Fans of Meghan Markle went wild after she was the only royal to perform a curtsey to Prince Charles as he took his seat in Westminster Abbey yesterday.
The Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 38, joined the Queen, 93, and other senior royals at Westminster Abbey yesterday in their last official duty as working royals.
While Kate Middleton, 38, Prince William, 38, and Prince Harry appeared to greet Prince Charles, 71, with a slight nod, Meghan was the only one to sweep into a deep curtsey, marking the royal duo’s first encounter since Megxit.
Royal fans couldn’t help but pick up on the moment, with one commenting the royal was ‘so great’ for performing the gesture, and others suggesting she was ‘killing them with kindness’ with the move.
Meghan Markle, 38, sent royal fans wild yesterday after she performed a low curtsey for Prince Charles, 71, at the Commonwealth Service
One commented on the Duchess’ bond with her father-in-law, saying: ‘He [Prince Charles] likes her.’
Another agreed, saying: ‘That was the first thing I thought before I read your comment! She is so cute and lovely.’
Another wrote: ‘Meghan, as always, looks great.’
One added: ‘Yes I did notice that and I was so proud.’
Royal fans were delighted with the gracious move by the Duchess, with one commenting that she was ‘killing’ the other royals with kindness ahead of Megxit
As the Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla filed into Westminster Abbey, Kate and Meghan could be seen offering a deep curtsey to the monarch.
Moments later, the Duchess of Sussex swept into a second deep curtsey as Prince Charles’ walked directly in front of her.
In keeping with tradition, Meghan is required to curtsy to anyone that outranks her upon entering a room. That includes The Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Curtseying, within the confines of the royal court, is not only a physical act but a political one, too.
The Duchess of Sussex could be seen dipping low into a curtsey as the Prince of Wales walked past in Westminster Abbey (pictured)
The curtsey or ‘courtesy’ is one of the last great eccentricities of British royalty. It was instituted in the 1500s as an easier alternative to dropping down on one’s knees — which is what people used to do when confronted with royalty.
Over time, men adopted a low bow, while women developed a more graceful and lasting movement that has remained a hallmark of royal politesse ever since.
The current rules on who-curtseys-to-who come from a document drawn up by the Queen’s private secretary in 2005 and circulated among the family and courtiers only.
Entitled ‘Precedence Of The Royal Family To Be Observed At Court’, its purpose was to clarify Camilla’s place in the firm following her marriage to Charles.
Yesterday marked Meghan’s final engagement as a senior member of The Firm before she steps back from royal duty at the end of the month
In 2012, the rules were updated to include the Duchess of Cambridge and her place in the order of precedence is behind the blood royal Anne, Alexandra, Beatrice and Eugenie (although when William is by her side she is not expected to curtsey to the last two).
A few years ago, the Queen privately acknowledged the curtsey was anachronistic — indicating that she no longer expected women publicly introduced to her to perform it (and indeed, younger royal women are also more relaxed with each other).
Meghan performed her first public curtsy in December 2017 at St. Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham.
The Duke and Duchess made their final royal appearance yesterday before pursuing their new life in America
Commentators said the former actress had not adhered to royal protocol because she failed to plant her right foot behind her left leg properly.
But yesterday she showcased how she had finessed the move over the years as she performed a low curtsey for Prince Charles.
Meghan dazzled in a breathtaking green Emilia Wickstead dress with asymmetrical cape and hat by William Chambers.
Meanwhile Kate opted for a red ensemble, re-wearing a coat by Catherine Walker and a hat by Sally-Ann Provan.
The service at Westminster Abbey today marked the first time the couples have reunited since Meghan and Harry announced Megxit in January (pictured left, Kate and Prince William arriving at the service and right, Prince Harry and Meghan)
The occasion marked the first time the couples had reunited since the announcement of Prince Harry and Meghan’s plans to step down from life in as working royals.
It was also their last public royal duty before they walk away from the monarchy.
From March 31, the monarch’s grandson and American former actress Meghan will no longer use their HRH styles as they pursue a new life of personal and financial freedom, mostly in North America.