The real reason Meghan Markle struggled to fit into the monarchy
Meghan Markle’s difficulties in adapting to royal life have been widely discussed, with new insights revealing why she struggled within the institution.
Just eighteen months after her high-profile wedding to Prince Harry, the couple stepped back from their royal roles and relocated to California in January 2020.
According to insiders, Meghan clashed with royal traditions and found it challenging to navigate the rigid customs and protocols governing the monarchy.
In Tom Quinn’s book Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, an ex-staffer detailed Meghan’s frustrations:
"Meghan really disliked the hierarchy," the source claimed. "Many of the rules seem pointless and exist only to protect the relative status of each senior royal. And the senior royals are such a sensitive bunch—if one gets a gold pen or a new car, they all want one. Meghan thought they behaved like babies."
Her culture shock became evident during her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, as discussed in the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan.
Prince Harry recalled: "My grandmother was the first senior member of the family that Meghan met. She had no idea what it all consisted of. So it was a bit of a shock to the system for her."
Meghan admitted being caught off guard when Harry asked if she knew how to curtsy before visiting the Queen.
"We were in the car, and he's like, 'You know how to curtsy, right?' And I just thought it was a joke," she said.
Comparing the experience to a theatrical performance, Meghan quipped: "Americans will understand this—it's like Medieval Times, Dinner and Tournament."
Harry acknowledged the challenge of explaining royal protocol to someone unfamiliar with it, saying: "How do you explain that you bow to your grandmother? And that you need to curtsy, especially to an American. That’s weird."
Meghan’s discomfort with royal customs and her different perspective on tradition ultimately deepened tensions, leading to her and Harry’s departure from royal life.
