Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Zoe Forsey

Meghan Markle and Harry rip up rule book on Royal Tour using first names and no curtsying

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and baby Archie's Royal Tour of Africa is well underway, and we've had four days of exciting events, powerful speeches and adorable photos.

The couple are known for their personal approach to royal life, but they've taken things to a to new level on their latest trip by ripping up the etiquette rule book for engagements while they're away.

While events are normally stuffed full of protocol, bows, curtsying and official titles, Meghan and Harry have scrapped all of that.

A source told Vanity Fair : "It’s very much how they want things done. There is no protocol that says you have to bow or curtsy when you meet them, it’s really up to the individual."

Meghan and Harry are doing things differently in South Africa (PA)
It's an important tour for the couple, both personally and professionally (REUTERS)

Aids have also said that the couple are happy to be referred to by their first names rather than the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, especially when they are chatting to members of the public.

While fans will love their modern approach, their laid-back approach has left some of the people they are due to meet a tad lost.

Jacky Poking, secretary of the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association, who met the couple on Tuesday, told the Sunday Times : "I have no idea how to speak to them.

They seem to be enjoying the tour a great deal (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Archie attended his first official engagement yesterday (SplashNews.com)

"We haven’t received any official brief on etiquette. I think that’s because the Sussexes want to keep it informal. I don’t even know how to greet them."

Ahead of the tour sources stressed that Meghan and Harry were keen to hit the ground running on their Tour.

An insider told Vanity Fair: "This isn’t a holiday and they don’t want it to look like one.

They've told people they don't need to use official titles (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

"This has been months in the planning and a lot of hard work has gone into the schedule. Their Royal Highnesses want to do some serious work on the ground, particularly at a community level."

Meghan and Harry have seemed happy and relaxed throughout their trip, speaking to as many people as they can at their engagements.

As has become normal for them, the couple have been very affectionate towards each other and even shared a quick kiss before parting ways on the second day of the tour.

But they also both delivered extremely personal and passionate speeches on the first day of their trip, talking about domestic violence, fem

 
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.