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
![Kate Middleton and Prince William, Meghan Markle - what 'Will and Kate' were like behind closed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gBBYUpT5ChhCuHcWanTZ3h-415-80.jpg)
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!
-
32 dining room ideas for a stylish, welcoming space
Looking for fresh and exciting ways to liven up your dining room interiors? We've got you covered
By Elena Kiratzi Published
-
5 award-winning products and brands given special recognition by our panel of beauty experts
These beauty brands and products have gone above and beyond, winning our special seal of approval
By Rhiannon Derbyshire Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s ‘unusual’ decision for George, Charlotte and Louis as they ‘can’t undo destiny’
The Prince and Princess of Wales's parenting approach is reportedly quite 'unusual' and they're following in the Middletons' footsteps
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton shares new Prince George photo on his 11th birthday - and he looks so grown up
The Prince and Princess of Wales have released a new photograph of Prince George to mark his 11th birthday
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Kate Middleton’s ‘quick’ fashion formula for an elegant outfit works with a ‘busy lifestyle’ and we’re taking notes
The Princess of Wales has found a signature style approach that works for her and we love how easy it is to recreate ourselves
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s tradition with Princess Charlotte is so adorable and it shows how much their shared passion means to them
The Princess of Wales revealed that she and Princess Charlotte had taken up a sweet activity together during the Wimbledon championships
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s luxurious Lip Perfector is currently the cheapest it’s been for a very long time and we’re buying several shades
The Princess of Wales was pictured using her Clarins Lip Perfector at Wimbledon in 2019 and we've found it with 20% off right now
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s pearl drop earrings are the most elegant finishing touch to an outfit and this £9 alternative is in our shopping basket
The Princess of Wales is a fan of pearl drop earrings and we've found an affordable option that can help elevate outfits to new heights
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Superga trainers are half price now - making them less than £30
The Princess of Wales's white Superga Cotu Classic trainers are under £30 and they're some of the most versatile shoes you can buy
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Will Kate Middleton be at Wimbledon this year?
The Princess of Wales presents the trophies to the Wimbledon winners and some fans might be curious about if she'll do the same in 2024
By Emma Shacklock Published