We already know how Meghan Markle, 41, felt about curtsying to the late Queen Elizabeth II thanks to the controversial Netflix Harry & Meghan docuseries. (Hint: she mocked the tradition and didn’t seem to understand why she and Prince Harry, 38, had to curtsy to his grandmother when they first met her.) But now we also know how she feels about other people curtsying to her too!
It doesn’t seem like the Duchess of Sussex likes the idea of other people curtsying to her either, as a resurfaced video from the 2019 One Young World Summit opening ceremony in London back in October 2019 shows her rejecting the organization’s co-founder Kate Robertson’s curtsy, and going in for a hug instead. It’s a pretty awkward encounter, with both of the ladies seemingly not sure how to act.
TikTok Video Shows Meghan Markle Rejecting A Curtsy
The now viral video was posted on the @Sussexfans TikTok account back in April, with the caption, "Meghan rejects a bow but accepts a hug." The former Suits actress, who is wearing a stunning purple Aritzia Babaton 'Maxwell' dress, can be seen walking towards Robertson, who immediately holds her hand out for a handshake.
As she and Meghan get closer, Meghan opens her arms out for a hug, which is when Robertson curtsies. It’s then obvious that Meghan isn’t comfortable with the curtsying formality, and Robertson then quickly stands up, mid-curtsy, and finally gives Meghan a hug.
@sussexfans Always hugging #meghanmarkle #princeharry #loveyou #rolemodels #royalty #purple ♬ Snowman - Sia
TikTok Comments
There were mixed opinions about the curtsying/hugging incident in the comments section, with some users praising Meghan for keeping it real, and others slamming her for not following protocol. Some even went as far as to suggest that the hug was purely for the sake of the cameras!
"She treats everyone equally. The royal family should take notes!" exclaimed one Meghan fan, as another said, "She is so humble," and another called her "a real loving human." Another fan commented: "She said, no ma’am you do not have to bow to me. She treated her as an equal. I love it."
"She knows the cameras are there that’s why she went for a hug," quipped one user, who we can assume isn’t the biggest Meghan fan, followed by four crying laughing emojis. "She knows the camera is on," agreed another. Many others referenced how awkward the whole exchange was, with one saying, "always awkward social climber," and another adding, "I would feel so awkward if someone I don't know wants to hug me in public." "Because the lady curtsied too late and MM was almost grabbing the air. The hug was given out of embarrassment," thought another. Someone else referenced how the hug broke royal protocol, writing, "She is not supposed to go more than a handshake."
