Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took Queen and Prince Philip’s pioneering move to the next level with major royal change
The Queen and Prince Philip's pioneering move in 1970 has been taken several steps further by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took Queen and Prince Philip’s pioneering move to the next level and helped spark a major royal change.
- Though royal walkabouts are now something to be expected, the Queen and Prince Philip first did one during an overseas tour in 1970.
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle started regularly being more casual at walkabouts, including hugging members of the crowd which is now less rare to see.
- This royal news comes as the reason for Kate Middleton's affordable jewelry choices amid 'inappropriate' concerns was revealed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex might have fully embraced life at their Santa Barbara mansion since they “stepped back” as senior royals but their approach to engagements has certainly made its mark. So much so that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be seen to have taken the late Queen and Prince Philip’s pioneering move to the next level.
Whilst it might be expected now to see the likes of the King and Queen Consort and Prince and Princess of Wales undertaking royal walkabouts during visits at home and abroad, this apparently wasn’t always the case. Instead, as per the Royal Family website, this was something that first happened in 1970.
It revealed that the "first royal walkabout” took place during Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to New Zealand and Australia in 1970. This practice was apparently brought in to “allow them to meet as many people as possible” rather than just “officials and dignitaries”.
However, it could be said that whilst this concept was the Queen and Prince Philip’s pioneering move, it was taken to a whole other level by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Sussexes have never shied away from giving their walkabouts an even more personal touch and throwback snaps show them hugging members of the public and even appearing to pose for selfies.
This includes Meghan hugging a member of the crowd during a visit to Sussex in October 2018 and Prince Harry hugging a UK competitor at a reception hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia later that month.
Whilst Kate Middleton had also been photographed hugging people at engagements prior to this, she tended to hug children and it was rarer to see her and Prince William taking this more casual approach. Since then, the Queen and Prince Philip’s pioneering move has evolved.
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.
Last year following the Queen’s passing, the Princess of Wales was pictured hugging a mourner in the crowd during a walkabout at Windsor Castle. Meanwhile, Prince William’s hug with an elderly man in Scotland in 2022 left fans seriously emotional.
It seems they have followed in Prince Harry and Meghan’s footsteps and former royal butler, Grant Harrold, expressed his belief to OK! last year that stoicism is something Prince William knows he “can’t get away” with.
“I think William and the other younger royals have realized that they can’t get away with being aloof,” he explained, as well as predicting, “I imagine a lot of the ceremonial matters will stay [in the future], but things like how we approach conversations with royals could all change. We might see more hugs, fist bumps and casual conversations.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales have certainly been observed being less formal at engagements in recent years. This can perhaps all be traced back to the Queen and Prince Philip's pioneering move to introduce royal walkabouts as well as Prince Harry and Meghan - and who knows how future royals might develop the practice of walkabouts even further.
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 brilliant makeup tips we've picked up from professional MUAs
All the makeup tips you need to improve your application skills – most of which come from pro artists
By Lucy Abbersteen Published
-
Princess Charlotte's favourite joke proves she has a cheeky sense of humour
Prince William shared his daughter's favourite joke during his latest royal outing - and it's a classic
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Victoria Beckham's Mango collab has the perfect rival for Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's white wardrobe staple
VB's Mango collection has dropped - and it features the white blazer of dreams
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Meghan Markle's squeaky snack is a mouth-watering classic and she knows straightaway if she's 'got the right kind'
Meghan Markle's squeaky snack is deliciously decadent and it seems she's a purist when it comes to one of the key ingredients
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 candid photos that capture the real Prince Philip - from having a belly laugh to meeting celebrities
We look back at some of Prince Philip's funniest (and most heartwarming) moments, from sharing a joke with other royals to getting very into sporting events
By Elena Kiratzi 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 significant family event Meghan Markle has always missed out on since becoming a royal
The Duchess of Sussex has always missed out on one particular royal occasion over the years despite experiencing so many others
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 candid photos of Meghan Markle that show her goofy side, from getting the giggles to bad hair days
From getting the giggles to all-too-familiar looks, Meghan Markle's candid photos prove she's really just like us...
By Jack Slater Published
-
Queen Camilla eats Meghan Markle's 'soul-satisfying' snack 'most days' - but 'hated it' at first
Camilla used to dislike Meghan's nourishing go-to - but her mind was changed when she tried an incredible combination
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
The 'American tradition' Kate Middleton included in her wedding that Meghan Markle didn't
There's an 'American tradition' Kate Middleton had at her wedding to Prince William that the Duchess of Sussex didn't choose for hers
By Emma Shacklock Published