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See how Meghan Markle broke royal protocol to the delight of fans

Meghan Markle delighted fans on Thursday (Jan. 18) by breaking an important royal protocol during a walkabout in Cardiff. The soon-to-be royal signed an autograph for a young girl after the little fan had waited outside Cardiff Castle for hours just to catch a glimpse of Meghan and her fiancé Prince Harry, who stood by her side.

And it wasn't the only royal protocol Meghan broke during the walkabout; the former Suits star also posed for a selfie with another fan, despite saying she was "not allowed" to take photos with members of the public during a previous engagement.

TAP TO VIEW THE GALLERYMeghan Markle broke royal protocol by signing an autograph

Prince Harry holds Meghan as she smiles with a fan to sign an autograph
Prince Harry holds Meghan as she smiles with a fan to sign an autograph

GALLERY: See the royals who have broken protocol

Meghan appeared in high spirits throughout the walkabout, and happily chatted to members of the crowd, even allowing one man to kiss her on the hand, and high fiving a group of schoolchildren, while Harry shook their hands.

Royals are typically expected to politely decline fans requests for an autograph, due to the risk of it being forged. However, Meghan's future father-in-law Prince Charles has also previously broken the protocol back in 2010 when he signed an autograph for a victim of devastating floods, writing 'Charles 2010' on a piece of paper.

Meghan also took a selfie with a fan in the crowd

Meghan Markle poses with fans to take a photograph together along the crowd sideline
Meghan Markle poses with fans to take a photograph together along the crowd sideline

Her Majesty the Queen has also broken her own tradition after agreeing to sign a football for a young Manchester United football fan inside the Petronas Twin Towers building during her visit to Malaysia in 1998. Speaking about the signing, United player and England football hero, Sir Bobby Charlton, said at the time: "She didn't know what to do so I just helped to hold the ball. This is a fantastic honour for Manchester United."

RELATED: The one thing Meghan Markle will no longer be able to do following engagement

Prince Harry and Meghan's visit to Wales comes shortly after their successful visits to Nottingham and Brixton in south London. The prince has been taking the time to introduce the former Suits actress to destinations around the UK, a place she will come to call home. Harry looked handsome in a dark blue coat, while Meghan opted for a stylish black coat by Stella McCartney.

After their walkabout, the couple will get to see inside the castle, Cardiff's landmark building which has a history dating back more than 1,000 years. They will hear performances from musicians and poets, meet leading sportsmen and women, and see how organisations are working to promote the Welsh language and cultural identity - as part of a Welsh Cultural Festival.