Royal Faux Pas: Meghan Markle’s Cultural Missteps

Meghan Markle recently opened up about a cultural misunderstanding she faced upon meeting the British royal family.

The Duchess of Sussex revealed that her natural inclination towards physical affection, particularly hugging, clashed with the reserved nature of British customs.

In a candid moment captured in the Netflix docuseries “Harry and Meghan,” she reflected on her initial interactions with the royals and the unintended impact of her behavior.

Recalling a specific encounter with Prince William and Kate Middleton, Meghan shared her perspective on the situation.

She vividly described the moment when she first met Kate, emphasizing her casual attire of ripped jeans and bare feet, highlighting her innate tendency to embrace others.

However, she acknowledged that her hugging approach was met with surprise and discomfort by many Brits, who value formality and distance in social interactions.

Prince Harry, in his memoir “Spare,” echoed Meghan's sentiments and provided insight into his brother's reaction to her friendly gesture.

He recounted how Prince William, typically attired in formal clothing, was taken aback when Meghan leaned in for a hug during their initial meeting at Frogmore Cottage.

The Duke of Sussex explained that such displays of physical affection were uncommon within royal circles, leading to a moment of awkwardness and cultural clash.

Moreover, Meghan disclosed another instance where her unfamiliarity with royal protocols caused confusion.

She shared a humorous anecdote about Harry reminding her to curtsy to the Queen during their first encounter at Windsor Castle in 2016.

Reflecting on the incident, Meghan admitted to initially perceiving Harry's instruction as a joke, highlighting the challenges of navigating traditional customs as an American unfamiliar with royal etiquette.

The dynamics between Meghan's warm, approachable demeanor and the royal family's adherence to protocol became evident through these anecdotes.

While Meghan's natural inclination towards hugging and casualness may have seemed out of place in formal settings, her genuine intentions and authenticity shone through despite cultural differences.

The clash of personal values and societal norms underscored the complexities of blending individual identity with royal expectations.

As Meghan and Harry navigated the intricacies of royal life, they encountered moments of misunderstanding and adjustment.

The contrast between Meghan's warmth and the royal family's reserved demeanor highlighted the nuances of cultural diversity and the need for mutual understanding.