Article continues below advertisement
Meghan’s Curtsy Skit Ignites Controversy
The Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, which premiered in 2022, unveiled numerous insights into the couple’s experiences within the royal family. However, one particular segment stirred considerable backlash. In the second episode, Meghan Markle, now 44, recounted her first encounter with Queen Elizabeth II in 2016, shortly after her relationship with Prince Harry began.
During this segment, Meghan exaggeratedly performed a curtsy, likening the etiquette to participating in a medieval-themed dinner show. Viewers witnessed her act alongside her husband on screen, but this portrayal reportedly left Harry, 41, feeling “red with anger” for an extended period.
A source close to the couple noted, “Harry was furious in that instant. For him, Meghan’s interpretation felt like a mockery of something deeply respected, which truly affected him. It was evident in his expression — flushed cheeks and a tightened jaw. The idea that such a private tradition was trivialized struck a painful chord.”
Another insider expressed, “To Harry, paying homage to the Queen was always a matter of dignity. Meghan’s parodying of that gesture on camera was extremely discomforting for him, leading to lingering feelings of rage and distress.”
Article continues below advertisement
Prince Harry reacted with notable anger during Meghan’s mock curtsy.
Article continues below advertisement
Markle Reflects on Her Lack of Preparation
During the same episode, Meghan disclosed that she felt unprepared for her initial meeting with the Queen, revealing that she learned of the encounter merely “moments before” it happened.
Harry remarked, “My grandmother was the first senior royal that Meghan met. She had no prior knowledge of royal protocols, making it quite a shock for her.”
Meghan recounted a moment when Harry inquired if she knew how to curtsy. Initially dismissing it as a joke, she reflected, “We were in the car, and he casually asked, ‘You know how to curtsy, right?’ I genuinely thought he was kidding.”
To illustrate her response, Meghan dramatically bowed her head and spread her arms wide, imitating what she imagined the curtsy to be. “It was like that. I curtsied as if I were saying… ‘Pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.’
Article continues below advertisement
Disrespect is Perceived by Critics, Anger by Experts
Critics quickly labeled the skit as disrespectful. Body language specialists suggested that it evoked deep-seated anger in Harry.
Jesús Enrique Rosas, a non-verbal communication analyst, noted: “Despite Meghan’s lively storytelling, Harry remained stoic. There was no connection, no emotional resonance in his demeanor. His swallowing indicated underlying tension.”
READ MORE ON ROYAL FAMILY NEWS
Scene Intensified Harry’s Sense of Humiliation
Palace insiders have reportedly indicated that this incident amplified Harry’s feelings of being undermined.
One source commented, “He felt humiliated. Harry fiercely protects his grandmother’s legacy, and watching Meghan trivialize the moment of meeting the Queen as if it were a theme park attraction left him seething with anger.”
The series as a whole has reignited intense discussions surrounding the dynamics of the Sussexes’ relationship with the royal family. Still, insiders assert that this particular scene resonates profoundly due to its emotional implications.
Another source pointed out, “It revealed the depth of Harry’s emotions. Off-camera, he was livid, and this fleeting moment epitomized the struggle he faces between royal duty and his new life more than anything he articulated directly.”
This rewritten HTML content is tailored to convey the information in a unique manner while maintaining the original structure and style required for integration into a WordPress platform.
