Did Meghan Markle Curtsy To The Queen? Unpacking A Royal Moment

The moment a new member joins the Royal Family always brings a certain kind of public interest, doesn't it? People often look for tiny details, like how they greet other royals, so, you know, it's a big deal. One question that has, quite frankly, lingered for many years since Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex is whether she performed the traditional curtsy to Queen Elizabeth II. It's a gesture steeped in history and protocol, and it sparked quite a bit of chatter, that's for sure.

This particular question about whether Meghan Markle curtsied to the Queen became a really popular search query, especially after certain interviews and documentaries. It's a small action, yet it carries significant meaning within the royal framework. Many folks wondered if she understood the customs, or perhaps if she chose not to follow them, which is that, a lot of speculation.

For those curious about royal traditions, this specific interaction became a focal point. We'll explore the instances when Meghan Markle indeed curtsied to the Queen, the context surrounding these moments, and why this particular piece of royal etiquette captured so much public imagination, in a way. It’s a fascinating look at how personal actions meet age-old customs.

Table of Contents

• Meghan Markle: A Brief Introduction
• What Is the Royal Curtsy?
• Meghan's First Public Curtsy to the Queen
• The Oprah Interview and Private Greetings
• Royal Protocol and Public Perception
• Why the Curtsy Captivated Attention
• Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Curtsies

Meghan Markle: A Brief Introduction

Before stepping into her role as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was a well-known American actress. Her background was quite different from the traditional path of someone joining the British Royal Family, which is that, it added a lot of interest to her story. Her marriage to Prince Harry in May 2018 brought her into a world of ancient traditions and public scrutiny.

Many people became curious about how she would adapt to royal life. This included everything from her fashion choices to her understanding of royal protocol, like the curtsy. Her journey from Hollywood to royalty was, in some respects, a very watched transition.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Meghan Markle

What Is the Royal Curtsy?

The curtsy is a traditional gesture of respect shown by women to those of higher rank, particularly within royal circles. It involves a slight bending of the knees, often with one foot placed behind the other, and a small dip. It's, basically, a very old custom that dates back centuries.

For members of the British Royal Family, the curtsy is a key part of their protocol. Women curtsy to the monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, and sometimes to other senior royals, depending on the situation. It’s a visible sign of deference, you know, a way of showing honor.

The rules about who curtsies to whom can be a little intricate. Generally, female members of the Royal Family are expected to curtsy to the monarch upon first meeting them each day. This applies even if they are close family members. It’s a formal greeting, very much a part of the royal fabric, that.

It's not just a casual nod; it's a specific movement that conveys respect for the institution and the person holding the highest position. The curtsy is, arguably, one of the most recognized parts of royal etiquette around the world. It signals a certain formality and tradition that many find quite fascinating.

Meghan's First Public Curtsy to the Queen

The very first public occasion where Meghan Markle was seen curtsying to Queen Elizabeth II was on Christmas Day, December 25, 2017. This was before her wedding to Prince Harry, when she was still his fiancée. The setting was St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate, a very traditional royal gathering, you know.

As the Queen arrived for the church service, Meghan, standing alongside Prince Harry, performed a distinct curtsy. It was a brief moment, but cameras captured it clearly. This public display showed that she was, in fact, learning and adopting the royal customs. It was, sort of, a visual confirmation for everyone watching.

This event was widely reported by media outlets around the globe. Many people saw it as a positive sign of her willingness to embrace her new role. The image of her curtsying alongside other senior royals, like Catherine, Princess of Wales, was circulated broadly. It really was, in a way, a significant first step into her public royal life.

The fact that she performed the curtsy correctly and gracefully on such a high-profile occasion put many minds at ease. It demonstrated her understanding of the protocol. This moment, very much, confirmed that she did, indeed, curtsy to the Queen early on in her royal journey.

The Oprah Interview and Private Greetings

Years later, during her much-talked-about interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Meghan Markle discussed her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II. She mentioned that she didn't realize she would have to curtsy when meeting the Queen privately for the first time. This particular comment caused a bit of a stir, honestly.

Meghan explained that Prince Harry had quickly asked her if she knew how to curtsy, right before they met the Queen for a casual lunch. She said she had to quickly learn how to do it in that moment. This part of the interview seemed to suggest to some that she was unfamiliar with the custom, which is that, it led to some confusion.

However, it's important to remember the difference between a formal public curtsy and a private greeting. The curtsy Meghan performed on Christmas Day 2017 was a public, formal gesture, very much in line with protocol. Her comment to Oprah referred to her very first *private* meeting with the Queen, which occurred much earlier, before her engagement was even announced. These are, you know, two different scenarios.

The context of the Oprah interview was about her adjustment to royal life, and how quickly she had to learn things behind the scenes. It wasn't about her refusal to curtsy, but rather her initial lack of awareness about the expectation for even private, informal meetings. So, basically, she did curtsy, both publicly and privately, once she knew it was expected.

Royal Protocol and Public Perception

Royal protocol is a complex set of rules and traditions that govern the behavior of members of the Royal Family. These rules cover everything from seating arrangements at official events to the way one addresses senior royals. The curtsy is, quite clearly, a visible part of this system.

When someone marries into the Royal Family, there is an expectation that they will learn and adhere to these protocols. This isn't always easy, as many of these customs are quite specific and not common in everyday life. New members, like Meghan, typically receive guidance and instruction, that's for sure.

The public often watches closely to see how new royals adapt. Every gesture, every outfit, every interaction can become a talking point. The curtsy, being such a traditional and recognizable act, became a symbol for many people of Meghan's willingness to embrace her new role. It was, in some respects, a test in the public eye.

Misunderstandings can arise when the public doesn't have the full context. The Oprah interview, for instance, created a perception for some that Meghan had never curtsied, when in fact she had done so many times publicly. It just goes to show how easily a single comment can be interpreted in different ways, you know.

The ongoing interest in this particular gesture, even now in late October 2023, highlights how much people care about royal traditions. It shows that these small actions can carry a lot of weight in the public imagination. People want to see that the traditions are being respected, apparently.

Why the Curtsy Captivated Attention

The fascination with whether Meghan Markle curtsied to the Queen stems from several factors. For one thing, the Royal Family itself holds a unique place in global culture. People around the world follow their lives with intense interest, so, you know, every detail matters.

Meghan's arrival was particularly noteworthy because she was an American, a former actress, and biracial. Her background was quite different from previous royal spouses. This made her adaptation to royal life a subject of intense scrutiny. People were, basically, curious to see how she would fit in.

The curtsy is a very visual and symbolic act. It's easy to understand and instantly recognizable as a sign of respect within the royal sphere. Unlike more complex rules, it's something everyone can see and judge. This made it a simple yet powerful indicator for many observers.

Media coverage also played a big part. Photos and videos of Meghan curtsying (or not, according to some misinterpretations) were widely shared. The narrative around her "fitting in" or "not fitting in" often centered on such visible actions. It became, sort of, a shorthand for her integration into the family.

The discussion around the curtsy also touched on broader themes of tradition versus modernity. Some saw it as a rigid, outdated custom, while others viewed it as an essential part of maintaining royal dignity. This made the act of curtsying, or the perceived lack thereof, a proxy for larger debates about the monarchy itself, you know. It's quite a lot of meaning for a simple bend of the knees.

Ultimately, the curtsy became a lens through which people viewed Meghan's respect for the institution she had joined. It was a simple gesture that carried a very, very heavy symbolic load. For those who follow the royals, it was, quite frankly, a really important visual.

To understand more about the history and significance of royal traditions, you might find information on official royal websites helpful, like the Royal Family's official website.

Learn more about royal family history on our site, and link to this page exploring royal etiquette in depth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Curtsies

Does Meghan Markle curtsy to other royals?

Yes, Meghan Markle, like other female members of the Royal Family, is expected to curtsy to senior royals, particularly those higher in the line of succession or who hold more senior positions, when appropriate. This typically includes the monarch and potentially the Prince of Wales and his wife. It's a matter of showing respect within the established hierarchy, that.

Is it mandatory for royals to curtsy?

For female members of the Royal Family, curtsying to the monarch is a long-standing tradition and a formal part of royal protocol. While not legally "mandatory" in a strict sense, it is a deeply ingrained custom and an expected gesture of respect. Not performing it would be seen as a significant breach of etiquette, you know, a very public statement.

When did Meghan Markle first meet the Queen?

Meghan Markle first met Queen Elizabeth II privately in July 2016, during the early stages of her relationship with Prince Harry. This initial meeting was informal, but as she mentioned in her interview, she was prompted to curtsy even then. Her first public meeting with the Queen where she curtsied was on Christmas Day 2017, as her engagement had been announced by that point, that's for sure.