Meghan Markle Broke Royal Shoe Protocol at Bondi Beach

Christopher Luu
Updated

It looks like Meghan Markle's breaking the rules — but she's looking great while she's doing it. During a visit today to Bondi Beach, the Duchess of Sussex and her husband, Prince Harry, stepped out in a long maxi dress and a shoe that she's not allowed to wear. Technically it's not against any royal proclamation, but Markle wore wedges, which seems to be a taboo shoe in royal circles. Why, exactly? Well, the Queen's just not into them.

"The Queen isn’t a fan of wedged shoes," a source told the Vanity Fair. "She really doesn’t like them and it’s well known among the women in the family."

So, thanks to that unspoken rule, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle both wear their wedges when they're not accompanying her royal highness. Both Kate and Markle have been seen wearing wedges before, so it's not a brand-new phenomenon, but it's rare enough to get some attention. For her beach day, Meghan opted for the Castaner Carina Wedge, which has other fans, too. Pippa Middleton's been spotted in the shoes in the past, making them a style that's got some friends in high places, even if the longest-reigning monarch in British history isn't one of them.

RELATED: We Dissected the Secret Meaning Behind Every Meghan Markle Australia Outfit Thus Far

And what does the Queen wear when she's headed to the beach? No, she's not a flip-flop fanatic. She's actually been photographed wearing heels while enjoying a beach day with her Corgis. It may not be the most practical statement, but there's no doubting the eye-catching statement that comes with that particular choice.

RELATED: Will Meghan Markle's Maternity Leave Be the Same as Kate Middleton's?

According to New Idea, Markle took off the wedges when she got into the sand to meet with the fans that came out to meet her and her husband. Though the day was gloomy, royal die-hards came out in their colorful best, wearing rainbow prints, bright colors, and huge ear-to-ear smiles. It wasn't a coincidence, though. It was Fluro Friday, which is when locals wear leis and other colorful clothes to bring awareness to mental health. While they were out on the shore, Markle and Harry also met with OneWave, a local surf group.