expert | Fox News
Cited text: Schofield said Markle’s 'constant contradictions are jarring.' PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE'S WEDDING DAY SPARKED PROFANE REACTION FROM PRINCE PHILI...
Excerpt: Schofield added that Meghan's 'constant contradictions are jarring,' particularly 'insinuating that nude tights are somehow archaic while promoting a TV series where she's glued to a kitchen being Susie Homemaker'
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainme...al-rules-claim-just-another-pity-party-expert
Meghan Markle is Not Required to Wear Tights As A Royal Family Member
Cited text: "There are no rules for royal women regarding pantyhose. While most women (royal or commoner) wear pantyhouse with suits or gowns for a good slim...
Excerpt: Royal expert Marlene Koenig definitively told Harper's Bazaar: 'There are no rules for royal women regarding pantyhose.
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a22873706/meghan-markle-no-tights/
12 rules from the royal family dress code—Deseret News
Cited text: Royal women are not required to wear pantyhose, but it was highly encouraged that they do out of respect for the queen. With Queen Camilla recently cr...
Excerpt: While royal women were not required to wear pantyhose, it was highly encouraged that they do out of respect for the queen, though with Queen Camilla recently crowned, this unspoken rule could be updated
https://www.deseret.com/2023/5/15/23721229/royal-family-dress-code-fashion-rules/
Apparently, All Royal Women Are Required to Wear Nude Tights—Stockings Kate Middleton Wears | Marie Claire
Cited text: Said royal expert Victoria Arbiter in an interview with Insider, “You never see a royal without their nude stockings. I would say that's really the on...
Excerpt: royal expert Victoria Arbiter previously told Insider: 'You never see a royal without their nude stockings.
https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/a17764700/royal-family-women-must-wear-tights/
Meghan Markle is Not Required to Wear Tights As A Royal Family Member
Cited text: Kate Middleton, on the other hand, pretty much always wears nude hosiery.
Excerpt: Kate Middleton pretty much always wears nude hosiery
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a22873706/meghan-markle-no-tights/
Meghan Markle is Not Required to Wear Tights As A Royal Family Member
Cited text: There have been several public occasions, however, when the Duchess of Cambridge has opted to go bare-legged—further proving that Meghan deciding not ...
Excerpt: there have been several public occasions when the Duchess of Cambridge has opted to go bare-legged—further proving that Meghan deciding not to wear tights is really not that rebellious of a royal move after all
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a22873706/meghan-markle-no-tights/
20 Royal Fashion Protocol Rules
Cited text: The most frequent royal to flaunt this rule was Meghan Markle.
Excerpt: Meghan was actually 'the most frequent royal to flaunt this rule'
https://cafemom.com/entertainment/royal-fashion-protocol-rules
Meghan Markle is Not Required to Wear Tights As A Royal Family Member
Cited text: Although Meghan did wear a pair of nude tights for her first public appearance after her wedding to Prince Harry, she has mostly opted to go sans stoc
Excerpt: Although Meghan did wear a pair of nude tights for her first public appearance after her wedding to Prince Harry, she has mostly opted to go sans stockings since
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a22873706/meghan-markle-no-tights/
Why Do The Royals Wear Pantyhose and Stockings?—VienneMilano
Cited text: Wearing pantyhose is a gesture of respect for cultural norms and protocols, especially during formal events and public appearances. It reflects a comm...
Excerpt: Wearing pantyhose is considered 'a gesture of respect for cultural norms and protocols, especially during formal events and public appearances.
https://viennemilano.com/blogs/tights/why-do-royals-wear-stockings
Why Do The Royals Wear Pantyhose and Stockings?—VienneMilano
Cited text: During Queen Elizabeth I's rule, silk stockings made a remarkable appearance in European courts. These stockings, made of luxurious materials, became ...
Excerpt: During Queen Elizabeth I's rule in the late 16th century, silk stockings became a symbol of status and elegance, and Queen Elizabeth's fondness for silk stockings sparked a trend that would eventually evolve into the pantyhose we know today
https://viennemilano.com/blogs/tights/why-do-royals-wear-stockings
Why Do The Royals Wear Pantyhose and Stockings?—VienneMilano
Cited text: The transition from stockings to pantyhose was driven by both practicality and fashion. As hemlines rose and skirts became shorter, the need for leg c...
Excerpt: The transition from stockings to pantyhose was driven by both practicality and fashion.
https://viennemilano.com/blogs/tights/why-do-royals-wear-stockings
Why Do The Royals Wear Pantyhose and Stockings?—VienneMilano
Cited text: While tradition and cultural norms play a pivotal role, modern royals also use fashion to express their individual identities. The choice to wear pant...
Excerpt: Modern individuals also use fashion to express their identities. The choice to wear pantyhose can reflect personal style preferences and a desire to uphold tradition in ways that resonate with unique personalities
https://viennemilano.com/blogs/tights/why-do-royals-wear-stockings
With Love, Meghan—Wikipedia
Cited text: The Guardian's review, written by Chitra Ramaswamy, gave the show one out of five stars, saying that 'what With Love, Meghan vibrates with most is a v...
Excerpt: The Guardian's review gave 'With Love, Meghan' one out of five stars, saying that 'what With Love, Meghan vibrates with most is a vacuous, over styled joylessness'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/With_Love,_Meghan
The UK Reaction to Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show
Cited text: The Spectator writer concluded it was “surreally dull.” The Daily Telegraph offered two stars, describing it as “an exercise in narcissism, filled wit...
Excerpt: The Times gave it two stars, The Spectator concluded it was 'surreally dull,' and The Daily Telegraph offered two stars, describing it as 'an exercise in narcissism, filled with extravagant brunches, celebrity pals and business plugs'
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/s...ghan-markle-netflix-show-uk-reaction-reviews/
'With Love, Meghan' Review: Meghan Markle's Netflix Series Underwhelms
Cited text: And yet all of this effort is carried across in an on-camera attitude that resembles Meghan’s on-camera wardrobe: Well-tailored and beige. In that fir...
Excerpt: Variety noted that 'all of this effort is carried across in an on-camera attitude that resembles Meghan's wardrobe: Well-tailored and beige,' and observed her 'less-than-adept' speaking skills with 'seemingly endless repetitions'
https://variety.com/2025/tv/reviews/with-love-meghan-markle-netflix-duchess-of-sussex-1236327469/
Meghan Markle Brushes Off Critics as Reviews Come in for Season 2 of 'With Love, Meghan'
Cited text: “I think I knew who I was trying to meet, and so if you know your audience, you know your demographic, well, they love the show,” Meghan told Chang in...
Excerpt: When asked about mixed reviews, Meghan told Bloomberg: 'I think I knew who I was trying to meet, and so if you know your audience, you know your demographic, well, they love the show.
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/s...eason-2-with-love-meghan-uk-reaction-critics/
Meghan Markle Brushes Off Critics as Reviews Come in for Season 2 of 'With Love, Meghan'
Cited text: So I think often times the negative voices, are they saying negative things and then secretly going home and making single-skillet spaghetti? Possibly...
Excerpt: She added: 'So I think often times the negative voices, are they saying negative things and then secretly going home and making single-skillet spaghetti?
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/s...eason-2-with-love-meghan-uk-reaction-critics/
15 Royal Dress Code Rules the British Monarchy Must Follow
Cited text: The royal dress code, an unofficial but closely followed set of rules that’s been handed down and modified by kings and queens over the centuries, set...
Excerpt: The royal dress code is 'an unofficial but closely followed set of rules that's been handed down and modified by kings and queens over the centuries…
https://www.rd.com/list/royal-family-dress-codes/
15 Royal Dress Code Rules the British Monarchy Must Follow
Cited text: “The bottom line is that the outfit always has to fit the occasion,” says royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, who has been following the lives of the B...
Excerpt: As royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams explains: 'The bottom line is that the outfit always has to fit the occasion'
https://www.rd.com/list/royal-family-dress-codes/
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