In the blossoming romance between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, discretion was key. Private outings and getaways afforded them the serenity to unravel the mysteries of each other's worlds. However, when Harry was convinced that Meghan was his destined companion, he embarked on introducing her to his circle of friends and, notably, his royal lineage.
Starting with his cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her spouse, Jack Brooksbank, to whom he shares a close bond, Meghan began to meet Harry's family. Yet, the most crucial introduction to the Queen unfolded quite unexpectedly.
Before acquainting Meghan with the Queen, Harry had planned for her to meet other family members, beginning with his aunt, Sarah Ferguson. On their way to Windsor Lodge, the residence of Ferguson and her ex-husband Prince Andrew, an unexpected message altered their plans, leading to an amusing exchange between Harry and Meghan.
As detailed in his book "Spare," Harry received news that the Queen was also present at the house, indicating Meghan would meet her without any forewarning.
Upon learning that they were about to meet the Queen, who had just returned from church adorned in one of her elegant outfits, Meghan, unfamiliar with royal protocols, didn't perceive it as a significant event. To her, it was a meeting with her boyfriend's grandmother. But Harry felt the need to set the record straight.
Harry recounts the incident in his book: "I asked if she knew how to curtsey. She said she thought so. But she also couldn't tell if I was serious." Harry's revelation that she was about to meet the Queen led to Meghan responding: "I know, but she's your grandmother." To which Harry retorted: "But she's the Queen."
Fortunately, Ferguson was present to offer some last-minute guidance upon their arrival. Rushing out front, she inquired if Meghan knew how to curtsey and gave her a swift lesson upon learning that she didn't. A rapid crash course in royal etiquette followed, including addressing the Queen correctly (Your Majesty initially, followed by Ma'am).
Despite the surprise and tension, Meghan navigated the meeting impeccably. Harry praised her inaugural curtsey as "deep" and "flawless."
During their brief encounter, the Queen expressed interest in Meghan's recent visit to the UK and her work in Canada. Meghan's views on Donald Trump also became a topic of conversation, although she deftly shifted the conversation away from the polarizing figure.
