A recently re-surfaced video showing Meghan Markle during a 2018 outing with Queen Elizabeth II has sparked a fresh wave of online debate, as the footage caught the fledgling royal stepping in front of the monarch and directly accepting flowers from well-wishers, contravening established royal protocols.

Markle faced criticism for having walked ahead of Queen Elizabeth II, breaching royal etiquette at a significant public event, as the Daily Mail reports.

The rules of royal protocol are strict and clear: family members should always walk behind the Queen, reflecting the hierarchical order. Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign lasted over 70 years, was meticulous in maintaining these protocols, setting a visible standard for behavior within the Royal Family.

Meghan's misstep transpired during the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge in Widnes. Despite being new to royal duties, she inadvertently broke protocol by not only walking ahead of the Queen but also handling flowers directly from the crowd, which is typically a task for aides.

Negative Social Media Reactions Resurface

Social media reaction to the circulating footage has predominantly been negative. Comments ranged from criticisms about Meghan's understanding of royal protocol to broader accusations about her inability to adapt to the Royal Family's customs.

Some users suggested that events like these foreshadowed her eventual departure from royal duties.

Among the critiques, one social media user bluntly noted: "And she has the nerve to walk in front of the Queen. An absolute no no!" Others chimed in, attacking her commitment to her role within the Royal Family, with comments associating her actions directly with her personality.

However, during the event, moments were noted when Meghan correctly followed protocol, indicating she did attempt to adhere to royal norms after her initial faux pas. This demonstrates her ongoing learning and adaptation to the complexities of royal expectations.

Expert Insight and Public Interactions

Lip reading expert Jacqui Press shared insights into Meghan's interactions during the event, which included personal discussions with the Queen.

Meghan expressed her aspirations of motherhood, to which the Queen responded with a light-hearted recommendation about inducing labor. This exchange highlights the casual rapport they shared amid the formalities.

Meghan's handling of the bouquet turned heads because royal aides are typically tasked with managing such gifts.

This protocol is part of security measures designed to protect royal figures from potential threats concealed within seemingly innocuous items like flowers.

Despite the protocol breach, Meghan later adjusted her actions, remaining behind the Queen for other segments of the event. This adaptability showed her respect for protocol and the effort to correct her earlier mistakes.

Reflections on Meghan's Royal Training

Following her marriage into the Royal Family, Meghan underwent significant training to familiarize herself with the nuanced protocols that govern royal interactions and public engagements.

This event was her sole joint engagement with the Queen, marking a notable, though contentious, moment in her brief royal tenure.

While Meghan's faux pas at the Mersey Gateway Bridge unveiling did not go unnoticed, it also provided a learning opportunity. Her subsequent adherence to protocol throughout the day underlines the complexities faced by newcomers to such a public and scrutinized role.

Ultimately, this incident serves as a compelling chapter in Meghan's royal journey, reflecting both the challenges of royal life and the global scrutiny faced by the Royal Family.

The resurfacing of this footage permits a new examination of the pressures and expectations that hover constantly over royal figures, particularly those newest to the fold.