Meghan Markle’s path to becoming a full-time member of the British Royal Family was filled with public challenges, particularly in the media.
During her courtship with Prince Harry, their relationship was often in the spotlight, with many critics scrutinizing her every move.
When Meghan made her first official royal engagement with Queen Elizabeth in June 2018, both she and Harry were understandably anxious about how it would be portrayed in the press.
The Laughter That Lightened the Mood
Despite their nerves, things seemed to go well during their time together.
Meghan was photographed making the Queen laugh, and many media outlets focused on the lighthearted moment, with the Daily Mail even running a headline asking, “How did Meghan make one so amused?” It was a sign that the event had gone well, at least in the eyes of the public.
Although royal conversations are usually kept private, Prince Harry later revealed in his 2023 memoir Spare that Meghan and the Queen bonded over their shared love of dogs and motherhood.
A Minor Incident Sparks Attention
However, not all of the attention surrounding the event was positive.
A small incident occurred that sparked some debate.
Meghan and the Queen appeared to be confused about who should get into the car first.
Meghan initially offered to let the Queen go ahead but then asked for the monarch’s preference.
It’s believed Meghan was trying to accommodate the Queen’s preference for sitting behind the driver.
After a brief exchange, Meghan complied with the Queen’s instructions, and both women got into the car.
Royal expert Tina Brown noted in her book The Palace Papers that the Queen seemed to have a “twinkle in her eye” when Meghan let her take precedence.
Etiquette expert William Hanson later explained that while royal protocol typically dictates the most important person sits diagonally behind the driver, the Queen personally preferred to sit behind the driver, a detail Meghan may not have been briefed on.
Public Reaction: Mixed Emotions
The video of the incident went viral, with public reactions divided.
Some criticized Meghan for looking “clueless” or out of her depth, while others defended her, recognizing her nervousness and the challenges she faced in adjusting to royal life.
One commenter noted, “She must have been very nervous and didn’t do this on purpose or disrespectfully.”
Harry’s Surprising Reaction
Despite the seemingly positive media coverage, Harry’s reaction in his memoir was less forgiving.
He described the press as portraying the event as an “unmitigated disaster,” focusing on Meghan’s “lack of class” and alleged breaches of royal protocol.
Harry was particularly frustrated by the stories that centered on the car incident, as Meghan had simply followed the Queen’s instructions.
Meghan and the Queen’s Bond
The engagement was a milestone in Meghan’s royal journey, marking the first and only time she joined the Queen for a public event.
They opened a bridge across the River Mersey in Cheshire, and Meghan appeared to be happy and respectful, although clearly still learning the ropes of royal life.
Meghan had married Harry at 36, much later than most women who enter royal circles, so she was unfamiliar with many of the rules and traditions.
Meghan later described how she felt a connection with the Queen.
She said, “She returned from the trip glowing.
We bonded, she told me. ‘The Queen and I really bonded!'”
A Gesture That Meant So Much
One of the most touching moments of the day occurred when the Queen shared her blanket with Meghan during the car ride.
Meghan later reflected on this gesture in an interview with CBS, noting how it reminded her of her own grandmother and made her feel warmly welcomed by the Queen.
Meghan would later wear a pair of pearl earrings, a gift from the Queen, to the monarch’s funeral in 2022.
A Lasting Impact
The bond between Meghan and the Queen continued to grow, with Meghan often reflecting on their interactions.
In a 2022 interview, Meghan spoke about her first royal engagement and the special feeling she had, saying, “I feel fortunate,” and expressing pride in the warmth she shared with the Queen.
Despite the criticism Meghan faced, especially during her early days as a royal, it was clear that her relationship with the Queen had moments of genuine connection.
This event was just one of many steps in Meghan’s complicated journey as a member of the Royal Family, one filled with both challenges and meaningful exchanges.
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