With the release of season two of With Love, Meghan on Netflix, Meghan Markle is once again inviting viewers into her post-royal world—filled with food, candid conversations, and glimpses of life beyond the palace gates.
But in a new promotional interview for the series, the Duchess of Sussex goes deeper than ever before, opening up about what life was really like behind the royal curtain—and the one outdated rule that made her feel most unlike herself.
In a sit-down with journalist Emily Chang for The Circuit, titled “Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, on Life and Business Beyond the Royal Spotlight,” Meghan candidly reflected on her time as a working royal and the internal tension she experienced while trying to maintain authenticity.
“It was different several years ago—I couldn’t be as vocal,” Meghan admitted. “I had to wear nude pantyhose all the time… that was not very myself.”
Though she framed the tights comment as a “silly example,” Meghan used it to highlight a broader point: how something as seemingly small as dress code can reflect a larger struggle with self-expression.
“That felt a little bit inauthentic,” she explained. “But when you’re able to dress how you want, say what’s true, and show up as yourself—that’s what it means to be comfortable in your own skin.”
And now, she says, she’s finally at peace: “Right now, I don’t feel I need to prove anything.”
The Royal Fashion Rulebook: Tights, Nail Polish, and Mourning Protocol
While Meghan’s pantyhose remark raised eyebrows, it tapped into a long history of informal yet deeply ingrained fashion expectations for royal women.
“Wearing tights isn’t official protocol,” notes HELLO! royal correspondent Danielle Stacey, “but it’s been viewed as an unwritten rule, especially for more formal appearances.”
The late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly preferred a conservative aesthetic, often influencing the dress of senior royal women like the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh. Bare legs might make the occasional appearance at casual outings, but sheer tights remain standard fare for official engagements.
And tights aren’t the only sartorial guideline royals are expected to follow. Other fashion rules include: Nail polish: Bold colors are discouraged. The Queen’s personal favorite was Essie’s Ballet Slippers, a pale pink shade that remains a royal go-to.
Black clothing: Royals must always travel with a black outfit in case of a sudden death in the family. This tradition began in 1952, when then–Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya as her father, King George VI, passed away. She had no mourning attire with her and had to remain on the plane until appropriate clothing was brought aboard.
A New Chapter of Authenticity
While Meghan may have stepped away from royal duties, she hasn’t left behind her commitment to using her platform. With Love, Meghan season two brings together celebrity guests, chefs, and thought leaders for conversations rooted in connection and creativity—on her terms.
And this time, she’s showing up fully as herself—no pantyhose required.
