Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Britain was enveloped in a wave of floral tributes honoring the beloved monarch. The profound grief was particularly palpable at Windsor Castle, a site of great significance to the Queen and the royal family. Just two days after her death, a large crowd of royal admirers gathered at the iconic location, their arms filled with bouquets as they sought to pay their respects to a queen who had reigned for an unprecedented 70 years.
This heartfelt gesture of mourning showcased the deep impact Queen Elizabeth had on the nation and the affection held for her by the public. It was a moment that united people in shared grief, a testament to her enduring legacy. In keeping with royal tradition, her grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry, stepped forward to greet the crowd, acknowledging the collective sorrow that filled the air. This act of solidarity was not only a tribute to their grandmother but also a reminder of the royal family’s commitment to their duty, even during times of personal loss.
This poignant moment echoed a similar scene from 1997, when the young princes, aged just 15 and 12, walked among mourners at Kensington Palace after the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana. That earlier occasion had been marked by overwhelming grief and left an indelible mark on the public consciousness. However, the context in 2022 was vastly different. The brothers, now fully grown and married with families of their own, faced the added complexity of their strained relationship.
Since stepping back from their royal duties in January 2020, the Sussexes had become embroiled in controversy, and their departure from royal life had altered the dynamics within the family. This occasion was unique—it was not just a reunion in mourning but also a symbol of the ongoing tensions that had surfaced in the years leading up to the Queen’s death. The brothers’ relationship had become a focal point of media attention, and their public appearances were scrutinized closely by the public.
The encounter was reportedly challenging for Princess Kate, who described it as one of the hardest things she had ever had to do. According to various accounts, the emotional weight of the moment was compounded by the complexities of familial relationships, as the brothers navigated their shared grief while contending with their estrangement.
Adding to the tension was Meghan Markle’s apparent misunderstanding of royal protocol regarding the handling of floral tributes. According to established tradition, when a member of the royal family is handed flowers, they should pass them back to aides or private secretaries. This practice allows the royals to greet more mourners without being encumbered by the flowers and serves a significant safety purpose, as bouquets could potentially contain harmful substances.
Footage from the event later emerged showing Meghan’s reluctance to adhere to this protocol. When approached by an aide who intended to collect the growing number of bouquets from her, she initially declined the offer. A lip reader interpreted her response, revealing that she intended to place the flowers at the gates herself, seemingly disregarding the established customs. While her words expressed gratitude, some observers noted her body language appeared dismissive, suggesting she was more interested in creating a photo opportunity than following royal etiquette.
The aide who approached her was identified as Lee Thompson, the newly appointed press secretary to Prince William and Kate. Despite his impressive credentials, including a notable background in media, Thompson was brushed off during this encounter with Meghan. A subsequent clip showed another aide, a woman this time, attempting the same request. With encouragement from Prince Harry, Meghan eventually relinquished the flowers, contradicting her earlier intention to manage the tributes herself.
The practice of aides collecting flowers from royals is long-established, reflecting a broader set of expectations that royal family members are taught from a young age. These guidelines include not only how to handle flowers but also the protocols surrounding public engagements, interactions with dignitaries, and the nuances of life within the royal household.
As Meghan and Harry emerged from Windsor Castle alongside William and Kate on September 10, 2022, they were acutely aware of the thousands of eyes watching their every move. This moment was particularly significant, as it marked the first time the two couples had appeared together publicly since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown.
The unexpected joint appearance delighted many in the crowd, who expressed their happiness online at the reunion of the “Fab Four.” As the quartet approached the sea of floral tributes laid outside the royal estate in remembrance of their beloved grandmother, applause erupted from the assembled mourners. However, despite the shared moment of recognition of their loss, the interaction between the brothers was minimal. An analysis of their body language indicated a palpable awkwardness, with experts noting a distinct lack of affection between them.
It was later reported that King Charles had urged his sons to set aside their ongoing feud in light of the Queen’s passing, emphasizing the importance of family unity during such a critical time. William reportedly extended an olive branch to Harry by inviting him to join him on a walkabout after receiving a call from their father, signaling a potential step toward reconciliation.
In summary, the tragic loss of Queen Elizabeth II brought forth a moment of national mourning that was both unifying and complex. As the royal family navigated their grief, the dynamics of their relationships and the protocols that govern their public appearances were thrust into the spotlight, revealing the intricate balance of tradition, duty, and personal sentiment in the face of loss. The events at Windsor Castle served as a poignant reminder of the challenges that come with living in the public eye, particularly for those who have chosen to step into the world of royalty, with its rich history and nuanced expectations.
