How to handle the etiquette of greeting a modern royal? Meghan Markle suffers awkward moment as charity organiser tries to hug, bow and curtsy all at the same time
It's the dilemma that many people face when being introduced to royalty - do you bow, curtsy or simply shake hands?
And it let to an awkward moment on stage at the One World Summit last night as the organiser clashed with Meghan Markle by performing a respectful curtsy while the Duchess caught her off guard by trying to offer a more informal hug.
There are no obligatory rules on greeting the Queen or her family members, but tradition dictates that men may wish to bow their heads while women perform a small curtsy. A handshake is also perfectly acceptable, but hugging is not customary.
Meghan Markle, 38, attended the event at the Royal Albert Hall last night, her first public appearance since the explosive documentary Harry and Meghan: An African Journey, in which the royal admitted to struggling the spotlight.
But she looked confident as she strode on to the stage and opened her arms to give organiser Kate Robertson a warm hug.
Unfortunately, Ms Robertston decided to curtsy to the Duchess at the same time, resulting in her putting her arms around Meghan's waist, while the royal's hands went around her shoulders.
The women laughed off the mishap, with Meghan shaking her head and insisting that they still share a hug.
The official opening of the 2019 One Young World summit, in Kensington, west London took place just hours after a source close to her and Prince Harry told CNN the couple are 'single-handedly' modernising the monarchy.
Meghan attended without Prince Harry, in her role as vice-president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, which is partnering with One Young World to bring 53 young leaders to the summit.
The Royal Albert Hall event was described as a 'global forum for young leaders' and brought together 2,000 people from more than 190 countries.
Wearing a £107 recycled purple Babaton by Aritzia gown and sporting a broad smile, Meghan exchanged hugs and handshakes as she greeted admirers upon her arrival. As she walked on stage to rapturous applause, the Duchess greeted Kate Robertson with arms outstretched, while the organiser bent low in a curtsey.
The awkward moment saw Meghan embrace the women into her chest, before the women appeared to laugh off the mishap.
The Duchess could be seen shaking her head before Kate rose up to embrace her in a close and friendly hug.
Meghan has been involved with One Young World since 2014 when she attended its summit in Dublin and agreed to become a counsellor, acting as a role model and adviser for young people.
She had used her role in the youth group to advocate for women's rights and the role men can play in creating equality.
Meghan's appearance came just days after an emotional interview with ITV broadcaster Tom Bradby, where Meghan revealed her struggles to cope with the pressures of her new life since marrying Harry in May 2018.
And, earlier today, a source close to Harry and Meghan told CNN that the couple are 'single-handedly' modernising the monarchy, before slamming the 'institution around the royal family' for being unable to harness the couple's full value.
They then hit out at the 'hysterical' media reaction to the comments made by Prince Harry in an ITV documentary on Sunday about his brother William.
The couple are said to have a full schedule of engagements until mid-November - before taking six weeks off from royal duties over Christmas.
It is understood their family time will include them flying to Los Angeles next month to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.
