The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have once again found themselves at the center of a media storm following the release of their highly anticipated Netflix docuseries, “Harry & Meghan.” While the series promises an intimate look into the couple’s love story and their experiences as senior members of the Royal Family, it’s a particular scene involving Meghan Markle’s recollection of her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II that has ignited a wave of controversy.
The scene in question depicts Meghan recounting the moment she was introduced to the Queen at the Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew and Fergie’s Windsor residence. According to Meghan, she was caught off guard when Harry informed her that the Queen would be present and that a curtsy would be in order.
“I thought he was joking,” Meghan laughingly shared with the camera, mimicking what appears to be an exaggerated bow.
Harry, seated beside her, appears visibly uncomfortable as Meghan continues her anecdote. This apparent awkwardness on Harry’s part hasn’t escaped the watchful eyes of commentators, who have interpreted it as a sign of his discomfort with Meghan’s seemingly flippant portrayal of the encounter.
The incident has sparked accusations of disrespect towards the late Queen and a disregard for royal protocol. Critics argue that Meghan’s lighthearted re-enactment of the curtsy trivializes the significance of the tradition and, by extension, the institution of the monarchy itself.
However, the docuseries has its defenders, who argue that Meghan’s portrayal of the curtsy, while unconventional, is simply a reflection of her unfamiliarity with the intricacies of royal etiquette at the time. They point to Meghan’s American upbringing as a possible explanation for her perceived faux pas, suggesting that her intention was not to disrespect but rather to offer an honest glimpse into her initial experiences navigating the often-intimidating world of royal protocol.
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Meghan’s recollection of the event differs significantly from previous accounts. Royal experts have been quick to point out that the Queen would typically have her lady-in-waiting present for such introductions, a detail absent from Meghan’s version of events. This discrepancy has led some to question the veracity of Meghan’s account, further deepening the divisions surrounding the docuseries.
The debate surrounding Meghan’s curtsy is just one of many sparked by the release of “Harry & Meghan.” The docuseries has reignited debates about the role of the monarchy in the 21st century, the relationship between the Royal Family and the media, and the treatment of Meghan Markle by both the British press and the Royal Family.
Whether “Harry & Meghan” provides a balanced and fair account of the couple’s experiences remains a subject of intense debate. However, one thing is certain: the docuseries has, once again, thrust the Duke and Duchess of Sussex into the global spotlight, prompting a reassessment of their relationship with the Royal Family and the events that led to their dramatic departure from royal life.
