meghan markle queen car protocol
CHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 14: Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit the Storyhouse to Chester Town Hall on June 14, 2018 in Chester, England. Meghan Markle married Prince Harry last month to become The Duchess of Sussex and this is her first engagement with the Queen. During the visit the pair will open a road bridge in Widnes and visit The Storyhouse and Town Hall in Chester. (Photo by Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Meghan Markle is still learning the ropes of life as a Royal. In her first public engagement with the Queen, this was evident when there was a bit of a Royal faux pas as the pair got into the Queen’s Bentley after departing the Royal Train.

The newest Royal was unsure of protocol for entering the car. She didn’t know if she was to enter first or the Queen. As Americans, these are not things we commonly know. Meghan didn’t either and Harry wasn’t there to help her out! Given the Queen’s age, it’s thoughtful to think of her comfort level of getting into a car as well! Even though she is 92-years-old, she is still the Sovereign!

Meghan decided to just ask her Grandmother-in-law about getting into the car. “What is your preference?” she asked the Queen.

Meghan was not reprimanded for not knowing. The Queen appears to be very welcoming to Harry’s new wife and is willing to guide her during this adjustment to Royal life. “You go first,” Queen Elizabeth replied.

The video below is rather adorable. It reflects a very kind relationship between Meghan and the Queen.

Etiquette coach William Hanson said this isn’t a major issue. Getting into the car isn’t protocol, but simply a preference of the Queen’s that staff obviously didn’t brief Markle about.

“Not big faux pas on HRH The Duchess of Sussex’s side – just an innocent lack of knowledge,” Hanson tweeted. “HM The Queen always sits behind driver – not because of protocol, just preference.”

The Duchess of Sussex and Her Majesty the Queen were in Chesire, England for the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge, before visiting the Storyhouse theatre and library. They also had lunch with members of city council. It was a busy day and Meghan likely learned a lot about Royal protocol.

Source: Daily Mail

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