The news story revolves around Meghan Markle's controversial handling of floral tributes during a walkabout following Queen Elizabeth II's death, spotlighting strained royal family relationships, Daily Mail reported.
In September 2022, the world mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In a poignant display of grief, Britain witnessed an outpouring of floral tributes, particularly at Windsor Castle. This event served as a backdrop for an emotionally charged public appearance by senior members of the Royal Family.
As part of the traditional mourning protocol, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined Prince William and Catherine for a walkabout at Windsor. This public engagement was reminiscent of a similar appearance the brothers made in 1997 following their mother, Princess Diana’s, death. During this September 2022 walkout, an unexpected breach of protocol by Meghan became a focal point of media and public attention.
At such public events, royal protocol typically involves the royals receiving flowers from the public and immediately passing them to aides. This practice ensures safety and adherence to security protocols, as the flowers could potentially conceal harmful substances. However, Meghan was noted for her initial refusal to hand over the flowers to aides. In a captured moment, she expressed a desire to place the tributes at the gates herself. While she ultimately complied with the established norms, the incident ignited discussions about protocol and the Duchess's approach to royal traditions.
The Windsor walkabout took place on September 10, 2022, just two days after the Queen’s death, marking the first public reunion of the couples since their last appearance together on Commonwealth Day in March 2020. King Charles reportedly orchestrated the gathering as a gesture to promote healing between the brothers ahead of the Queen's funeral.
According to royal sources, Prince William invited Harry to join the event as an olive branch, following their father’s wishes.
Meghan’s actions during the walkabout led to various interpretations and criticisms on social media. Some users interpreted her interactions with the aides as brusque, with one person remarking she "bit his head off" when refusing to hand over the flowers. A lip reader captured Meghan saying, 'Oh thanks some are over there,' as she gestured ahead, later adding, 'I’ll take these, thanks, appreciate it.'
The body language of the royals during this event did not go unnoticed. Judi James, a body language expert, pointed out the lack of visible affection and clear signs of awkwardness among the members. These observations were reflective of the reported strained relationships among the royals, particularly after Harry and Meghan’s controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey and their subsequent departure from senior royal duties.
Omid Scobie, an author who detailed the royals' interactions, provided further insights into the day's atmosphere. He described the car journey to Windsor’s Long Walk, where the walkabout began, as uncomfortably quiet and feeling like "an eternity."
Scobie suggested that the event's careful orchestration aimed to maintain appearances, a sentiment that the Waleses' press secretary seemingly reinforced through deliberate arrangements.
This incident opened up wider conversations about the modernization of royal protocols and the public’s expectations of royal behavior. The scrutiny of Meghan's actions reflects ongoing debates about tradition versus personal expression within the royal family’s public engagements. Additionally, the event underscored the challenges and pressures facing the royals as they navigate their roles under the public and media spotlight.
In conclusion, the Windsor walkabout following Queen Elizabeth II’s death not only served as a moment of mourning but also as a significant indicator of the internal dynamics and evolving traditions of the British Royal Family. The events of that day continue to resonate, revealing complex layers of protocol, personal expression, and familial relationships within one of the world’s most scrutinized families.
