One of the undoubtable perks of newly married life is that you get to be as soppy as you like in public, and no one has any cause to say anything about it.
However, that rule isn’t so hard and fast when you’re a British royal, apparently. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be enjoying their first few months of unity, having wed at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, on May 19, but public displays of affection are being kept to a minimum.
As per the Daily Mail, an etiquette expert – yes, that job does exist – has explained why fans and followers haven’t been seeing much hand-holding going on between the prince and his new wife, and why they’d be wrong to expect to see it return in the future…
Being a prince, and sixth in line to the British throne, brings with it all manner of perks, but holding your wife’s hand freely in public may not be one of them, apparently.
Etiquette expert William Manson told the Mail that, as a result of their position, it wouldn’t be professional for Harry and Meghan to be seen holding hands often in public.
“Prince Harry has probably felt less of a need to hold Meghan’s hand as she seems to be much more confident and secure in her new role, and so needs less emotional and physical support from her now-husband,” Manson said.
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“Public displays of affection, such a hand holding, may be accepted in private situations and in social spheres, but when out in public Harry and Meghan are on official business and so it is not considered professional behaviour.”
Not set in stone
It’s important to note that there aren’t any physical rules set in stone regarding how royal couples must behave, rather a series of unspoken agreements that keeps things in check.
“There is no official rule in regards to hand holding,” Hanson confirmed.
“However, it is not something we have seen HM The Queen or HRH Prince of Wales do with their respective spouses.
“I suspect Prince Harry and The Duchess of Sussex realise that now they are married, their job and status is what comes first.”
Come first it might, but that certainly doesn’t mean they feel for each other any less. People the world over paid tribute to the natural love radiating from Harry and Meghan when they tied the knot in Windsor two months ago, and it looks like they’ve got many years of happiness to come.
Do you think Harry and Meghan should be allowed to demonstrate public affection the same way as any normal couple? Or should their position dictate different standards? Let us know where you stand in the comments box below.
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