Prince HarryandMeghan Markleare regularly seenholding hands and being affectionatewith one another at royal events, butduring an appearance last week, the newlyweds kept their hands to themselves for one major reason:Queen Elizabethwas in attendance.
During theYoung Leaders Reception at Buckingham Palace on June 26, royal watchers spotted a moment when Meghan appeared to reach for her new husband’s hand, but Harry quickly clasped his hands together in an apparent effort to avoid holding hands.
Harry knows the drill when his grandmother, the Queen is around, and Meghan is still learning the royal ropes.
John Stillwell/WPA Pool/Getty Images
Queen ElizabethandPrince Philipnever showaffection in public. Despite their closeness (70 years of royal marriage!), they are never seen holding hands in public due to the “stoic values” of their generation, royal biographer Gyles Brandreth told PEOPLE.
John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty
Harry andMeghan’s open affection is indeed a departure from usual royal behavior. A certain decorum tends to be the norm when it comes to official royal outings.Prince WilliamandKate Middleton, for example, rarely show PDA.
“It is rare to see royal couples holding hands on official outings,” royal etiquette expertMyka Meier, founder and director ofBeaumont Etiquette, told PEOPLE. “While we are much less likely to see The Duke and Duchess holding hands in public, we often seePrince Charlesand The Duchess of Cornwall holding hands – it’s all simply a matter of preference for each couple and is also likely dependent on the nature of the event they are attending. A more serious engagement would warrant a more serious level of professionalism, which each royal is sure to follow.”
Splash News Online
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry outside Cardiff Castle in 2018.
“WhilePrince Harryand Meghan holding hands is atypical for royal engagements, it is a seemingly welcomed gesture to show unity and celebration of their engagement period,” Meier adds. “There is no protocol that says they can not show affection on official engagements, and this gesture makes them relatable and lovable to the public.
“Meghan andPrince Harryholding hands at a royal engagement is a refreshingly modern approach to their new role both as a couple and as representatives of the royal family.”
source: people.com
