SAEDNEWS: From Princess Diana's bold choices to Meghan Markle's modern twists, discover how these royals defied centuries-old traditions and the lasting impact of their decisions.
Royal families are often seen as the epitome of tradition and protocol. Yet, history is dotted with instances where members of these esteemed families have subtly—or boldly—broken away from convention. Here are nine royals who did just that, and the ripple effects of their actions.
Princess Diana was renowned for her ability to connect with the public, often breaking royal protocol to do so. One notable instance was when she shook hands with an AIDS patient in 1987, challenging misconceptions about the disease and demonstrating compassion. Her actions not only humanized the monarchy but also paved the way for future royals to engage more openly with the public.
In 1982, Prince William became the first royal in modern times to be born in a hospital, specifically the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London. This departure from the tradition of home births was later followed by his own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who were also born in the same hospital.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 2018 wedding was a departure from royal norms in several ways. Notably, Meghan chose to walk down the aisle alone, symbolizing her independence, and later revealed that they had privately married three days before the public ceremony.
Following the death of Prince Philip in 2021, Queen Elizabeth II opted not to use the traditional black-edged mourning stationery, a practice dating back to the 19th century. This subtle change indicated a shift in royal mourning customs.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have been known to break from the lavish royal dining traditions. Reports suggest that they prefer simple breakfasts, such as cereal and toast, over the elaborate meals favored by previous monarchs.
At a state banquet in 2025, Princess Kate chose a gold gown and tiara, making a statement about her role in the modern monarchy. This choice was seen as a nod to both tradition and contemporary style.
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. This unprecedented move, often referred to as "Megxit," marked a significant departure from royal expectations and has had lasting implications on the family's public image.
During a state visit to Japan in 2025, Duchess Sophie performed an impressively low curtsy when meeting Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. This gesture, though voluntary, was praised for its grace and adherence to royal etiquette.
Queen Camilla's decision to attend the requiem mass for the Duchess of Kent, a Roman Catholic service, was a significant break from tradition. This marked the first time in around 400 years that a British monarch attended a Roman Catholic funeral, signaling a move towards greater religious inclusivity.
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