Meghan Markle’s life changed overnight when she married Prince Harry. Like her sister-in-law Kate Middleton , she was a regular person before tying the knot with the prince. But – as we all know by now – becoming the Duchess of Sussex wasn’t all roses. And beyond her tumultuous relationship with the British royals, even simple things like closing car doors or her posture while sitting had to be changed after becoming part of royalty. Although she and Harry have since stepped back, here are six ways her life was different before and after she became a working royal … Before: she had odd jobs Before, Markle held a number of odd jobs before getting her big break on the TV show Suits . She was a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal , a freelance calligrapher , a restaurant hostess and more. After: butlers and staff did jobs for her That time #MeghanMarkle made headlines news for closing a car door pic.twitter.com/LmjBmjirKW — TV Fanatic👑⚜️ (@TvKhaleesi) July 18, 2021 In fact, the fact that she closed her own car door made headlines. Markle was spotted several times closing her own car door instead of having a member of her staff do it for her. It’s not a breach of royal protocol – Middleton has also shut her own car door on occasion – but the move was widely scrutinised nonetheless. Meet Monaco’s royal twins, Gabriella and Jacques (but who gets the throne?) Before: she could sip a cocktail without thinking twice 25/40 Photos Of Meghan And Kate Before They Were #Royals - Meghan Markle, 2014 - Here, Meghan was sipping a margarita during her DirecTV Beach Bowl appearance. #MeghanMarkle #DuchessOfSussex pic.twitter.com/n5mEjGfeFW — Prince George (@PrinceHRHGeorge) June 28, 2018 Markle attended the DirecTV Beach Bowl 2014 at the Gansevoort Hotel in New York City in 2014, and sampled a pink cocktail. After: her royal life involved lots of formal toasts with dignitaries No pink cocktails to be found at a reception at the residence of the British Ambassador to Ireland during her visit to Ireland. Before: Markle gave enthusiastic hugs as a commoner Like...I just want a hug from meghan markle pic.twitter.com/QVaCx8GPoj — Myra (@SussexPrincess) January 11, 2021 Meghan Markle was no stranger to greeting people with hugs. After: hugging a royal isn’t considered appropriate according to royal protocol … so handshakes it is. She shook hands on a walkabout at Cardiff Castle in Wales. Inside Princess Haya’s crazy rich Dubai life Before: Markle used to be able to cross her legs like anyone else #MeghanMarkle 🌸 fashion show @wesgordon #DuchessMeghan #DuchessofSussex #SussexSquad pic.twitter.com/8o9KFq7rWx — 🌸MeghanMarkleArchives🌸 (@ArchivesMarkle) July 26, 2019 Markle previously attended fashion shows. After: as the Duchess of Sussex, she was expected to sit with a “duchess slant” Coined by Beaumont Etiquette, the term “duchess slant” refers to the way Middleton sits, keeping her ankles and knees together while slanting her legs to either side. It’s a move Markle has adopted, as well. Before: Markle used to be able to wear any shade of nail polish At an InStyle party in Toronto, she wore grey nail polish to match her dress. After: the queen reportedly only allows neutral nail colours 'Why you'll not catch Meghan Markle on dark nail polish or fake talons https://t.co/kkI63uBZ56 pic.twitter.com/idQtCFYsXs — Linda Ikeji (@lindaikeji) May 21, 2018 Royals are expected to adhere to an unspoken rule of wearing only neutral nail colours. Grimaldis reunited: Monaco’s royal twins bond with their ‘illegitimate’ half-siblings Before: Markle was an actress starring on Suits She played the character Rachel Zane. After: being the Duchess of Sussex became a full-time job … until she and Prince Harry gave up their royal roles, that is. The couple now lives in Montecito, California , and are working on a slew of projects through their non-profit, Archewell. This article originally appeared on Insider . Want more stories like this? Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .