Meghan Markle's recent surprise visit to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) for the Make March Matter literacy campaign has stirred controversy within the Royal Family, particularly with King Charles expressing disappointment over her actions.
During her visit, the Duchess of Sussex delighted children by reading popular stories like "Rosie the Riveter," "Pete the Cat," and "I Saw a Cat." She also engaged with the young patients, capturing Polaroid pictures with them and signing autographs on the snapshots.
However, Meghan's gesture of signing autographs directly contradicts a longstanding royal protocol that strictly prohibits members of the Royal Family from autographing items. This rule aims to prevent potential forgery risks associated with their signatures.
Last year, Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, offered an insightful explanation of this protocol during a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show’s Children's Picnic. When approached by a child requesting an autograph, Kate gracefully responded, "I'm not permitted to sign my name, but I can create a drawing." She then illustrated a charming scene depicting a flower, tree, and pond with plants.
Similarly, King Charles has adhered to this rule in the past, politely declining autograph requests with the explanation, "I'm afraid I'm unable to do that."
Meghan Markle's deviation from this established protocol has not only disappointed King Charles but also raised concerns about potential implications for the Royal Family's image and reputation.
