Meghan Markle wasn’t allowed to wear her hat at Wimbledon

Meghan Markle is still adjusting to life as a royal — and all the rules that come with it.

Over the weekend, the Duchess of Sussex made her first appearance at Wimbledon as a member of the royal family, wearing a blue-and-white striped button-down shirt and white silk pants, both by Ralph Lauren. The 36-year-old, however, almost committed a fashion faux pas when it came to her choice of headwear.

Markle was seen carrying a wide-brimmed fedora — the very same hat she wore to watch pal Serena Williams play in the same tournament in 2016 — but not actually wearing it, due to royal protocol.

According to The Sun, spectators in the royal box are asked to “dress smartly” and men are advised to wear a jacket and tie. All are reportedly banned from any type of headwear, as it might obstruct other guests’ views, although hats are permitted in other parts of the stadium.

Seated in the front row of the royal box next to Kate Middleton, Markle simply held her accessory in her lap while watching Williams face off against Angelique Kerber.

Since marrying Prince Harry in May, Markle has ditched her California-cool style in favor of prim and proper looks fit for a royal. Still, the Duchess of Sussex has faced fashion criticism for certain looks, like the off-the-shoulder dress she wore to Queen Elizabeth’s annual birthday parade last month.

Now, it seems, Markle is taking extra precautions to avoid breaking royal fashion protocol.