
Sadly, at the time of Queen Elizabeth II's death, Princes William and Harry and their wives had been all but estranged for months.
That's why royal fans were so delighted to see the new Prince of Wales invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to join him and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, on a walkabout in Windsor this past weekend, where they greeted a crowd of well-wishers for upward of 40 minutes.
One well-wisher in particular, a teenage girl, drew attention from photographers and the media for the warm embrace she gave Meghan Markle on the day. She explained to CNN what happened.
"We were just waiting for her to come, and she came near me and asked my name, and how my day was, how long I was waiting, and I asked her if I could have a hug and she hugged me back, so that was just quite an amazing moment," the girl said.
"I'm still shaking now. I can't really explain what the feeling was when she did it, but it was really nice."
The interviewer then asked this royal fan why she felt compelled to hug the duchess.
"I don't know, it just went through my mind, like everyone was kinda cheering me on to, and I guess I just felt like I needed to in a way, like I just really wanted to at least hug her, because I look up to her in some ways and it just felt like it was the right thing to do," she explained.
Next, the journalist wanted to know if she felt particular sympathy for the duchess because of everything that has transpired between her and the Royal Family.
"I feel like it was quite nice to see William and Kate and Meghan and Harry together, and it was fine, but yeah, I just wanted to show her that she's, like, welcome here, I guess, and I wanted to hug her after everything that's happened, really," the girl said.
Royal watchers are divided in their opinion of the duchess after she and her husband left the U.K. and decided to give Oprah Winfrey a candid interview about their time as senior royals. (Let's also not forget the thinly veiled racism often aimed at her.)
That's partly why the crowds at Windsor, including the teenager, were surprised to see the Sussexes take part in the walkabout with the Waleses.
"I was like, 'Oh my gosh,' because I really didn't expect them to be here," the girl who hugged Markle said.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Hairstylists Agree: These Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2023
It’s the year of sleek, statement-making styles and baby bangs.
By Samantha Holender
-
Rita Ora Breaks Down the Beauty Symbolism in “You Only Love Me”
The singer talks to Marie Claire about her favorite Iconic London products, the hidden meaning behind her bridal beauty glam, and why Sophia Loren was the inspiration for her “playful” makeup.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Action Movies of 2023
It's going to be an exciting spring for action movie fans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
There's No Chance of Reconciliation Between Prince Harry and His Family "In the Short Term," Royal Expert Claims
Urgh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Likely to Feel "Overwhelmed" by Her Responsibilities This Year, Astrologer Says
...relatable.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Will "Be Able to Build Bridges" With Certain Members of the Royal Family in 2023, Astrologer Claims
We shall see.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Just Revealed Her Workout Routine Involves Trampolining With Her Kids
I love this.
By Iris Goldsztajn