Prince Harry proudly proclaimed his fiancée Meghan Markle is “capable of anything” and as preparations get underway for their 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle, behind the scenes you can bet your fine china that the baptism of royal fire has already begun for the 36-year-old, so here’s hoping he’s right!
Just last week the royal-in-waiting got straight to work, stepping out with her fiancé on their first joint engagement to mark World AIDS Day in Nottingham, England.
And even the harshest of critics were impressed by Meghan’s first day on the job, praising the American actress for her natural ability around people.
But a royal walkabout is just the tip of the very regal iceberg for what Meghan has to learn.
In this Now to Love exclusive, founder of the Australian School of Etiquette, Zarife Hardy, speaks about the fascinating new world of etiquette Meghan Markle is entering.
Text: Bella Brennan/Australian Women’s Weekly / Additional reporting: Aaron Kok / Images: TPG News
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Kim Kardashian’s glam squad will pale in comparison to the team of experts Meghan will be assigned.
From a press secretary, personal assistant, hair and make-up artists and of course her very own stylist, the royal household is bustling with professionals at the top of their field and on hand 24/7 to assist with their designated family member.
But for now Meghan is keeping her original stylist from Canada, Jessica Mulroney.
“I’m sure a royal stylist will come in eventually,” Zarife predicts.
“She will be getting the same advisers that Harry has and I believe that the gentleman that trained Duchess Catherine will be training her on royal protocol, politics and presentation skills.”
“She’ll be groomed on business decisions, handling the media and obviously for the royal family now, there’s a high-level of training and learning just about security. And she’ll also learn a lot about public speaking, what to do at state banquets and functions. Ultimately Harry, her husband-to-be, will be her biggest mentor!”
Pictured: Meghan’s off to a good start, as she makes a public appearance in a tailored coat.
When you’re a royal, your every move is scrutinised.
For Meghan, Zarife says one of the most crucial parts of her royal training will be how she conducts herself in public.
Her best tip for good posture when you’re sitting down? “You have to pretend there is an egg behind your bottom and that’s how far you’re off the back of a chair so you sit upright,” Zarife notes.
Pictured: Attending a sports event, Meghan will soon have to attend classes on sitting postures.
Us mere mortals wouldn’t think twice when we get out of a car, but for a royal in a dress it can spell disaster.
Flashing one’s knickers is very un-lady like indeed! But never fear, because the “swivel and pop” is here to save the day.
“The “swivel and pop” as they get out of a car is a great manoeuvre because obviously the media is always waiting at the door. So they’re trained on how to swivel out of the car with their legs close together and they stand nice and tall,” Zarife explains.
“In relations to their legs, the knees should never be crossed! Which Meghan has been doing a lot of. Knees must always be together, the “Duchess Slant” at they call it, and placed to the side or straight down in front,” our etiquette guru says.
Pictured: Kate Middleton uses the “swivel and pop” motion each time she exits a vehicle.
One gesture Megs needs to work on is her royal wave, which is apparently a bit too keen bean at the moment.
“She’ll obviously be taught more on the royal wave, it’s a bit gregarious right now and needs to be more fine-tuned. And also just that art of meeting and greeting. Looking someone in the eye, a nice firm handshake, no more than two pumps and a lovely warm smile.”
Another big no-no for royals is agreeing to a selfie – this is something Meghan has already mastered after she politely declined one with a fan in Nottingham, revealing: “we’re not allowed.”
“In the age of the digital era, there is a very big rule on absolutely no selfies. It’s just not allowed! They just don’t know where it will go,” Zarife cautions.
Pictured: Meghan’s got some work in the wave-department to do.
She was born and raised as a California girl but our etiquette expert predicts Meghan will eventually lose her Cali twang and adopt a British accent.
“I think that American accent will definitely be refined. Changing accents takes a long time but you’ve only got to look at Princess Mary to see how her Australian accent vanished,” Zarife points out.
“She’ll have to become a little more British and will be in elocution classes as well as history classes to brush up on the rich tapestry of the Royal Family,” she adds.
Pictured: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle looking blissful as they announce their engagement.
Megs can kiss goodbye to her ripped jeans and black dresses as her style will get the full royal overhaul.
“The royal dress code generally includes dresses below the knee, dresses must have a sleeve. Preferably no black, unless attending a funeral or memorial service,” Zarife explains.
“Hats and gloves are also encouraged and they also like a clutch because it helps for better posture.”
Pictured: The Duchess of Cambridge sets a stellar example for the royal dress code.
We know from her Yoga-loving days just how bendy the Suits beauty is and it looks like that skill is going to come in handy with this exciting next chapter.
“She will have to always curtsy to The Queen and she will learn the art of that, which is one foot behind the other and the deep and the longer you stay down shows more respect so she will have to always curtsey to The Queen,” Zarife says.
“Until she becomes Harry’s wife, she will have to curtsy to any royal that has a title that’s royal-blooded so she will have to learn the art of the curtsy very quickly.”
“She’ll also be trained on table etiquette. When you dine and eat with the monarch, you must start eating when she starts and you must finish when she finishes.”
“There’s lots of detailing around that she’ll have to learn as well.”
Pictured: For members of the public, it’s a no-brainer about the need to bow or curtsy to the Queen. But as a member of the royal family now, Meghan will soon have to learn who she should be curtsying to or otherwise.