Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been at the center of global attention since their fairytale wedding on May 19, 2018.
Their union, once celebrated as a symbol of modern royalty, has since sparked endless discussion, ranging from their dramatic departure from the royal family to their candid revelations about life behind palace walls.
Among the many revelations in their Netflix docuseries, a particular scene stood out and ignited significant controversy.
This moment provided an intimate yet divisive glimpse into the Duchess of Sussex’s first encounter with Queen Elizabeth II, leaving some viewers charmed and others dismayed.
In the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, Meghan shared the story of meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II for the first time.
She described the lead-up to the moment, noting that she had little preparation or understanding of the royal protocols involved.
Meghan recalled the casual tone in which Harry informed her about the curtsy. “We were in the car driving up, and he’s like, ‘You know how to curtsy, right?’ And I just thought it was a joke.”
She admitted feeling overwhelmed when she realized the seriousness of the situation, describing it as “so intense.”
To illustrate her point, Meghan performed an exaggerated reenactment of the deep curtsy she had attempted during that initial meeting.
The moment was intended to be humorous and lighthearted, but it drew mixed reactions from viewers and royal experts alike.
Prince Harry, sitting beside her during the scene, appeared visibly uncomfortable, his expression sparking speculation about whether he approved of the reenactment.
The curtsy reenactment didn’t sit well with royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, who described Meghan’s behavior as “playing dumb.”
Speaking to The Express, Schofield suggested that Meghan’s exaggerated impression seemed out of place, considering the gravity of meeting the Queen.
Schofield further remarked on Harry’s reaction during the scene, claiming it “says it all” about how he might have felt.
The Duke’s expression, which some interpreted as a mix of awkwardness and disapproval, fueled speculation that Meghan’s act may have left him embarrassed.
For critics like Schofield, Meghan’s portrayal of the moment seemed dismissive of royal traditions. “It’s not like she was caught off guard meeting the Queen at the grocery store,” Schofield noted.
“She was introduced to one of the most respected figures in modern history, and a bit of humility would have gone a long way.”
While Meghan’s supporters argue that the scene highlights the cultural differences between an American actress and the ancient traditions of British royalty, detractors see it as another example of what they perceive as a lack of respect for the monarchy.
The curtsy, a deeply ingrained symbol of respect within the royal family, holds a level of significance that may be difficult for outsiders to fully grasp.
Meghan’s exaggerated portrayal, though intended to entertain, was interpreted by some as undermining this significance.
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Others, however, sympathized with Meghan, pointing out the pressure and awkwardness of the situation.
The sudden expectation to perform a traditional curtsy without prior knowledge or training would have been nerve-wracking for anyone unfamiliar with royal customs.
Prince Harry’s own commentary during the scene added nuance to the controversy. While he admitted that explaining royal traditions to Meghan was “weird,” especially given her American background, he also seemed aware of the unique challenges she faced as an outsider marrying into a highly structured institution.
His reaction during Meghan’s reenactment, though understated, hinted at a possible tension between his affection for his wife and his loyalty to his family’s traditions.
Critics suggest that Harry might have found the reenactment disrespectful, while others argue that his discomfort stemmed more from the public scrutiny the moment was sure to attract.
The curtsy scene has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over Meghan and Harry’s relationship with the royal family.
For some, it epitomizes Meghan’s difficulty adapting to royal life and her willingness to challenge its conventions.
For others, it highlights the cultural and personal misunderstandings that have fueled tensions between the Sussexes and the monarchy.
Ultimately, the moment underscores the complexities of Meghan and Harry’s story—a tale of love, cultural clash, and a quest for independence that continues to captivate and divide audiences worldwide.
As the debate over the Netflix scene persists, one thing is clear: Meghan and Harry remain polarizing figures in the royal narrative, with each new revelation sparking fresh conversations about tradition, modernity, and the price of stepping outside the royal fold.
