Meghan's Memorable First Meeting with the Queen. A Candid Recollection in the Sussexes' Netflix Series. In the highly anticipated Netflix series from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle offers a captivating glimpse into her first encounter with the late Queen Elizabeth II. This intimate exchange, which took place shortly after Meghan and Prince Harry began dating, provides a poignant window into the unique challenges faced by an American newcomer to the hallowed halls of the British royal family.
The unexpected meeting occurred during a visit to Windsor, where the Sussexes were set to join Princess Eugenie for lunch at the Royal Lodge. It was here that Harry had to impart a valuable lesson to his then-girlfriend – the proper protocol for greeting the Queen, including the requisite bow and curtsy.
As Meghan recounted, "Now I'm starting to realise 'This is a big deal'. I mean, Americans will understand this… We have medieval times, dinner and tournament. It was like that." The duchess then proceeded to dramatically reenact her curtsy, much to the apparent discomfort of her husband.
According to body language expert Judi James, Harry's facial expressions and gestures during Meghan's performance hinted at his own unease with the situation. While Meghan appeared confident and chatty, Harry's more serious demeanor and subtle "cut-off" gesture suggested a degree of discomfort as his wife playfully poked fun at the royal customs.
This candid moment in the Netflix series serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural divides and unique challenges faced by those who marry into the British monarchy. Meghan's lighthearted recollection and Harry's more reserved reaction offer a glimpse into the delicate balance they have had to strike as they navigate the complex world of royal protocol and tradition.