Opinions may Vary . A genuine question about why Meghan and Harry seem to attract such differing views.

[BasiliskStare]

I post this more in hope than experience but I would be really interested in a proper discussion about those who are fans or supporters of them , those who aren't and indeed ( of which there are many ) , those who are indifferent.

So - I'll start. There was an interesting post on another thread which said M&H come over as David and Goliath , standing up against "the Institution" - my paraphrase.

No spitting , no fighting , mind the furniture 😂

I wouldn't curtsey to anyone. just seems really odd. especially to people that are younger than me.

I don't go on to the places the ss/ws frequent so can only judge by what I see here, the cult on here seems to be more the "anti's" they are so sure they are right about everything, anyone with a different view point is rounded on. or we get the childish GIFs

But why do the deep performative curtsey on Oprah? She'd never have done it to the Queen - in fact didn't Fergie show her a 'bob' type curtsey before she met the Queen.

Meghan was quite obviously playing to the gallery on Oprah.

I suspect the 'men in grey suits' did a lot of hard work for him that he didn't appreciate, and we are now seeing more of his self-centred and vindictive nature.

I've also been thinking about the narrative of his previous long-term relationships breaking down because the women 'didn't want that life', implying the onerous life of a senior royal. However, were these women (at least Cressida) not 'royal-adjacent'? They would have seen that Harry (the 'not quite spare') would not have had a very onerous life, and less so as William's children grew up. Isn't it more likely that they broke up with Harry rather than breaking up with the life?

Meghan knew how to curtsey properly already!
she took ballet and dance classes, they teach how to curtsey.
she was filmed doing a curtsey properly on suits .
according to spare , Sarah taught her to do a curtsey too.

how many times does it take to be taught and do a curtsey before people understand that she was simply taking the piss with her performance!

She married him with enthusiasm but I don't think she knew the depths of his paranoia and arrogance. She was presenting the best fact and so was he. I am not sure she really knew who she was marrying, but then who can in the timescale they were working to.

I don't think it's the worst thing she has done. I do believe that allowing it to be filmed and shown publically is one of her oddest decisions.

Fair enough. I was assuming that she was talking about the very early days. And she wouldn’t have learned the bob curtsey at dance class. But I’m obviously missing the disrespect.

I took ballet and dance classes, they do teach you to do a proper curtsey!

The men in grey suits are obviously PR wizards! Isn't there talk that one at least of his girlfriends talked about his temper and his meaness with money? I think those are both good reasons not to marry. I also think that if you get up close to see what royal life is really like you probably have to be overwhelmingly in love to decide to tackle it. (I don't think Meghan had time to see what she was taking on and all evidence is that those who tried to warn her weren't listened to).

I agree they married in a rush and neither really knew each other, but that works both ways.

And since then she's spoken publicly about their 'love affair' so it's not like she seems to regret her choice.

From what I can see, they're both rather unpleasant individuals and pretty much deserve one another.

And I would add , a curtsey is not some difficult thing to do !
not if you are flexible ( as we hear Meghan is ) and certainly not for an actress that would have to do all sorts of things for the camera.

But why do the deep performative curtsey on Oprah?

I watched the Oprah interview, she didn't do that. I think it was when they did a NF series. Bit of a daft thing to do but not the end of the world. I wouldn't curtsey to anyone. I would gently nod my head whilst shaking anyone's hand like the Pope or Charles, but you wouldn't catch me curtseying.

There are pictures and footage of Kate, Zara, whoever looking ridiculous with the curtseying, one of Zara looks like she's holding in the biggest wee ever whilst staggering with crossed legs to the loo!

You can show politeness and respect without curtseying.

Precisely, RandyRedHumpback - especially the bit about acknowledging tthe office, which is a different thing to the person

After all nobody was forcing Meghan to marry into this, and while it's true that some of it would have created "WTF" moments they could have softened the blow by taking a little more time and thought

As said though, I personally believe Meghan never had the least intention of staying, and that the alleged circumstances were exaggerated and weaponised to secure the exit she always wanted

Of course you can. I said earlier I think the curtsy thing is a red herring. It isn’t compulsory. Those that choose to do it may find a quick bob is easier than a head nod when up close (less chance of a head butt), but I’m sure any form of respect is acceptable. I think, however that Meghan is referring to the first time she met the late Queen (wasn’t she not expected to be wherever they were or something?), so maybe a curtsy would have been appropriate then (as has been said, you would normally respect the traditions of a Head of State of any country). The exaggerated Netflix curlicue of a curtsy was just pantomime imo and this came across as rude

Actually I think your football analogy works very well for why many people like the royal family. It's the club (the institution) first and foremost they admire. Sometimes they will get a legendary manager like Alex Fergusen (QEII) who will become beloved. Other times, a short-lived, one season nightmare like Howard Wilkinson (Edward VIII) whom they'll be glad to be shot of.

It isn’t compulsory

If it isn't compulsory, why do the closest to Charles keep doing it? I'm curious about that

OK do it the first time you meet your FIL to be or whatever, but Kate is always curtseying. I just find it strange.

We are all equal, or maybe some are more equal than others! If I were Monarch I would be insisting close members of my family stopped curtseying to me!

'There are pictures and footage of Kate, Zara, whoever looking ridiculous with the curtseying'

That's not true, tho', is it? Kate does a quick dip, looking elegant as usual, then in for a kiss on the cheek. Until all the fuss after Meghan did her dying swan act, most people didn't even notice Kate doing it.

I wouldn't curtsey to anyone. I would gently nod my head whilst shaking anyone's hand like the Pope or Charles, but you wouldn't catch me curtseying

A wise choice and neither would I, @Extiainoiapeial (and not just because I'm no longer capable of it!!) but I wouldn't deny the choice of others to mix with the sort of circles where it's expected

Happily, however, they can be avoided

I have no idea why people do lots of things that aren't compulsory. Perhaps in this case they just feel it shows a little respect and courtesy.

I've always noticed it. Nothing to do with Meghan?!

Since Kate has been on the scene, I've thought, stop the flippin' curtseying, it looks daft, it's your FIL.
Ditto Zara! (not FIL, but Uncle of course)

Indeed.

Probably for the same reason that my husband and I would stand up and greet my parents when they come in - respect as well as affection.

Edit: As I've said before, families (and organisations) across cultures have different traditions of greeting. I find it interesting how this one in particular is always criticised.

You can show both respect and courtesy without curtseying. If they want to do it, up to them, looks bizarre and servile to me though!!

She did.

She said she thought having to curtsey was a joke!

She compared it to a cheap tatty dinner show found in places like Orlando - Medieval Knights.

She was being deliberately insulting unless she is too stupid to realise.

Do you also think Japanese adult children meeting their parents shouldn't bow?

She said she thought having to curtsey was a joke!
I would have done too. If I was told I was expected to curtsey to my boyfriend's nan when I first met her, in private, I'd have been totally thrown by the idea. I wouldn't have considered that in that moment I was meeting "the Queen" in her role as Queen and would have assumed that family was separated from the role.