That's how I see it as well. It was Harry who suggested to her that she waved. She was probably uncertain about whether and, if so how, to respond to all the people calling her name - as she is still learning what is expected of her in her new role. Harry as the experienced royal then hinted that she should acknowledge the fans by waving which she did - until that moment she was fully paying attention to her hosts.
I think if she enters territory where she follows the set standard and asks intelligent questions like: “can you test the smell by smelling it”? Or replies: “oh that’s interesting” to an affected child discussing the traumatic impact of genocide and atrocities.... then there’ll be cause for concern
I had almost forgotten that one!
Please do make the comments, Gaudete. I think there will be lots of such impressions and they may be rooted in cultural differences so subtle that we are not aware.
Regarding Meghan's hand gesture to her mouth I think we are looking at a cultural divide. Meghan's gesture is a highly personal one (very American, usually done between friends) and as such is a compliment Meghan extended to the crowd. That's me as an American looking at the situation. Do other Americans see it that way? For me it was a decidedly 'equalizing' gesture, a sort of 'genuflection' to the crowd, and as such was a charming gesture for her to make.
I guess we can now say with certainty that Meghan has succeeded as far as this proving ground! As a matter of fact, she succeeded beyond the wildest expectations!
Yes, Meghan obviously studied beforehand. So many people think that the Royals just roll up, wave to the crowd, make meaningless small talk, come out and wave to the crowd again and zip off. Time and effort went into preparing for that engagement, as it does for all working royals. I have to admit I get irritated that people fail to give credit where credit is due.
Totally agree with you Lady Nimue, to me it was an *Ah* moment, like *oh my goodness what do I do now* moment, like *being surprised in a good way* moment. It happened, she is human and reacted as such, no big deal!
I sure hope she does not become that robot that we see among so many royals when out at events.......what is the use of them if they become robots, who would go to the events or believe in them then? I like that she is *real* and *human* and *being herself*.......not something that the smile never reaches the eyes as I see so many times with people.
It was a very honest, open moment, and if something seemed 'odd' I do believe it's a cultural difference. I do admit to feeling some push-back when I hear comments like: she will learn, she will adapt to dress or how you do something, like there is a script for what is okay as a royal, suggesting that there is a mold that she must fit come hey-or-high. Saying such things about Catherine who is British might make sense since she shares the class system sensibilities, but it doesn't with someone from another country. JMO. Meghan is American. She is not going to morph into someone with British mannerisms, though she may exhibit British sensibilities over time (understandably). I would hope her new countrymen and women give her that lee-way. After all, she is never going to be Queen, so nothing quintessentially British need be seen as compromised.
I believe that many are mentally harking back to the days of Diana and to be honest, I cannot see Harry sitting back and allowing little grey men to even be in a position to tell Meghan how to look, act, behave, etc. He's seen the resultant damage and I believe his father would support him on this 100%. He will always follow RPO and Police advice because if he doesn't he could endanger people other than he and Meghan. We saw this at Brixton when they got out of the car and walked straight to the door. I think the police were worried about violence and instead they had a really, really noisy happy crowd who were happy to see them. I believe that is why the impromptu walkabout was allowed.
