Prince Harry Meghan Markle are making headlines for a royal blunder earlier this month when, while attending a gala, a sign was displayed with Markle’s name and title first. Here’s why it’s usually a no-no and why it’s not really their fault.
Royal Goof at Military Gala
The Duke of Sussex and Duchess attended the Salute to Freedom Gala held in New York. Harry gave medals to veterans. It was also the couple’s first red carpet appearance since they officially cut ties with royal life and duties.
Harry was wearing his military medals as well as his Knight Commander Royal Victorian Order cross. Markle looked stunning in a Carolina Herrera dress. When the duke and duchess entered the ballroom, a sign showed their names – with Markle’s name coming before the prince’s.
This is a royal faux pas. Although it may seem outdated, royal custom still dictates that male titles should be first. In addition to that, some found Markle’s prominence over Harry inappropriate, given the event. Harry is a decorated veteran, who served two tours in Afghanistan; shouldn’t he have received precedence over Markle at a military event?
Are Harry and Meghan being overshadowed by Meghan?
Many are simply chalking this up to an American goof, but others wonder if this is a subliminal message about Harry’s shrinking public profile. In the public eye, Harry is often overlooked.
Meghan Markle is the one who appears on Ellen and speaking at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit. Markle is the one causing waves by calling for paid parental leaves to be discussed with U.S. senators. Markle is being rumored as being considering a political run.
Although rumors have been circulating that Markle could run for president, Suggest has repeatedly disproved this claim. More celebrities are being rumored for a presidential run after Trump’s presidency as a reality TV star, businessman, and former reality TV star. Markle is only the latest in a long list of famous faces who are rumored. (see: KanyeWest and Oprah Winfrey. Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, George Clooney, etc).
While some wonder if Harry is being ignored by his attention-seeking wife and others believe that this could be exactly what the prince was hoping for. After living his entire life in the spotlight, many don’t fault Harry for potentially wanting to take a step back from the public eye.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their new lives are still being adjusted. There will be many mistakes. All in all, don’t we have more to worry about these days than which royal name comes first?
