Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has come under fire on social media after revealing that she initially thought being asked to curtsy to Queen Elizabeth II was a joke.
A video of her close friend, tennis champion Serena Williams, performing the gesture for the monarch seven years earlier has been widely shared online, intensifying the criticism towards Meghan.
During an interview, Meghan recalled Prince Harry asking her if she knew how to curtsy before their first meeting with Queen Elizabeth in 2017.
She admitted that she had initially brushed it off as a joke.
The camera then cut to Harry, who expressed his dilemma of explaining to someone he loves that they have to bow to his grandmother, especially considering Meghan’s American background.
Meghan then re-enacted a dramatic curtsy, which drew criticism at the time for its insensitivity towards British customs.
Curtsying is a traditional form of respect offered to royalty in Britain, although it is not obligatory for members of the public.
However, there is an exception for members of the royal family, who are expected to curtsy when greeting and bidding farewell to the monarch.
This revelation by Meghan has sparked discussions about the significance of curtsying and its place in modern society.
Adding fuel to the fire, a video from the 2010 Wimbledon Championships has resurfaced, showing Serena Williams gracefully curtsying to Queen Elizabeth during her visit.
The video, posted on TikTok by user LadyBrownSugar, has garnered over 1.5 million views and has reignited the debate surrounding Meghan’s claims.
The TikTok video has received numerous comments mocking Meghan’s previous statements in her docuseries.
One commenter wrote, “Her curtsy story was truly unbelievable, unless she lived under a rock.”
Another commenter sarcastically remarked, “Anyone who doesn’t know about curtsying must have been living in a cave.”
The backlash highlights the skepticism and doubt surrounding Meghan’s revelations.
Furthermore, author Tom Bauer alleges in his book Revenge that Serena Williams denied being friends with Meghan.
According to Bauer, Serena referred to Meghan as an acquaintance during a phone call.
This contradicts Meghan’s previous claims of their close friendship.
Bauer’s book has caused a stir, as he delves into the dynamics between Meghan and Serena, suggesting that their relationship was not as strong as portrayed.
It is worth noting that both Meghan and Serena have collaborated with the charity organization Sunshine Sachs.
Bauer argues that Meghan strategically aligned herself with Serena to capitalize on her own biracial identity.
He also questions the motives behind Meghan’s highly-publicized baby shower, branding it as a publicity stunt.
While Serena initially defended Meghan against racism, she has since remained silent on the matter.
This silence, coupled with her alleged denial of their friendship, suggests that Serena may be distancing herself from the ongoing controversy.
The scrutiny surrounding Meghan’s dismissal of the curtsy tradition and her relationship with Serena Williams continues to generate debate and speculation.
As the saga unfolds, it remains to be seen how Meghan will navigate these challenges and whether her friendship with Serena will endure the mounting pressure.