Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: What They Can’t Do According to Royal Rules

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship grows stronger, rumors of a royal engagement are swirling.

A recent meeting with the Queen herself has fueled speculation even further, causing royal watchers to closely observe the couple's every move.

However, as a result of Harry's royal status, there are certain rules and regulations that he and Meghan must follow to keep in the Queen's good graces.

Here are some things you probably won't see them doing.

1.

Living in a Regular House Together

Although reports suggest that the couple was seen house hunting in Oxfordshire, Harry and Meghan cannot simply move into a regular home together.

Any official residence for the couple would require an association with the Queen, meaning they could choose to live in an independent royal residence not attached to a castle or palace like Kate and William did at Amner Hall.

However, if they are eyeing up an engagement soon, buying a regular run-of-the-mill house is pretty much out of the question.

2.

Showing PDA during Engagements

While Harry and Meghan have been spotted holding hands and kissing in public, they will likely have to stop once they are married and officially part of the royal family.

As with Kate and William, their outward behavior will likely change dramatically once they are working on engagements as a married couple.

3.

Continuing Their Careers

Meghan Markle is an accomplished actress and star of legal drama Suits, but upon the announcement of a royal engagement, she will have to retire from acting to become a full-time royal.

Prince William continued to work as a pilot after his marriage to Kate, but she had to shelve her fashion-buying career prospects, and William eventually hung up his helicopter blades.

4.

Marrying in the US

Despite reports that Harry and Meghan are considering marrying in the US, they must be married in England.

Canadian citizen Autumn Phillips did not have to renounce her citizenship when she married into the royal family, but Canada is a part of the Commonwealth.

Harry and Meghan's wedding will be a huge, official affair attended by royalty, political dignitaries, and other high-ranking officials.

Therefore, a Hawaiian elopement would be out of the question.

5.

Marrying Whenever They Like

Under the Royal Marriages Act 1772, a royal engagement must be approved by the Queen herself.

The Queen almost always attends the weddings in person, and there are several time commitments that Harry and Meghan must take into consideration.

Speculation suggests that they might even have to wait until after the christening of Kate's third royal baby before getting engaged or married.

6.

Having a Baby Out of Wedlock

While there is no official rule against it, it is strongly frowned upon for Harry and Meghan to have a child before they are married.

There hasn't been a royal baby born out of wedlock in a couple of centuries, but there have been several royal babies born within less than nine months of a wedding.

If Harry and Meghan ever had a baby before marriage, the child probably wouldn't be given any title or place in the line of succession.

In conclusion, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship continues to blossom, they must navigate a set of rules and regulations that come with Harry's royal status.

While they may not be able to live in a regular house together or show PDA during engagements, they are sure to create their own unique path as a modern royal couple.