MEGHAN Markle’s stint as a working member of the Royal Family might have been quite short – however, that doesn’t mean it was uneventful.

The former Suits star – whose Netflix show will be airing as of tomorrow – only had a handful of engagements before tying the knot with Prince Harry in front of millions in May 2018.

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The Duchess of Sussex’s With Love, Meghan TV show is airing on March 4Credit: COURTESY OF NETFLIX

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During her time as a working royal, Meghan showed that she was prepared to break well-established royal rulesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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As well as giving out autographs, the former actress also broke another royal rule – taking selfies with fansCredit: Arthur Edwards – The sun
The couple, parents to Archie and Lilibet, worked together as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for less than two years before they sensationally stepped down as senior royals in January 2020 – a move which has since been dubbed Megxit.

However, during her time in the royal spotlight, Meghan, 43, showed over and over again that she was prepared to break well-established royal rules that had existed for generations.

One such noteworthy examples was when she and Harry visited Wales on their third royal engagement in January 2018.

On the trip to Cardiff Castle, the actress proved she was just as popular as her then husband-to-be as crowds cheered her name and swamped her in hugs.

But the visit also demonstrated that she was comfortable ripping up the royal rule book when a fan asked if she could have an autograph – something which royals are forbidden from giving.

The longstanding ban is in place due to a fear of fraud, as there’s a risk of royal signatures being copied or forged if their handwriting can be studied.

King Charles, who has a duty to regularly sign documents of state, usually responds to these requests by politely explaining: ”Sorry, they don’t allow me to do that.”

All of the royals have had to similarly let their fans down over the years.

However, it appears the brunette beauty thought she was not bound by royal protocol.

When an onlooker asked her for an autograph Meghan couldn’t seem to resist the Hollywood habit that she had formed during her time on TV.

Real truth about Meghan’s bullying & her racism claims MUST be revealed – it’s time to tell world
The person who got her to go against her royal training was a ten-year-old girl named Caitlin Clark, who asked her: ”Hi Meghan. Can you sign my book?”

However, instead of simply signing her own name, Meghan thought she would find a clever loophole and instead wrote ”Hi Kaitlin” – with a K instead of a C – and adding a heart and a smiley face.

Luckily, the young fan didn’t seem to mind the misspelling, telling reporters at the time: ”I don’t really care. My heart is still racing. I’ve never got a royal autograph before. This is going to make everyone jealous.”

Also on the trip to Cardiff, Meghan allowed one well-wisher, security guard Anthony Herbert, then aged 45, to kiss her on the back of the hand – even though it’s a protocol that royals do not let themselves be kissed by a member of the public.

As well as autographs and kisses, the actress pushed the boundaries of royal etiquette by taking a cheeky selfie-style photo in Cardiff.

Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step back as senior working royals?

PRINCE Harry has always wanted out of the Royal Family and the repercussions will be felt for years, an expert has claimed.

The Duke of Sussex has lived in California with his wife Meghan Markle since 2020 after they dramatically quit their jobs as working royals and moved across the pond.

Katie Nicholl, who is Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent, told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show that Megxit did not come as a surprise to her.

Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, the commentator explained: “Anyone who knows Harry is aware he’s always wanted a way out of the Royal Family.

“He’s said multiple times on the record that he wished he’d never been born a prince.

“I think he really is living the life he wants to now. It’s very, very sad that it’s played out the way it has.”

In a statement made on the Sussexes’ Instagram account as they stepped back in 2020, the pair wrote: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.

“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.

“We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.

“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”

Ordinarily royals are warned off selfies, as they could pose a security issue because of the closeness they usually require.

Despite having only recently joined the Royal Family, Meghan was aware of the strict rules, as she had been caught telling one person who had asked for a selfie that she was ”not allowed” during a previous engagement in Nottingham.

However, in Cardiff Meghan found yet another loophole.

The person she made the exception for was 18-year-old sixth-former Amy Thomas, who had asked for a selfie but then handed her camera to her mum, Michelle, who took the iconic shot.

She told reporters: ”I asked for a selfie but maybe that’s not allowed, so my mum took the picture. Meghan asked me my name and we talked about how cold it was. She was really lovely.”

Meghan’s tendency to be quite comfortable with breaking the Royal Family’s rules before she had even officially joined it raised a few eyebrows at the time.

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For the special occasion, the Hollywood star opted for boots teamed with skinny jeansCredit: Getty – Contributor
Its members are taught royal etiquette and traditions by household staff from a young age, but as Meghan married into the family at 36, she had obviously not been brought up to fully understand the customers and rules.

The American celeb had to learn how to give a proper royal handshake, to stand up when the monarch does and to avoid any PDA.

The extensive training also included how to greet dignitaries – and expect to be greeted – as well as how to behave on royal engagements and the intricacies of palace life.

And although the autograph ban may not seem like a big deal, it is taken very seriously by those in the institution – as is the strict fashion rule.

For the event, instead of the more traditional dress and a pair of smart court shoes, which is the standard uniform for a working royal, the young actress went for a pair of dark skinny jeans.

The stylish Suits star teamed the look with an off-the-shoulder checked top – another rather daring and bold choice for an official engagement.

‘Meghan isn’t someone who plays by the rules’

Celebrity stylist and fashion designer Lucas Armitage told FEMAIL at the time that it was a sign Meghan was not ready to completely give up her old identity.

He explained: ”Meghan isn’t someone who plays by the rules with any aspects of her life, especially when it comes to style.

”She isn’t letting her upcoming nuptials have an impact on her style choices and she is staying true to her signature look instead of adopting the typical royal makeover.

”This is a clear message that it’s her way and she isn’t changing, which I think is a bold move.”

Cooking show launch

The Netflix show will have 33 minute-long episodes featuring a host of Meg’s various Hollywood friends trying her simple, yet “elevated”, food.

A trailer for the programme showed Meghan, 43, inviting friends and famous guests to a California estate where she shares cooking, gardening and hosting tips.

Mindy Kaling, Daniel Martin and Meghan’s friend and Suits co-star Abigail Spencer are set to appear.

This comes as Meghan teased the launch of the show with behind-the-scenes clips of her dancing and preparing a variety of dishes.

Prince Harry was also seen making a cameo in the video.

The series is reportedly being made to complement her lifestyle brand As Ever, which Meghan announced last week.

The Duchess was forced this month to re-brand American Riviera Orchard – originally announced a year ago – due to trademark issues.