Meghan Markle and Prince Harry found themselves in a perplexing situation as they were subjected to a thorough search by US Customs and Border Patrol agents at Atlanta Airport.
The royal couple had just arrived on a private flight from the island of Canoeon in the Grenadines, where they had spent the weekend.
Meghan, sporting dark sunglasses and a messy bun, carried a souvenir tote with the words “Cream of the Islands” while clutching a sun hat.
Harry, dressed casually in a white polo shirt and olive pants, completed his post-holiday look with a black cap.
Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com captured the moment Meghan and Harry disembarked the plane and were checked by airport staff and US Customs and Border Patrol agents.
Initially, it was reported that the couple had been searched by enforcement officers, as evidenced by pictures taken by BackGrid.
However, Meghan’s agency later clarified that the agents had actually welcomed and escorted them from the tarmac.
An insider revealed that the search was conducted as a routine procedure to test for banned substances.
During the encounter, Meghan appeared visibly uncomfortable and even exhibited what some interpreted as rude behavior.
She pointed towards another area of the airport, seemingly demanding to be taken in that direction.
This gesture, characterized by a closed hand with one or two fingers pointing, is typically associated with dominance.
It appeared that Meghan wanted people to cater to her needs immediately and assert her authority.
Despite their apparent attraction to royal life, the couple seemed to relish the VIP treatment but were taken aback by the cavity searches conducted by US Customs.
Interestingly, the presence of BackGrid photographers at the scene raised eyebrows.
It has become a common practice for the privacy-conscious couple to hire paparazzi to capture their images.
This strategic move allows them to control their public image, as they can select when and where their photos are released.
In this instance, Meghan called BackGrid to ensure that her vacation pictures would be published by her preferred outlets.
The couple’s desire for privacy seems to contradict their need for constant media attention.
Meghan’s association with Soho House properties is well-known, thanks to her friendship with Marcus Anderson, the Chief Membership Officer of the exclusive lifestyle club chain.
Anderson had previously arranged a private room at Soho House in London for Meghan and Harry’s first date.
Additionally, Meghan had organized a low-key hen night at Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton, UK, before their wedding in 2018.
It comes as no surprise, then, that when the couple visited Canoeon, Marcus arranged a room for Meghan at the Soho Beach House Canoeon.
Canoeon has become a favorite destination for many of Meghan and Harry’s friends and acquaintances.
Notable names such as George Clooney and his wife Amal, as well as Robert Downey Jr and Leonardo DiCaprio, have all fallen in love with the island’s charms.
The couple’s choice to vacation there further solidifies their connection to the elite circle of celebrities who frequent the island.
In conclusion, Meghan and Harry’s encounter with US Customs at Atlanta Airport left them bewildered and subjected to scrutiny.