A royal etiquette expert has declared that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, broke established royal protocol during a recent magazine interview, an act he claims 'speaks volumes' about her attitude towards her status.
The Pricelessly Comic Announcement
The controversy stems from an interview the Duchess gave to Harper’s Bazaar, conducted by journalist Kaitlyn Greenidge. In her article, Greenidge described the unusual moment she entered a friend's grand brownstone on New York's Upper East Side to meet Meghan.
Despite only the three of them—the Duchess, the journalist, and the house manager—being present, the manager formally announced, 'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex' as Greenidge walked into the room.
An Expert's Verdict on the Breach
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, an authority on protocol, confirmed this was a clear deviation from standard royal procedure. He told the Daily Mail that the incident, 'would make a wonderful skit in the South Park series'.
Mr Fitzwilliams explained that proper protocol dictates the visitor should be announced to the royal, not the other way around. 'So this breaks protocol,' he stated, adding that the situation 'also makes her look silly'.
He suggested the announcement was calculated to highlight Meghan's royal standing, saying it reveals 'the importance Meghan attaches to her royal status'.
The Correct Protocol: A Lesson from The Queen
To illustrate the correct form, Fitzwilliams referenced the famous 2012 London Olympics sketch featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II and James Bond actor Daniel Craig.
In the clip, the royal aide announces the visitor, Craig, to the Queen by saying, 'Mr Bond, Your Majesty'. The monarch then greets him. This demonstrates the established etiquette where the royal is the one receiving the announcement, not being announced themselves.
Guidance from both Buckingham Palace and the esteemed etiquette guide Debrett's supports this, confirming that it is the visitor who is normally announced to the member of the Royal Family.
