Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, encountered a steep learning curve upon entering the British Royal Family, grappling with the intricate protocols and expectations that accompany royal life.
Her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II exemplified this adjustment period, marked by Meghan's attempt at a formal curtsy, a gesture she was unfamiliar with prior to her engagement to Prince Harry. Royal commentator Michael Cole highlighted this incident as indicative of Meghan's broader challenges in acclimating to her new role within the monarchy.
According to Cole, Queen Elizabeth, known for her graciousness and impeccable manners, was unlikely to have taken offense at Meghan's overzealous curtsy or any deviation from traditional etiquette.
"The Queen was too well-mannered to notice, even if people wanted to be discourteous," Cole explained, emphasizing Her Majesty's indifference to whether individuals bowed or curtsied in her presence.
This perspective was shared by Lady Glenconner, a close friend of the late Queen, who suggested that Meghan's background as an actress did not fully prepare her for the often mundane and repetitive duties that come with being a working member of the Royal Family.
The narrative surrounding Meghan's adjustment to royal life and her relationship with Queen Elizabeth has been further complicated by revelations in Meghan's interviews, including her candid discussion with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.
Meghan admitted to a "naive" approach to royal life, attributing her lack of preparedness to her American upbringing and limited exposure to the British monarchy's inner workings.
This "fundamental misunderstanding," as Cole termed it, extended beyond Meghan's interactions with the Queen to encompass her broader integration into the Royal Family. The Duchess's challenges were compounded by the intense public scrutiny and media attention that followed her marriage to Prince Harry, culminating in their decision to step back from their roles as senior royals in 2020.
While Meghan's journey within the Royal Family has been fraught with missteps and misunderstandings, it has also shed light on the complexities of royal protocol and the personal challenges faced by those who marry into the monarchy. Queen Elizabeth's reputed tolerance and understanding toward Meghan's faux pas underscore her enduring legacy as a monarch who prioritized dignity and compassion over rigid adherence to tradition.
