Unearthed footage is shedding new light on a moment that left millions both stunned and confused during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s wedding back in May 2018.
The couple, wed at St George’s Chapel, surrounded by friends, family, and a global television audience, managed to raise eyebrows regarding royal etiquette, particularly involving the former actress’s interaction with the Queen.
In the world of the British monarchy, adhering to tradition isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a requirement.
From bowing to curtseying, these gestures are considered essential forms of respect ingrained in royal protocol.
For instance, royal children like Princes Harry and William learned the significance of these rituals from a very young age, taking special care to bow or curtsey when approaching the Queen, their grandmother.
So it came as quite a shock when observers noticed Meghan might have skipped this crucial curtsey during her grand wedding procession.
As the cameras panned, the lack of a visible curtsey drew immediate reactions across social media.
Some fans theorized that the pressure of the day caused her to forget the royal practice, while others questioned if her American background granted her an unwritten exception to the rules.
As the confusion mounted, etiquette expert William Hanson took to Twitter, humorously expressing his disbelief: “Meghan—did you curtsey to Her Majesty?
I might just faint if you forgot.”
He wasn’t alone in his astonishment, with many viewers replaying the moment to see if they had simply missed it.
In reality, Meghan had indeed performed a curtsey—but the camera angle made it look like she hadn’t.
Just before the pair executed this royal gesture, the footage abruptly switched to an overhead view, making it difficult for viewers to catch the moment of respect.
Sharp-eyed fans later confirmed that Harry did bow his head, while Meghan’s curtsey was just a bit obscure but still noticeable.
Mercifully for Meghan, she had prepared for this very moment leading up to their wedding.
In the months prior, she underwent rigorous training in royal customs and etiquette as she transitioned into her new life.
From understanding how to execute a perfect handshake to remembering when to stand and avoiding any public displays of affection, her lessons were comprehensive.
Curtseying on her wedding day was particularly crucial given the heavy emphasis on royal traditions.
Historical comparisons show that previous brides like Princess Diana and Kate Middleton adhered to these rules, and Meghan’s failure—or perceived failure—wasn’t just a small oversight; it could be viewed as a break from tradition.
Interestingly, royal protocol doesn’t just end with the wedding.
Even after saying “I do,” Meghan was expected to curtsey to senior royals like Prince Charles, Camilla, and even her brother-in-law, Prince William.
This hierarchy is essential in the royal family and influences various other events, including who walks in front during public appearances.
Looking back, it seems Meghan’s relationship with royal traditions has been complex.
During her holiday visit with the Queen in 2017, she performed a curtsey that appeared effortless, but in a recent Netflix documentary, she jokingly critiqued her own attempts to assimilate into royal life.
That same docuseries revealed a rather humorous recounting of her encounter with the Queen, as Meghan described feeling as though she had been thrust into a medieval banquet.
The transition from Hollywood to royal protocols was undoubtedly a shock, with Harry adding that he had to explain to her the intricacies of bowing to family members.
Despite her light-hearted remarks about royal customs, the curtsey is an enduring symbol of respect that traces back to medieval times.
It involves both physical and cultural nuances, with men traditionally bowing and women curtseying—a practice steeped in history.
Controversy soon followed the wedding day spectacle, with various incidents that escalated tensions.
Critics noted when Meghan tripped over her veil exiting the car, and royal insiders hinted at a lack of support from the aides causing a stir.
Calls from the public regarding other aspects of the ceremony, such as the choice of a veil and disagreements over tiaras, also prompted discussions in media outlets and online.
Even though Meghan may have adhered to the curtsey formality, her time in the royal spotlight has been anything but simple.
From training and expectations to genuine cultural clashes, her experiences unveil the unique yet challenging journey of navigating royal life as an American-born Duchess.
