Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Duchess of Sussex praised for taking snub from Windsor crowd in her stride

Twitter users hail duchess as ‘brave’ for meeting the public

Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Tuesday 13 September 2022 14:50 BST
Comments
Duchess of Sussex snubbed by woman in crowd at Windsor walkabout
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has been praised for remaining composed despite apparent hostility from some members of the crowd as she greeted members of the public following the late Queen’s death.

She was joined by her husband Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and the Prince and Princess of Wales as they visited Windsor Castle gates to view the floral tributes left by the crowd.

The Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales read tributes left at Windsor together
The Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales read tributes left at Windsor together (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

It was the first time the royal couples had been seen together in over two years.

Harry and Meghan met members of the public as they viewed the floral tributes at Windsor Castle on Saturday
Harry and Meghan met members of the public as they viewed the floral tributes at Windsor Castle on Saturday (PA Wire)

As they passed the crowd, the princes and their wives spoke to the crowd, shaking hands and thanking well-wishers.

Meghan comforted her husband as they read messages together
Meghan comforted her husband as they read messages together (AP)

However, the duchess received a frosty reception from some people in the crowd who looked away and did not offer their hand as she greeted them.

Footage shows one woman looking down as Meghan smiles at her, with another woman turning her head away avoiding the duchess’s gaze.

Footage shows one woman looking down as Meghan smiles at her
Footage shows one woman looking down as Meghan smiles at her (Independent TV)

Social media users noticed the unwelcome response from the crowd, with many praising the duchess for her calm and unphased demeanor before hostile members of the public.

Others also spoke of her courage and bravery for showing up at all, knowing that some people would respond to her negatively.

The duchess hugged a teenage girl in the crowd
The duchess hugged a teenage girl in the crowd (Independent TV)

Sara Gibbs tweeted: “It took enormous guts, grace and dignity for Meghan Markle to appear in this capacity today. I’m not fussed about royalty but as someone who would rather avoid someone who’s slighted me forever than have a slightly awkward conversation, I think she’s brave”

Another Twitter user shared the video of Meghan being snubbed and wrote: “The way some people in this country treat Meghan Markle is absolutely disgusting & embarrassing.”

A royal expert told The Independent that the reunion between the brothers was “a symbolic gesture to show respect for both their late grandmother and their father, the new King.”

The brothers have reportedly been feuding since before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit as senior members of the royal family in 2020. Following their decision to step down, Oprah Winfrey sat down with Prince Harry and Meghan for a tell-all conversation which aired in March 2021.

However, after the royal couples were seen together last week, Oprah said she hopes the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can use the opportunity to make peace with their family members.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in