Prince William and Princess Catherine have largely avoided Prince Harry and Meghan Markle since the latter's return to the UK. However, royal expert Richard Kay suggests that protocol under King Charles III has become more flexible regarding how working and non-working royals interact.
The 'social minefield' of King Charles III's flexible protocol
The transition of the British monarchy under King Charles III has introduced a new era of adaptability in royal etiquette. According to Richard Kay, a senior editor-at-large and royal chronicler, the royal household remains a "social minefield," but the rigid rules of the past are now applied with significantly more flexibility to protect the monarchy's public image.
This shift reflects a broader trend of modernization within the institution. By moving away from static mandates, the monarchy can better navigate the complex personal dynamics of the royal family while maintaining a veneer of unity. This approach allows the Crown to balance centuries-old traditions with the realities of a fractured family relationship.
The 'liminal space' occupied by non-working royals
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle currently exist in what is described as a "liminal space" within the royal hierarchy. As reported in the Palace Confidential newsletter,the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain members of the Royal Family but no longer receive a salary or follow a scheduled roster of official public engagements.
Because they are non-working royals, the strict requirements for ceremonial honors—such as the wearing of specific coats of arms or formal gestures of chivalry—are now interpreted with more nuance. this distinction allows the couple to maintain their royal status without being bound by the same professional obligations as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Whether Harry and Meghan will bow to the Prince of Wales
A central point of speculation is whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be required to perform customary courtesies, such as bowing or curtsying,if they shared a stage with Prince William and Princess Catherine. While traditional protocol would demand such gestures for the seinor heir, the current environment is less certain.
The report indicates that a brief, polite acknowledgment may now be deemed sufficient rather than a full display of formality. However , the specific question of whether the Sussexes will actually bow remains unanswered, as the degree of acknowledgement is often left to the discretion of the event's host.
The discretion of Buckingham Palace protocol officers
The House of Buckingham Palace now employs protocol officers who evaluate the specific context of each gathering before determining the expected behavior. These officers consider the nature of the relationship between the parties and the venue of the event to decide if a "be-friendly-yet-respectful" approach is more appropriate than strict adherence to the rulebook.
According to Richard Kay, internal guideline manuals still draw a line between working and non-working members, but the application of these rules is now an "adaptable" concept. This strategy allows King Charles III and his advisors to use public appearances as potential tools for family outreach or as signals of a more diverse, inclusive monarchy.
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