From Joke to Serious: Meghan Markle's Crash Course on Royal Etiquette
In a recent Netflix docuseries called "Harry & Meghan," Meghan Markle revealed that she had to learn how to curtsy when she met Queen Elizabeth II for the first time. Contrary to her claim that Sarah Ferguson taught her how to curtsy, Prince Andrew's former wife denied the claim.
In the second episode of the Netflix series, Meghan explained how she learned to curtsy when she and Harry were on their way to the Royal Lodge for lunch. She said that she didn't know she was going to meet the queen until moments before and was asked by Harry if she knew how to curtsy. She initially thought it was a joke, but when she realized it wasn't, she quickly had to learn how to curtsy properly in front of the queen.
Prince Harry also described the incident in his memoir, Spare, saying that they were going to Prince Andrew's home to meet Sarah, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank. When they arrived, they were surprised to find that Queen Elizabeth was also there, making a surprise visit. Meghan already knew Eugenie from attending a Halloween party together before her relationship with Prince Harry went public.
When they entered the room, the queen was standing in the middle of the room, and Meghan dropped a deep, flawless curtsy, saying "Your Majesty, pleasure to meet you."
Prince Harry claimed that Sarah had helped Meghan practice her curtsy outside her home and demonstrated what she had to do, which Meghan imitated.
However, Sarah Ferguson denied the claim that she had taught Meghan how to curtsy, saying that she hadn't really met her yet. She also praised Meghan for making Prince Harry happy, saying that he was so happy with her, and she really loves him.
The incident of Meghan's curtsy became quite famous, with some exaggerating its importance. Meghan herself compared the curtsy to Medieval Times, while Prince Harry's description was plain and simple, opposite Meghan's claim. Regardless of the details, the incident highlights the formalities and traditions that come with meeting the queen and the importance of knowing how to properly show respect to the monarch.