Meghan Markle reveals what 'Will and Kate' were like behind closed doors during first meeting
Meghan Markle recalled what it was like meeting Prince William and Kate Middleton in private for the first time
Meghan Markle’s has hinted at what Prince William and Kate Middleton are like behind closed doors, as she recalled her 'barefoot' first meeting with them in private during her and Prince Harry's Netflix series.
- The Duchess of Sussex opened up about meeting Prince William and Kate Middleton together in private, recalling what they are like behind closed doors as she greeted them "barefoot in ripped jeans".
- Meghan expressed her belief in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan documentary that “formality carries over” for the Royal Family in private moments too.
- This royal news comes as we revealed the touching compliment Kate Middleton received from Prince Philip when she started dating Prince William.
Over two years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “stepped back” as senior working royals and relocated to their beautiful Santa Barbara mansion, their love story and experience of royal life has been delved into like never before. Getting candid in their Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared enlightening insights and reflections. These included Prince Harry being terrified Meghan would be driven away by media attention when they started dating and Prince Harry and Meghan’s first date spot being revealed.
But another focused on Meghan Markle’s "barefoot" dinner with the future King and Queen Consort, Prince William and Kate Middleton, with the Duchess sharing details of what the pair are like behind closed doors.
Opening up in the second episode of the Netflix special, the Duchess spoke about meeting Kate Middleton for the “first time” in private and how she took a relaxed approach to hosting her and Prince William.
"Even when Will and Kate came over and I had met her for the first time… They came for dinner. I remember I was in ripped jeans and I was barefoot,” Meghan explained.
The Duchess also hinted that embracing Kate and William made for a slightly awkward moment with the couple, adding, "I was a hugger, always been a hugger. I didn’t realize that that is really jarring for a lot of Brits."
The Duchess of Sussex then went on to reflect upon how this moment sparked a realization. According to her, Meghan Markle’s “barefoot” dinner with Prince William and Kate highlighted how the "formalities continue" for the Royal Family even away from the cameras and crowds.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
She continued, "I guess it started to understand very quickly that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside. That there is a forward-facing way of being. And then you close the door and you are like, [sighing] 'Oh, great, OK, we can relax now.' But that formality carries over on both sides."
"And that was surprising to me," Meghan reflected, considering how her initial expectations contrasted with her new perception of how "formal" things were behind closed doors.
Prince Harry then shared an example of certain traditions within the Royal Family when he discussed how his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth was the first “senior member of the family that Meghan met”.
Describing how they’d been in the car on the way to a lunch at the Royal Lodge, Meghan added that he’d asked her if she knew how to curtsy and that she’d “just thought it was a joke” before realizing he was serious.
Prince Harry said, "How do you explain that you bow to your grandmother? And that you would need to curtsy, especially to an American. That’s weird."
However, despite the "formality" that Meghan felt was “surprising”, her relationship with the Queen was said to have been a warm one. She told Variety in October 2022 that Queen Elizabeth was a “shining example” of what female leadership looks like and expressed “great gratitude” that she got to “spend time with her and get to know her."
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
The experts weigh in on how *not* to use retinol to achieve the best results and avoid irritation
We've quizzed the skincare experts on what application habits to avoid when using retinol products, to get the most from the active...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Weekly horoscope: 2 astrologers' predictions for 15th April - 21st April 2024
Read your weekly horoscope from Sally Trotman and Penny Thornton who reveal what this week holds for every star sign on love, family, career, and more
By Penny Thornton Published
-
The best candid pictures of the Prince and Princess of Wales having a great time together
The Prince and Princess of Wales aren't just man and wife - they're best friends who always have a fun time together
By Jack Slater Published
-
Kate Middleton's best reactions at sports events: 32 times the Princess of Wales lost her cool
The Princess of Wales is prim, proper and poised... unless she's in the crowd for Wimbledon, rugby and other favourite sports
By Jack Slater Published
-
32 candid photos of Prince Harry that show his goofy side, from questionable dance moves to being the family joker
From a young age, Prince Harry has always found time to lighten the mood...
By Jack Slater Published
-
The 32 funniest candid Royal Family balcony moments
We look back at some of the best candid royal family balcony moments from across the years
By Elena Kiratzi Published
-
32 of Kate and Pippa Middleton's most iconic sister moments
From stylish sibling moments to fun nights out, we love the bond between the Princess of Wales and her younger sister
By Jack Slater Published
-
Carole Middleton’s ‘favourite room’ at the 'heart' of her home inspired Kate to follow in her footsteps
Carole Middleton's 'favourite room' in her house is something that seems to be a focal point for the Princess of Wales in her home too
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘humble’ accessories ‘uplift’ their royal homes in the most affordable way
We’re impressed with Prince William and Kate Middleton’s clever use of fresh flowers and plants to ‘uplift’ the senses for ‘minimal cost’
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 incredibly sweet moments between Kate Middleton and young fans - from bear hugs to heart-warming hospital visits
The Princess of Wales has a natural way with children from all walks of life, and these are some of her sweetest moments.
By Jack Slater Published