Meghan Markle’s transition into the British royal family has been anything but smooth.
From her marriage to Prince Harry, it was clear that she faced significant challenges in adapting to the strict customs and protocols that come with royal life.
Just 18 months after their wedding, the couple made headlines when they announced their decision to step back as senior royals and move to California, marking a pivotal moment in their quest for independence from the monarchy.
Insiders reveal that Meghan had deep-seated concerns about the dynamics within the royal family.
The intricate customs that define royal life felt daunting to her, and she struggled to embrace traditions that have been in place for centuries.
The hierarchical structure of the family, which can be both intimidating and perplexing, contributed to her discomfort.
This unease played a crucial role in their eventual departure from royal duties.
In “Yes Ma’am, The Secret Life of Royal Servants,” author Tom Quinn sheds light on Meghan’s experiences during her brief time within the royal fold.
An excerpt published in The Times highlights her struggles with the rigid hierarchy, which she often viewed as unnecessary.
A former team member noted that Meghan found the senior royals overly sensitive about their status, and their behavior sometimes struck her as childish.
This disconnect only fueled her frustrations as she navigated her new reality.
The couple’s Netflix documentary series, “Harry and Meghan,” offers an intimate glimpse into Meghan’s initial experiences with royal life.
One standout moment was her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, which Prince Harry described as a jarring experience for Meghan.
Unfamiliar with the complexities of royal customs, she found herself overwhelmed by the situation.
One particularly memorable anecdote from the documentary involved Prince Harry asking Meghan if she knew how to curtsy before meeting the Queen.
Meghan, taken aback, thought Harry was joking; the concept of such formalities felt foreign to her.
This humorous yet awkward exchange perfectly encapsulated the cultural gap she faced as she adjusted to her new role.
Prince Harry recognized the difficulty of explaining royal protocol to Meghan, especially given her American upbringing.
For her, the idea of bowing or curtsying to a family member seemed completely bizarre.
Harry himself admitted that articulating these traditions felt strange, highlighting just how out of place they could seem to someone unaccustomed to royal customs.
Meghan humorously compared the act of curtsying to scenes from a medieval-themed dinner theater, a popular form of entertainment in America.
She suggested that many Americans might relate to this whimsical comparison, using humor to navigate the formalities she was expected to adopt as a member of the royal family.
Despite the initial awkwardness, this moment became emblematic of the cultural differences that Meghan encountered while trying to integrate into royal life.
It showcased the challenges of melding her independent spirit with the expectations of a centuries-old institution.
As Meghan grappled with these adjustments, her sense of identity and freedom became increasingly important.
The pressures of royal life, combined with her desire for autonomy, ultimately led to the couple’s decision to carve out their own path away from the monarchy.
Related Stories
