Prince Harry has offered a revealing glimpse into Meghan Markle’s early experiences within the royal family, sharing an awkward moment from her first Trooping the Colour appearance in 2018. The account is detailed in his bestselling memoir Spare, where the Duke of Sussex reflects on their life behind palace walls.
The event marked Meghan’s official debut as a member of the royal family, just weeks after she and Harry returned from their honeymoon. Harry described the atmosphere that day as “good” and “upbeat,” with the royal family in high spirits for the annual celebration of the monarch’s birthday.
However, a brief exchange between Meghan and Princess Kate during the festivities introduced an unexpected moment of tension. As the Duchess of Sussex took in the grandeur of the ceremony, Kate asked her what she thought of the spectacle. Meghan, aiming for humor, replied with a single word: “Colourful.”
The joke, intended as a light-hearted observation, failed to elicit the desired response. “A yawning silence threatened to swallow us all whole,” Harry recalled in Spare, implying that the Princess of Wales was not particularly amused by Meghan’s remark, told HELLO!.
Despite the awkward silence, Meghan maintained her composure during her first appearance on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony. The poised image she presented to the public concealed the nervousness she was quietly experiencing in the moment.
According to a lip reader who analyzed the couple’s exchange, Meghan confided in Harry that she was feeling “nervous” during the appearance. In a quiet show of support, Harry turned to her and asked, “Okay?” to which she responded, “Yeah, are you?”
While the Duchess looked confident as she waved to the crowds along the Mall, the candid exchange revealed the internal jitters behind her serene exterior. It was a defining moment, with Harry standing beside her, offering reassurance and helping guide her through one of her first major royal duties.
This personal recollection is one of many included in Harry’s memoir, offering readers an intimate look at the complexities of royal life, especially for a newcomer like Meghan. The moment serves as a subtle reminder of the challenges she faced adjusting to the intense public scrutiny and strict traditions of the monarchy.
Though the day may have begun with tension, it marked the beginning of Meghan’s journey in royal life, one Harry was clearly determined to support every step of the way.