Meghan Markle’s Purse Sparks Royal Protocol Debate

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out in matching outfits on Friday, leaving many people swooning over the couple's style.

However, some are now claiming that Markle's purse for the occasion might have broken royal protocol because it wasn't a clutch.

This speculation can be traced back to January when royal etiquette expert William Hansen told the Daily Mail that there's a somewhat official reason that Kate Middleton always carries a clutch, and it has nothing to do with her fashion sense.

According to Hansen, protocol dictates that you do not extend your hand to any member of the royal family unless their hand extends first.

He explained that this rule influences the royal style, and the Duchess of Cambridge may well prefer not to shake hands with certain people, but there are other ways to achieve this, as used by the Queen and other members of the royal family.

Rather than opting for a clutch over a bag with a strap, he elaborated, because of this reported protocol, people are skeptical of Markle's maroon strapberry tote that had a shoulder strap and a small handle.

However, Victoria Arbiter, a royal commentator for CNN, told Insider that Markle's bag didn't break any official rules.

”There is no rule book, there is no protocol, there is no set bag that royals are required to carry, it's more about personal comfort and what works for every given individual on the day,” she explained.

Arbiter went on to say that the Queen prefers a lawner purse that she can rest in the crook of her arm, leaving her hands free to engage with people.

Meanwhile, Middleton prefers a small clutch that she can secure under her arm when she greets people.

But Arbiter pointed out that this was Markle's first public appearance as a soon-to-be royal, so she's just beginning to figure out what's best for her.

”More often than not, Kate has a clutch and the Queen has her lawner, I think it really is a personal choice, and Meghan is going to find what works for her the more engagements she undertakes,” she said.

Although it appeared difficult to juggle during the meet and greet, Arbiter said there was nothing objectively wrong with Markle's purse.

In fact, the $600 mini tote has become an overnight sensation and is now sold out on Stratberry's website.

While Markle's purse was likely harmless, Arbiter pointed out that Markle actually may have broken royal protocol on November 27 when she didn't wear n^de stockings during her engagement photo shoot.

”You never see a royal without their n^de stockings, Meghan, from what I can see from the engagement photographs, it doesn't look like she was wearing tights or stockings,” Arbiter explained.

”I would say that's really the only hard, steadfast rule in terms of what the Queen requires.”

Arbiter speculated that Markle's style will continue to evolve as her May wedding date approaches.