Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Just Broke 2 Royal Rules While on Tour—and We Love to See It

A little rule-breaking never hurt anybody

Published Aug 16, 2024

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5:00pm

prince harry and meghan markle holding hands in Colombia.

Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images

It's no secret that the royal family has strict rules to follow (no matter how ridiculous by today's standards), and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just broke two of them during their tour in Colombia.

Since stepping down as senior royals, the couple has a bit more freedom to do as they please. And, while strutting the streets of Bogotá, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex broke two royal rules on the first day of their trip: no PDA and no selfies. It's important to note that these are more protocols than strict rules *and* several higher-ranking royal family members have broken them in the past.

Yep, that's right, even Prince William and Kate Middleton have broken these rules more than once. (I mean, a royal selfie with Taylor Swift. Now, that's worth breaking a rule for.)

prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-break-royal-rules: harry and meghan holding each other as they greet people in colombia.

Anadolu/Getty Images

But since Prince Harry and Meghan are now non-royals since their split from the royal family in 2020, they no longer have to follow these regulations. In images from their tour so far, the pair were seen holding hands and embracing each other, which has been a royal no-no for quite some time.

In an excerpt from his memoir Spare, the 40-year-old revealed the "zero-tolerance prohibition" was mainly followed by the older generation of royals. He wrote, "No hugs, no kisses, no pats. Now and then, maybe a light touching of cheeks… on special occasions." Yikes.

prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-break-royal-rules: harry kissing the top of meghan's head.

Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images

Harry and Meghan clearly feel these protocols are outdated, as they have shared a small kiss or two in front of the cameras.

prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-break-royal-rules: prince harry and meghan markle taking a selfie.

Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images

During their visit to EAN University, amplifying the 'Responsible Digital Future' forum, Prince Harry and Meghan also posed for a picture with Colombia's VP, Francia Márquez and their partner, Yerney Pinillo. After their first stop in Bogotá, the Duke and Duchess are said to be making several other stops around Colombia, including Cartagena and Cali.

prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-break-royal-rules: prince harry taking a selfie with a local.

Diego Cuevas/Getty Images

I can't wait to see what the rest of their tour around Colombia brings.

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Courtney Mason

Editorial Assistant

Writes across several verticals including fashion, beauty, news and entertainment
Over three years of experience in the fashion industry
Studied Fashion Media (with a minor in Visuals for Social Media) at LIM College

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