Meghan Markle actually complained to Oprah: “There was no guidance, no class on how to cross my legs…” – Girl, you’re a pro!

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— yacht girl (@yachtgirlmm) March 10, 2021

Meghan Markle’s Complaint to Oprah: “There Was No Guidance, No Class on How to Cross My Legs” – A Deeper Look

In a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Meghan Markle made a series of explosive revelations about her time as a member of the British royal family. One particular statement that captured significant media attention was her comment, “There was no guidance, no class on how to cross my legs.” The remark was made in the context of Markle discussing how she felt unprepared for the protocols and expectations of royal life. While some sympathized with her situation, others were more critical, viewing the statement as emblematic of broader tensions between Meghan and the institution she married into.

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, she entered one of the most scrutinized and tradition-bound institutions in the world. As an American actress with a relatively independent lifestyle, the transition to royal life came with significant changes. Unlike some royal spouses who are groomed for such a role from birth or early adulthood, Markle’s entry into the royal family was sudden. She had to adapt to strict protocols, public scrutiny, and a high level of pressure that few outside the royal family can fully comprehend.

Her comment to Oprah about the lack of guidance in seemingly trivial matters, such as how to cross her legs in public, reflected a broader frustration. According to Meghan, she was expected to navigate royal customs without adequate support. This complaint speaks to a larger issue about the lack of formal preparation for those marrying into the royal family, something that has been echoed by others who have joined the monarchy, such as Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.

While Meghan’s statement was likely intended to highlight the cultural differences and challenges she faced as a newcomer to the royal world, it was met with mixed reactions. Some viewed her comments as a legitimate critique of how the royal family welcomes new members, particularly those from different cultural backgrounds. Others, however, saw the statement as evidence of Markle’s supposed lack of understanding or appreciation for her privileged position.

British tabloids and media outlets quickly seized on the comment, framing it as a sign that Meghan was ungrateful or unwilling to adapt to royal life. Critics argued that learning how to cross one’s legs or follow royal protocol should be the least of her concerns, given the platform and privileges that come with being a royal. They pointed out that Meghan, as a seasoned actress, should have been well-versed in public appearances, decorum, and handling the media. Piers Morgan, a longtime critic of Meghan, was one of many public figures who ridiculed her for this statement, calling it an exaggerated grievance.

Meghan’s complaint also reignited a broader conversation about the relevance and rigidity of royal protocols in the modern age. Some of the royal family’s rules, such as those governing how women should sit, dress, and behave in public, are seen by many as outdated relics of a bygone era. The expectation that women, especially royal women, should cross their legs a certain way to project modesty and grace is one such rule that has faced criticism.

Many people viewed Meghan’s comment as highlighting the absurdity of such expectations in today’s world, where women are often encouraged to express themselves freely without being bound by antiquated notions of propriety. Meghan’s remark, for them, was a symbol of her broader struggle to fit into an institution that clings to old-fashioned values, even as the world around it evolves.

In contrast, traditionalists argued that such protocols are part of what makes the British monarchy unique and revered. They believe that the royal family’s adherence to certain formalities is essential in maintaining its mystique and sense of duty. For these individuals, Meghan’s complaints were seen as evidence that she was unwilling or unable to respect the traditions that come with being a member of the royal family.

Criticism aside, it is important to recognize that Meghan Markle entered royal life as an accomplished woman in her own right. As a successful actress, philanthropist, and advocate for gender equality, she had already built a platform long before marrying Prince Harry. Her acting career, most notably her role in the hit TV series Suits, had equipped her with significant public speaking and media handling skills.

Those who defended Meghan’s complaint argued that her prior experience did not necessarily prepare her for the unique pressures of royal life. Being in the public eye as an actress is vastly different from being scrutinized as a royal, where every move is dissected, and every word is subject to intense media coverage. Furthermore, her American background meant she was unfamiliar with the specific customs of the British aristocracy, making her transition all the more difficult.

Meghan’s interview with Oprah, including her remark about not receiving guidance on crossing her legs, had far-reaching consequences. It deepened the rift between her, Prince Harry, and the rest of the royal family. The interview painted a picture of a monarchy that was either unwilling or unable to support Meghan as she navigated her new role, which only fueled public criticism of the institution.

In response, Buckingham Palace issued a carefully worded statement, saying that “recollections may vary” but expressing concern for the issues raised by Meghan. However, the damage was already done. Meghan and Harry’s complaints, including the smaller details like the lack of guidance on etiquette, contributed to a broader narrative of dysfunction within the royal family.

Meghan Markle’s complaint about not receiving a class on how to cross her legs may seem trivial to some, but it is a reflection of the broader struggles she faced as she transitioned into royal life. Her remark highlights the cultural and institutional challenges of joining a centuries-old monarchy steeped in tradition, where even seemingly small actions can carry significant weight.

Whether one views Meghan’s complaint as a legitimate critique or an exaggerated grievance, it is clear that her experience has sparked important conversations about the relevance of royal traditions in the modern world and the difficulties of adapting to life within the British monarchy. As debates continue over the future of the royal family and its place in society, Meghan Markle’s story remains a powerful reminder of the complexities of navigating public life within one of the world’s most iconic institutions.