Misunderstandings around Meghan Markle's hugging habit caused discomfort within the British royal family, particularly for Prince William.
This tale of cultural clash and informal gestures highlights the intricate relations among the royals, marked by unease over differing social customs, New York Post reported.
Meghan Markle, known for her warm and tactile greeting style, often embraced members of the royal family, including Prince William, each time they met. This behavior was not typical among the British royals, who generally adhere to more formal interaction norms. Her approach stemmed from her American upbringing, which contrasts with British royal protocols.
Despite intending to be friendly, Meghan did not receive universal approval for her actions. Her frequent hugs increasingly made Prince William uncomfortable. According to palace insiders, others within the royal establishment often misinterpreted Meghan's tactile nature.
Complications arose when false rumors started circulating within palace walls. These rumors suggested Meghan was flirting with Prince William, which added a layer of awkwardness to their interactions. It was later clarified that there was no flirtatious intent behind Meghan’s actions. However, the damage to the inter-family dynamics had already been set in motion.
The frequent misinterpretations of Meghan's gestures deepened the rift between Prince William and his brother Prince Harry, who had introduced Meghan into the royal circle. The brothers' relationship, already under strain due to various other factors, was further stressed by these cultural misunderstandings.
Meghan felt hurt by the negative response from the royal family members to her friendliness. She perceived their reaction as overly formal, bordering on pompous. This sentiment was evident in her discomfort during an attempt to hug not only Prince William but also Kate, William, King Charles, and a particularly formal Old Etonian equerry, all of whom did not reciprocate her warm demeanor.
Differences in cultural backgrounds played a significant role in this unfolding story. Meghan’s American perspective on casual interaction clashed with the stiff-upper-lip attitude traditionally upheld by the British aristocracy. She once candidly asked why Prince William and Charles always sounded so serious, highlighting her struggle to adapt to the royal family's strict formalities.
Meghan openly discussed these experiences in her and Prince Harry’s Netflix series "Harry & Meghan," released in 2021. In the series, she recalled her surprise at the persistent formality within the royal family, even in private settings. Describing her first informal dinner with Prince William and Catherine, she noted her casual attire and laid-back style, which starkly contrasted with the formal behavior of her hosts.
Meghan's reflections on her early experiences within the British royal family shed light on the broader challenges she faced in adapting to a new cultural environment. She acknowledged her lack of awareness about the British reaction to her warm demeanor, stating in her documentary series, “Like I was a hugger, always been a higher. I didn’t realize that that is jarring for a lot of Brits." This admission illustrates her journey of adapting and understanding the nuances of royal decorum.
The story of Meghan Markle's integration into the British royal family is a complex narrative of cultural differences, personal misunderstandings, and the challenge of balancing personal warmth with public expectations. It underscores not only her adjustments but also the broader challenges of marrying into an institution bound by tradition and formality.
