Royal wedding etiquette has long emphasized the importance of bowing or curtseying to the monarch, a tradition deeply ingrained in royal customs. From a young age, Princes William and Harry were taught to bow to their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, as a sign of respect.
The tradition dictates that male royals bow and female royals curtsey, both in public and private settings. When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, the world watched closely to see if she would adhere to this royal formality.
However, speculation arose when some viewers claimed Meghan had skipped the customary curtsey to the Queen. Social media buzzed with theories, with some attributing her possible omission to being caught up in the moment, while others questioned whether her American background excused her from the gesture.
Etiquette experts expressed surprise at the apparent oversight, but a closer examination revealed that the camera angle during the live broadcast shifted just before the key moment, making Meghan’s curtsey hard to see. Some fans later argued that she had indeed followed the protocol, albeit discreetly.
Royal brides like Princess Diana, Sarah Ferguson, and the Princess of Wales had all curtseyed to the monarch on their wedding day, making this gesture one of the royal family’s most enduring traditions.
