MEGHAN MARKLE'S PROTOCOL CLASSES ARE INSPIRED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Meghan Markle has shown great knowledge of British protocol. But the new Duchess of Sussex still needs to hone some aspects of royalty. And she is counting on Isabel II's team to successfully come out of the endeavor.
BY ALEXANDRA WHIT TAKER / SARA ULLATE
If you want to be an actor, you take acting lessons. If your dream is to get a university degree, you have to go to class at some college. But hey, if you want to be a royal, things get complicated ... even for an actress and graduate like Meghan Markle. The newly arrived Duchess of Sussex inaugurated her aristocratic title the same day she said 'yes, I do' to Prince Harry, at her romantic royal wedding on May 19. But she has yet to learn to walk, and that's where the Duchess lessons come in. How is she going to get it? Queen Elizabeth II is being her best mentor.
HOW TO BE THE PERFECT DUCHESS, ACCORDING TO ISABEL II
According to People, Palace aide Samantha Cohen has been one of the people who has been advising Meghan to help her take charge of the set of written and unwritten rules of royal protocol. Cohen has been Queen Elizabeth II's assistant until April, and this summer she will become Prince Harry's right-hand man. In the meantime, all of her time is being devoted to Markle.
But let's see, how can a Duchess course be? InStyle has consulted protocol and etiquette experts from The English Manner to try to understand what these classes are about.
"In terms of etiquette, there may be some advice on British traditions: like tea parties and formal banquets," explains Alexandra Messervy, CEO of The English Manner. "There will be teachings on how to behave at events such as horse racing at Ascot and any other public outing, garden parties ... The Duchess of Sussex has already shown that she has poise and grace," he says, referring to Meghan's first appearance after the royal wedding.
Learning this set of rules may seem easier than getting a driver's license. However, experts in the field say that this type of course can last up to six months. So we will have to be careful to see during that time the evolution of Markle, and see if it also affects her charming style.
