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

As speculation around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's impending engagement continues to grow, a recent meeting between the couple and the Queen has only fueled the rumors.

Royal watchers are eagerly observing every detail, from their fashion choices to their gestures and quotes, in hopes of catching a glimpse of an engagement ring.

However, it is important to note that Harry and Meghan's relationship is far from ordinary.

With Harry being a prince, there are certain rules and regulations they must adhere to in order to maintain the Queen's approval.

Here are some things you probably won't see this royal couple doing, in accordance with these pesky royal rules.

Firstly, living in a regular house together is not an option for Harry and Meghan.

Despite reports of their house-hunting adventures in Oxfordshire, the couple would be required to move into a royal residence if they decided to live together.

Members of the royal family with titles such as Prince, Princess, Duke, Duchess, Earl, or Countess do not reside in regular houses.

They either live in palaces or castles, like Kensington Palace or Buckingham Palace, or in independent royal residences.

Therefore, buying a run-of-the-mill house is highly unlikely for the couple.

Public displays of affection (PDA) during engagements are also a no-no for Harry and Meghan.

While they have been seen holding hands and engaging in sweet gestures during public appearances, this behavior is expected to change once they are married and officially part of the royal family.

Just like Prince William and Kate Middleton, who refrained from PDA after their marriage, Meghan and Harry will likely adopt a more formal approach in public.

Another rule that Harry and Meghan will have to follow is giving up their careers.

Although Prince William continued to work as a pilot after marrying Kate, she had to put her fashion-buying career on hold.

Similarly, it is expected that both Harry and Meghan will have to give up their respective professions.

Meghan, known for her role in the legal drama Suits, will have to retire from acting and become a full-time royal, just like Grace Kelly did when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Marrying in the US is also off the table for the couple.

Despite rumors of a potential wedding in Hawaii, Harry and Meghan would be required to marry in England.

British royal weddings are grand affairs attended by royalty, political dignitaries, and high-ranking officials.

Therefore, eloping to another country is not an option for them.

The most likely venues for their wedding would be Westminster Abbey in London or St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Furthermore, Harry and Meghan cannot simply get engaged or married whenever they please.

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

Additionally, the Queen usually attends the weddings of her family members.

With Kate Middleton expecting her third child, it is speculated that Harry and Meghan might have to wait until after the baby's christening before announcing their engagement.

There are various time commitments that the couple must consider, making the process of getting engaged even more complex.

While there is no official rule against having a baby out of wedlock, it is highly discouraged for Harry and Meghan.

Historically, there hasn't been a royal baby born out of wedlock in centuries.

If the couple were to have a child before marriage, it is unlikely that the child would be given any royal title or place in the line of succession.

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship progresses towards an engagement, they must navigate these royal rules and expectations.

From their living arrangements to their behavior in public, every decision they make will be scrutinized.

While they may not be able to follow the same path as other couples, their unique circumstances only add to the intrigue surrounding their future together.