Meghan Curtsy To Kate

Ms. Jade Goyette PhD 21 Jun 2025
<h1>The Royal Curtsy: Unpacking Meghan & Kate's Protocol</h1> <p><strong>The world of royal etiquette is a fascinating tapestry woven with centuries of tradition, unspoken rules, and symbolic gestures. Among these, the curtsy stands as one of the most recognizable and often discussed forms of deference within the British Royal Family. For years, public interest has been piqued by the interactions between two prominent figures: Meghan Markle and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Specifically, the question of <a href="#does-meghan-curtsy-to-kate">Meghan curtsy to Kate</a> has been a recurring topic of debate and speculation, offering a glimpse into the intricate hierarchy of the monarchy.</strong></p> <p>This article delves deep into the nuances of royal protocol, examining the historical context of the curtsy, the specific rules that govern it, and how these have applied to Meghan Markle's journey within the Royal Family alongside Catherine. From their early public appearances to poignant moments of shared grief, we will explore the instances where their curtsies have been observed, analyzed, and sometimes, misunderstood, providing clarity on a subject that continues to capture global attention.</p> <h2>Table of Contents</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#understanding-royal-protocol-the-curtsys-significance">Understanding Royal Protocol: The Curtsy's Significance</a></li> <li><a href="#meghan-markle-a-new-royals-journey">Meghan Markle: A New Royal's Journey</a></li> <li><a href="#catherine-princess-of-wales-a-seasoned-royal">Catherine, Princess of Wales: A Seasoned Royal</a></li> <li><a href="#the-core-question-does-meghan-curtsy-to-kate">The Core Question: Does Meghan Curtsy to Kate?</a></li> <li><a href="#key-moments-meghan-and-kates-curtsies-in-public">Key Moments: Meghan and Kate's Curtsies in Public</a></li> <li><a href="#beyond-the-bow-dynamics-and-public-perception">Beyond the Bow: Dynamics and Public Perception</a></li> <li><a href="#the-broader-context-curtsying-to-other-royals">The Broader Context: Curtsying to Other Royals</a></li> <li><a href="#why-does-royal-protocol-matter">Why Does Royal Protocol Matter?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="understanding-royal-protocol-the-curtsys-significance">Understanding Royal Protocol: The Curtsy's Significance</h2> The British Royal Family operates within a framework of traditions and protocols that have evolved over centuries. While often perceived as rigid, these customs serve to maintain order, respect, and a clear hierarchy within the institution. The curtsy, for women, and the bow, for men, are fundamental gestures of respect shown to the monarch and senior members of the Royal Family. It's tradition to greet members of the royal family with a curtsy or bow, signifying acknowledgement of their status and role. <h3 id="the-unwritten-rules-of-royal-etiquette">The Unwritten Rules of Royal Etiquette</h3> Interestingly, while deeply ingrained, there are technically no obligatory codes of behaviour explicitly laid out on the Royal Family's official website for everyday interactions. However, a general understanding of precedence and respect guides these gestures. The rules of who curtsies to whom are primarily based on the line of succession and whether a royal is accompanied by a more senior member. For instance, a royal who is married to a prince will take on her husband's rank. This means that while she might outrank certain royals when alone, her position shifts when her husband is present. This dynamic is crucial when considering the question of Meghan curtsy to Kate. <h2 id="meghan-markle-a-new-royals-journey">Meghan Markle: A New Royal's Journey</h2> Meghan Markle's entry into the British Royal Family in 2018 marked a significant moment, bringing a new dynamic to the ancient institution. As an American actress, she navigated a world vastly different from her previous life, including learning the intricate customs and protocols of royal life. <h3 id="biography-and-royal-integration">Biography and Royal Integration</h3> Born Rachel Meghan Markle, she gained international recognition for her role as Rachel Zane in the legal drama "Suits." Her engagement to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, was announced in November 2017, and they married on May 19, 2018, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle — the venue that has hosted prominent royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 nuptials. Upon marriage, she became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. Her integration involved learning about royal duties, patronages, and, naturally, the subtle art of royal etiquette, including the proper curtsy. <table> <caption>Meghan Markle Biodata</caption> <thead> <tr> <th>Attribute</th> <th>Detail</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Full Name</td> <td>Rachel Meghan Markle</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Born</td> <td>August 4, 1981 (Los Angeles, California, USA)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Spouse</td> <td>Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (m. 2018)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Children</td> <td>Prince Archie of Sussex, Princess Lilibet of Sussex</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Royal Title</td> <td>Duchess of Sussex</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Previous Profession</td> <td>Actress</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2 id="catherine-princess-of-wales-a-seasoned-royal">Catherine, Princess of Wales: A Seasoned Royal</h2> Catherine Middleton joined the royal family back in 2011, marrying Prince William, who is currently second in the line of succession. Her decade-plus as a senior working royal has made her a highly experienced figure within the monarchy, well-versed in its traditions and expectations. <h3 id="biography-and-role-within-the-monarchy">Biography and Role within the Monarchy</h3> Born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, she grew up in Berkshire, England. After meeting Prince William at the University of St Andrews, their relationship blossomed, leading to their marriage on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey. Upon marriage, she became Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III, she became Catherine, Princess of Wales, reflecting her husband's new title as Prince of Wales. Her role has steadily grown, encompassing numerous patronages, engagements, and a central position in the future of the monarchy. She is often seen as a steady and reliable presence, embodying the traditional values of the institution. <table> <caption>Catherine, Princess of Wales Biodata</caption> <thead> <tr> <th>Attribute</th> <th>Detail</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Full Name</td> <td>Catherine Elizabeth Middleton</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Born</td> <td>January 9, 1982 (Reading, Berkshire, England)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Spouse</td> <td>Prince William, Prince of Wales (m. 2011)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Children</td> <td>Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Royal Title</td> <td>Princess of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Role</td> <td>Senior Working Royal</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2 id="the-core-question-does-meghan-curtsy-to-kate">The Core Question: Does Meghan Curtsy to Kate?</h2> This is where royal protocol becomes particularly nuanced. So according to royal protocol, does Meghan have to curtsy to Kate? The answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather depends on the specific circumstances and the presence of their husbands. The general rule of thumb for royal women is that they curtsy to those of higher rank. Rank within the Royal Family is primarily determined by the line of succession. Prince William, as the heir apparent's eldest son and second in line to the throne, holds a higher rank than Prince Harry, who is currently fifth in line. Therefore, in line with the rules, Meghan would be expected to curtsy to Kate when she is with Prince William. This is because Kate, as the wife of a future king, takes on her husband's higher precedence when he is present. However, Meghan would not be expected to curtsy if Kate is unaccompanied. In such a scenario, Meghan's own rank as the Duchess of Sussex (married to a Prince) would place her above Kate if Kate were alone and not with her husband. This seemingly complex rule is designed to maintain the hierarchy associated with the male line of succession. This protocol detail often surprises those unfamiliar with royal customs, as it highlights that rank is not static but can shift based on who is present. It's a subtle yet significant aspect of royal life that defines interactions between family members. <h2 id="key-moments-meghan-and-kates-curtsies-in-public">Key Moments: Meghan and Kate's Curtsies in Public</h2> Public appearances offer rare glimpses into the application of these protocols. Over the years, photographers have captured several instances of Meghan and Kate performing curtsies, both to the monarch and to each other, albeit indirectly. <h3 id="trooping-the-colour-and-early-appearances">Trooping the Colour and Early Appearances</h3> One notable early instance occurred during Trooping the Colour on a Saturday, when Meghan was just Meghan Markle and not Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton showed off perfect matching curtsies on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour. This public display, alongside other senior royals, demonstrated Meghan's quick adaptation to royal customs. There was some speculation that Meghan forgot to curtsy to the monarch on her wedding day, but she made her own charming tribute clear on Saturday, followed by a swift head bow from Prince Harry, confirming her adherence to the tradition. Early on, as Meghan integrated, Kate, too, dropped into a curtsy as she passed the Queen's coffin, showing her own consistent adherence. Many speculated that Kate would be the perfect royal to show Meghan the ropes, given her own successful transition into royal life. Meghan Markle is seen, main image, at Sandringham for the royal family's Christmas in 2017, and photographed at the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II in London (right) on September 19, 2022. Inset, Meghan and Kate Middleton perform a curtsy for Queen Elizabeth II. Both royals have been praised online for their curtsies. Kate Middleton (left) and Meghan Markle are seen walking to church on Christmas Day at Sandringham, in Norfolk, England, where the royals spend Christmas, in December 2018. <h3 id="a-final-tribute-the-queens-funeral">A Final Tribute: The Queen's Funeral</h3> A particularly poignant and widely observed moment of curtsying occurred during the solemn events following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II in London on September 19, 2022, provided a rare public gathering of all senior royals. It shows Meghan and Kate performing a final curtsy to the monarch's coffin alongside Queen Camilla and Princess Charlotte, Kate's daughter. The five women—including the Duchess of Edinburgh, who also curtsied—displayed a unified gesture of respect. Earlier this week, as the coffin was brought into the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Princess Anne dropped into a deep curtsy out of profound respect for her mother. These moments underscore the deep personal and institutional significance of the curtsy, especially during times of national mourning. <h2 id="beyond-the-bow-dynamics-and-public-perception">Beyond the Bow: Dynamics and Public Perception</h2> While the protocol dictates who curtsies to whom, the public's perception of these interactions often goes beyond mere adherence to rules. Every public gesture, including a Meghan curtsy to Kate, is scrutinized for signs of their personal relationship, alleged rifts, or solidarity. The media often interprets these moments through the lens of ongoing narratives surrounding the two duchesses. The fact that both royals have been praised online for their curtsies suggests that when the gestures are performed correctly and respectfully, they are generally well-received. It signifies an understanding and acceptance of the royal framework. However, any perceived misstep or deviation from protocol can quickly become a source of intense discussion and speculation, highlighting the immense public interest in even the smallest details of royal life. Despite the formal rules, it's often remarked that behind closed doors, these two probably skip these formalities, reserving them for public or highly formal occasions. <h2 id="the-broader-context-curtsying-to-other-royals">The Broader Context: Curtsying to Other Royals</h2> The curtsy protocol extends beyond just Meghan and Kate. All female members of the Royal Family are expected to curtsy to the monarch, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla. The rules of precedence also mean that curtsies are exchanged among other family members based on their rank. For instance, Meghan will also have to curtsy to Sophie, the Countess of Wessex (now Duchess of Edinburgh), but only when she is physically with her husband, Prince Edward, who is the Queen’s third son. This reiterates the principle that a royal woman's rank is often elevated when she is accompanied by her husband, particularly if he holds a higher position in the line of succession or royal hierarchy. Princess Kate at Windsor, England, in June, 2023 and Meghan Markle in Norfolk, England, in December, 2018, show that these traditions continue across different eras and settings. <h2 id="why-does-royal-protocol-matter">Why Does Royal Protocol Matter?</h2> At its heart, royal protocol, including the curtsy, serves several key functions. It maintains a visible hierarchy that reflects the structure of the monarchy and the line of succession. It provides a consistent framework for public engagements, ensuring that interactions are conducted with dignity and respect. Furthermore, these traditions connect the modern monarchy to its long history, reinforcing a sense of continuity and heritage. While the world changes rapidly, these symbolic gestures offer a sense of stability and tradition that many find reassuring. For members of the Royal Family, understanding and adhering to these protocols is part of their professional duty and a demonstration of their commitment to the institution they serve. It's a subtle language that communicates respect, order, and the enduring nature of the Crown. <p>Meghan Markle attends the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala at L.A. Live event deck, in Los Angeles, California, on October 5, 2024, demonstrating her continued public life even after stepping back as a senior royal, though such events would not involve the same curtsy protocols as official royal engagements.</p> <h2>Conclusion</h2> The question of <a href="#the-core-question-does-meghan-curtsy-to-kate">Meghan curtsy to Kate</a> is more than just a matter of polite greeting; it's a window into the complex, centuries-old system of royal protocol. As we've explored, the expectation for Meghan to curtsy to Kate primarily arises when Catherine is accompanied by Prince William, reflecting the latter's higher position in the line of succession. These gestures, though seemingly small, are deeply symbolic, upholding the hierarchy and traditions that define the British Royal Family. From shared public appearances at Trooping the Colour to the solemn tribute at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, both Meghan and Kate have demonstrated their understanding and adherence to these unwritten rules. While public fascination often focuses on perceived rivalries, the underlying reality is a consistent application of established royal etiquette. Understanding these nuances helps us appreciate the intricate dance of tradition and modernity within one of the world's most enduring institutions. What are your thoughts on royal protocol? Share your insights in the comments below, and explore other articles on royal life and traditions on our site!</p>
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