In the heart of the British monarchy, a longstanding tradition dictates the hierarchy and the respect shown among its members. For Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, this tradition has become a point of contention, potentially influencing her decision to stay away from the United Kingdom.
Meghan Markle's reluctance to return to Britain is reportedly rooted in her aversion to the idea of paying homage to Kate, Princess of Wales. The acclaimed royal author, Andrew Morton, shed light on this matter, stating, "What, and have Meghan Markle curtsying to Kate Middleton? I don't think so. I don't see that as a runner. They've got their own lives in California."
The tradition of curtsying is deeply embedded in the royal protocol. Currently, Meghan would only be required to curtsy to her sister-in-law, Kate, if Prince William, the future King, was present. This is because, for royal spouses not born of royal blood, their rank is determined by their husband's position in the monarchy. Prince William, being second in line to the throne after his father, King Charles III, holds a significant rank. However, when William eventually ascends to the throne, making Kate the Queen Consort, Meghan would be expected to curtsy to her, regardless of William's presence. This is due to the distinction between "majesty" and "royal highness," with the former reserved solely for a King or Queen.
Given the well-documented rift between the Sussexes and the Cambridges, some believe it would be unimaginable for Harry and Meghan to bow and curtsy to William and Catherine. As it stands, British royals typically only bow and curtsy to reigning monarchs and their consorts. This means that while William and Kate hold the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales, neither Meghan nor Harry would be expected to pay them this traditional sign of respect. However, should a future meeting occur between the Sussexes and King William V and Queen Catherine, the customary bows and curtsies would be anticipated.
Adding to the tension, Prince Harry recently made remarks about his family in his Netflix documentary, "Heart of Invictus." He expressed feelings of isolation, stating, "I didn't have that support structure, that network, or that expert advice to identify what was actually going on with me."
Analysts are now speculating that Meghan may never return to the UK. Meanwhile, Prince Harry is set to visit his homeland for the WellChild Awards in London on September 7. His visit coincides with the one-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death and his father's first "Accession Day." Reports suggest that King Charles will not meet with his youngest son due to work commitments and the traditional day of quiet reflection on Accession Day.
As the royal family continues to navigate these turbulent waters, the world watches closely, waiting to see how these relationships evolve and if bridges can be mended.
