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Introduction
As soon as Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018, her every move has been under scrutiny by the media and the public alike. One topic that has gained attention is the question of whether Meghan Markle has to curtsy to Kate Middleton, her sister-in-law and wife of Prince William. The issue has sparked a lot of debate, with some claiming that it is a sign of respect while others argue that it is an outdated tradition. In this blog post, we will explore the topic of curtsying and whether or not Meghan Markle is expected to curtsy to Kate Middleton.
The Origins of Curtsying
The act of curtsying dates back to medieval times and is a form of respect shown by women to those of higher rank. It involves bending the knees and lowering the body slightly while placing one foot behind the other. The act of curtsying is a long-standing tradition in the British monarchy and is expected to be shown by those of a lower rank to those of a higher rank. This includes members of the royal family who hold a higher rank than others.
The Hierarchy of the Royal Family
The British royal family has a strict hierarchy, which determines the order in which they should be shown respect. At the top of the hierarchy is the reigning monarch, followed by their spouse. The next in line for the throne is the heir apparent, followed by the heir’s spouse. This means that Prince William, as the second in line for the throne, and his wife Kate Middleton are ranked higher than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are lower in the order of succession.
Curtsying Rules
When it comes to curtsying, there are strict rules that must be followed. The Queen must always be shown the highest level of respect, which means that everyone, including members of the royal family, must curtsy to her. The Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, is also shown this level of respect, but only when the Queen is present. When the Queen is not present, Prince Philip is expected to be shown respect, but not to the same degree as the Queen.
The next in line for the throne, Prince Charles, and his wife Camilla, are also shown a high level of respect and are curtsied to by those of a lower rank. Similarly, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton are shown respect by those lower in rank, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Does Meghan Markle Have to Curtsy to Kate Middleton?
The answer to whether Meghan Markle has to curtsy to Kate Middleton is yes, she does. This is because Kate Middleton is higher in rank than Meghan Markle, being the wife of the future king. As per the rules of the British monarchy, those of lower rank must show respect to those of higher rank, which means that Meghan Markle is required to curtsy to Kate Middleton.
However, it’s worth noting that the rules around curtsying are not always black and white. For example, when Prince William is not present, Kate Middleton is not given the same level of respect and does not receive curtsies from other members of the royal family. This suggests that there is some flexibility when it comes to the rules around curtsying.
The Changing Face of the Monarchy
As we have seen, the British monarchy has a strict hierarchy and set of rules around curtsying. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards a more modern and inclusive monarchy. This has been reflected in the way that Meghan Markle has been welcomed into the royal family, with her background and heritage celebrated rather than seen as a hindrance.
The issue of curtsying may seem trivial, but it is part of a wider debate about the relevance and importance of traditions in the modern world. As the monarchy evolves, it’s likely that some of these traditions will be re-evaluated and potentially changed to better reflect the values of modern society.
The Impact of Meghan Markle
Since marrying into the royal family, Meghan Markle has been a controversial figure. Some have praised her for bringing a modern and diverse perspective to the monarchy, while others have criticized her for breaking tradition and not adhering to royal protocol. Her relationship with Kate Middleton has also been the subject of much speculation, with rumors of a feud between the two women.
While it’s true that Meghan Markle has challenged some of the traditions of the monarchy, it’s important to remember that she is not the first royal to do so. Princess Diana was also known for breaking with convention and was loved by many for her compassion and empathy. It’s possible that Meghan Markle will have a similar impact on the monarchy and help to shape it for the future.
Conclusion
The question of whether Meghan Markle has to curtsy to Kate Middleton is just one small aspect of the complex world of the British monarchy. While the rules around curtsying may seem outdated and rigid, they are part of a wider system of traditions and hierarchy that has defined the monarchy for centuries. However, as the monarchy evolves and becomes more inclusive, it’s possible that some of these traditions will be re-evaluated and potentially changed to better reflect the values of modern society. Ultimately, it’s up to the royal family to decide how they want to navigate these changes and ensure that the monarchy remains relevant and meaningful in the 21st century.
