Rules, rules, and more rules! The British royal family, an institution steeped in centuries of tradition and decorum, now finds itself at the center of an explosive revelation regarding its unyielding beauty standards. In the latest expose, it’s clear that the pressure on royal women, especially the likes of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, goes far beyond curtsies and proper tea etiquette. They are bound by a string of stringent, seemingly archaic beauty guidelines that dictate everything from nail polish shades to makeup choices and even hairstyle selections—an eye-opening peek into the rigorous world of royal beauty!
The revelation is both shocking and captivating: Meghan Markle, who has often been lauded for her modern approach to royal life, must adhere to the exacting standards that have long governed the appearance of women in the royal household. In a kingdom where discretion and tradition are paramount, it is all but certain that you won’t spot Markle sporting vibrant red nail polish any time soon. That’s right—while the rest of the world delights in colorful nail trends, royal family members are restricted to palette choices that include only the most neutral or light shades.
Eye-catching hues? Not for the royals! Instead, they are expected to opt for subdued colors such as pale pinks—a custom that even the stoic Queen Elizabeth holds dear. Reports suggest her favorite nail polish is Essie’s iconic Ballet Slippers, a light pink shade that sits alongside her extensive collection. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about unity, respect, and maintaining a standard that cements the royal family’s place above the common populace.
But it goes deeper than just nails, diving into the realm of makeup too. The royal aesthetic is defined by a minimalist, understated approach that demands high marks for demureness. Women in the royal family are expected to present themselves in a manner that is nothing short of regal but decidedly simple—a few swipes of eyeliner, light eyeshadow, and natural lip colors prevail. The implications are staggering. Meghan made headlines when she dared to wear shiny lip gloss during lunch with the Queen—an unforgivable breach of royal protocol that sent shockwaves through royal observers. What does such a move mean for her acceptance into the royal fold? Perhaps it illustrates a blend of traditional and modern that the monarchy is still navigating.
Hair arrangements, too, fall under the unyielding grip of royal tradition. While the women do enjoy slightly more freedom regarding their hairstyles, the overarching rule remains: neat and polished is paramount. Unfortunately, this rule comes with the burden of integrating a hat into their ensemble during formal occasions—a quirky requirement left over from a bygone era when hats were a societal norm. Miss the 6 p.m. cutoff for hat-wearing and it’s tiara time, but only for those married or soon to be married—highlighting the complexities of royal status that extend even to headwear.
The issue of glam doesn’t cease with makeup and hair; it extends to the carefully curated outfits that must reflect cohesiveness, pride, and a nod to heritage. The royal family doesn’t just wear clothes; they embody a spirit—often dressing in complementary colors that pay homage to their status as representatives of the United Kingdom. All eyes are on them, especially during public engagements, which injects an extra layer of pressure concerning their fashion statements.
Yet, while Meghan’s fashion choices have been under the microscope, particularly compared to those of Kate Middleton, whose long-established royal style has earned widespread praise, the rules twist into an even larger social commentary. There’s immense scrutiny when Meghan dons something slightly out of step, such as the burgundy and navy tote bag she chose for her first appearance with Harry—a stark contrast to the royal clutch protocols that dictate smaller, strapless accessories for royal engagements, ensuring the prevention of casual handshakes with the masses. Every detail matters.
And don’t forget about those sheer stockings! A long-standing royal tradition, they are still expected to be worn. The assumption is that any royal appearance must embody a certain level of modesty and decorum. Kate’s adherence has even revived interest in pantyhose in the larger fashion world. But Markle, seen in sheer dresses during official engagements, ignites debates about whether she is consciously rebelling against this strict standard or simply unaware of royal expectations.
Consider this: while jeans may be a staple in modern wardrobes, they are seldom worn by royals in public. The context dictates casualness, but any slip into ripped jeans—such as those spotted on Markle—raises eyebrows and questions the appropriateness of royal fashion.
The pressure for excellence is also reflected in the practical elements of royal dressing. How often do you hear of a royal dealing with wardrobe malfunctions, particularly given their public lives? Kate and her infamous yellow dress became fodder for speculation when high winds threatened to expose a bit too much. Thankfully, tips from the Queen—who is said to employ weights sewn into her hems—saved the day and kept the royal dignity intact.
Moreover, the last line of defense from this highly scrutinized world encompasses wearing gloves at several important moments—a protective measure against germs in a whirlwind of public interaction. Etiquette around gloved handling during royal engagements is strict, ensuring that members of the royal family maintain a certain standard of decorum even amidst the common touch.
In conclusion, the revelation of these rigid beauty rules draws attention not just to an outdated adherence to tradition, but also to an ongoing cultural conflict where the modern and the archaic collide. The British royal family navigates an ever-shifting landscape filled with public expectations, media scrutiny, and traditions that may feel increasingly irrelevant in today’s world. As we look forward, it remains unclear how the influence of newcomers like Meghan Markle will impact the future of these traditions and whether adaptation will breathe new life into the age-old rules that govern royal beauty standards.
This is more than just skin-deep—it’s a window into the psychology of royalty and the strain of an institution clinging to the past while trying to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. What future awaits this iconic family amidst such scrutiny and expectation? Only time will tell.
