Meghan Markle has reportedly been dropped from talks to appear in the third series of The Gentleman after a wave of backlash in the UK. The former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair reported on Saturday evening that the criticism cost her the role.
The news comes after it was reported that Meghan was in talks to star alongside Theo James in the gangster comedy-drama, which is filmed in the UK. However, royal fans online have focused on one particular moment from the Sussexes' 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry and Meghan.
Mock curtsy video resurfaces
Social media was flooded with clips from the docuseries, showing Meghan appearing to mock a curtsy next to an uncomfortable-looking Prince Harry. In the second episode, Meghan recalled meeting the late Queen for the first time after the couple began dating in 2016.
"We were in the car, driving and he’s like: ‘You know how to curtsy right?’ and I just thought it was a joke," the duchess said. While grinning, Meghan bowed her head deep into her lap with her arms dramatically poised as she sat on a sofa next to a serious Harry.
Royal fans react
At the time, viewers described the moment as "disrespectful and offensive". Critics quipped that she should not mock old traditions while reaping the benefits of a title, which itself stems from a long history of traditions.
Nearly four years after it aired in December 2022, royalists have not forgotten what they perceived as a lack of respect for the late Queen. Several took to X to vent their frustrations. Royal fan account Royally Sage wrote "never forget" alongside the video, while a second added: "He will forever regret not editing that bit out."
A third concluded: "The disrespect she showed to the late Queen is why we will never forgive her and don't want her here."
Return to the UK
People have curtsied to the monarch for centuries as a traditional sign of respect, deference, and acknowledgment of the sovereign's historical rank, though it is not a legal requirement.
The Sussexes are due to return to the UK imminently with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, who are due to start school in the UK in September. King Charles is said to welcome the news and the opportunity to spend more time with his family in a private capacity. It is understood that Meghan and Harry will not return as working royals.
