A new book has revealed intriguing details about Meghan Markle's interactions with the British Royal Family that led to increasing tensions.
Meghan Markle's affectionate behavior with Prince William contributed to deepening the rift with Prince Harry, a new publication claims, Daily Mail reported.
Meghan Markle's American habits, particularly her propensity for hugging, reportedly clashed with the British Royals' more reserved customs. According to "Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants" by Tom Quinn, her tactile approach unusual to royal protocols left some family members, notably Prince William, feeling uncomfortable.
This cultural mismatch was first evident in late 2016 during Meghan's initial meetings with the Royal Family. Before encountering Prince William, Meghan had met other royals including Princess Eugenie and the Queen.
However, her first interaction with Prince William at Kensington Palace, which preceded a planned shooting trip, was particularly significant. Prince Harry, in his memoir "Spare," recounted that Meghan's instinct to hug William took him by surprise, leading to an awkward moment.
Harry admitted he had not briefed Meghan on the royal protocol that might have dictated a more formal greeting, such as a curtsy, which is customary when meeting a royal for the first time.
This oversight contributed to the discomfort at their meeting, during which Meghan, unacquainted with such formalities, opted for a hug. The incident not only startled William but also seeded gossip among the palace staff.
The gossip speculated about Meghan's behavior, interpreting her friendliness as flirting, though there was no intention behind it, as Mr. Quinn pointed out in his book.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, noticed the reaction of William and Kate to Meghan's friendly gestures. They reportedly found her hugging approach 'jarring', which unfortunately resulted in a feeling of hurt and misunderstanding on Meghan's part.
Quinn also noted in his book that other senior royals like Charles reacted similarly by flinching when Meghan moved to embrace them, indicating a widespread difficulty in adjusting to her way of showing warmth.
Despite these tensions, Meghan and Harry reached out privately to Kate following her cancer diagnosis, showing that personal connections remained important to them.
The release of "Spare" exacerbated the strained relations between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William. The book painted a picture of increasing alienation between Harry and the rest of the Royal Family following his marriage to Meghan.
Their decision to step back from royal duties and move to the U.S. further compounded these tensions, marking a significant shift in their roles within the royal framework.
Interestingly, during the funeral of their uncle, Robert Fellowes, Harry and William were seen together but did not converse, highlighting the depth of the rift that had developed.
Amidst the ongoing family strains, Meghan has continued to engage actively with her followers and supporters. She thanked notable figures like Billie Eilish and Adam Levine on Instagram for their support in various initiatives, showcasing her ongoing commitment to her new community tasks.
These interactions indicate a continuation of Meghan's characteristic warmth and friendliness, traits that initially led to misunderstanding within the royal confines but have been appreciated and celebrated in her life outside the royal duties.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex navigate their new lives, the ripple effects of their royal experiences continue to influence their public and private dealings, illustrating the complex nature of personal and cultural differences within royal relations.
