Buckingham Palace Responds to Rumors About Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Neighbors

In a rare move, Buckingham Palace shut down rumors that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's neighbors had to follow strict protocol regarding their proximity to the royal family of three.

Originally, British tabloid The Sun ran an article detailing an unnamed source's account of the rules that the neighbors who live on the adjacent properties to Meghan and Harry's home of Frogmore Cottage are required to follow. (Word of warning: Always be wary of these "unnamed" sources who are "close to the family.") 

This source said that at a recent neighborhood meeting, the Windsor community was allegedly given a list of "do and don’t commandments" regarding the Sussexes and their pets. One rule was, “Don't approach or instigate conversation if you see the Royal couple” or “Don't pet or stroke their dogs, even if they come over to you.”

Buckingham Palace's feathers were ruffled by this report, and—in an atypical decision by officials, who don't often comment on rumors about the royals—denied the accusations about this list of protocol.

"The Duke and Duchess had no knowledge of this briefing and no involvement in the concept or the content,” the palace’s statement read, per The Daily Mail. The meeting was also clarified as being held in February, not after Archie's birth as previously suspected.

“This was a well-intentioned briefing to help a small local community know how to welcome two new residents and help them with any potential encounter. There was no handout or letter. The talk was undertaken by a local manager and was widely viewed as being well-received," the statement from the palace read.

"As it is they love people to stroke their dogs," a royal spokesperson added, via the Mail.

So...dog-walking for the Sussexes is still on the table then? Asking for a friend...