PostedSeptember 15, 2022, 10:41 PM
Death of Elizabeth IIHarry and Meghan’s attitude infuriates their detractors, and yet…
Many admirers of the royal family have sharply criticized the fact that the Sussexes hold hands very often, despite protocol prohibiting it. However, the two lovebirds are in their right.
Elizabeth II and her successor Charles III may be at the center of events in the United Kingdom, it is Harry and Meghan who attract all eyes. Each time the Sussexes leave, fans and detractors of the couple fly in the feathers on social networks. Latest controversy to date: the propensity of the two spouses to walk hand in hand. During a surprise appearance by William, Kate, Harry and Meghan at Windsor on Saturday, the Sussexes rarely looked away from each other.
The former American actress was seen stroking her husband’s back while he discovered the flowers and tributes left for his grandmother. Each time he moved, the couple held hands, while William and Kate were careful not to touch each other. Royal protocol strongly advises against any “public display of affection”. In 74 years of marriage, Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have very rarely held hands in public and wanted their family to do the same, explained “Vanity Fair” in 2020.
It is therefore rare to see Kate and William exchange a kiss or Charles and Camilla holding hands. Harry and Meghan have always been more tactile, and even more so since they are no longer active members of the royal family. As they left Westminster Hall after the grave and solemn procession on Wednesday, the Sussexes held hands. This image did not fail to make the detractors of the couple jump, who accuse him of having disrespected the queen.
“The royal family leaves our beloved queen with grace and dignity, except for Harry and Meghan who can’t help but hold hands like enamored teenagers”, reacted in particular to a surfer. “They can’t keep their hands to themselves for 2 seconds to mourn the queen???” stormed another twitto. “Did I see where Harry and Meghan are really holding hands as they leave Westminster Hall? So they have no idea how to behave properly?” wrote one user.
The couple’s defenders quickly counterattacked with a photo of Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne, holding the hand of her husband Mike Tindall. And to denounce a relentlessness against the Sussexes. “So Harry and Meghan holding hands, it was inappropriate and disrespectful. Strangely, this does not pose a problem”, reacted a user.
“When Meghan and Harry hold hands they’re looking for attention and can’t follow protocol, but nothing is said when it comes to the rest of the family…strange,” another tweeter quipped.
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman explains to Express.co.uk that the Sussexes were not required to follow the protocol, given that they are no longer working members of the royal family. “Harry and Meghan are grieving relatives and are under no obligation to follow royal protocol. They walk hand in hand like ordinary citizens. Their hands are there to support each other emotionally during this mourning,” he explains.
(joc)