Meghan Markle has only been a member of the royal family for about a month, so she can be forgiven for making a few mistakes along the way as she tries to memorize the many rules of royal etiquette.
Meghan just committed a royal faux pas during an event at Buckingham Palace to celebrate a group of young leaders from across the world. While sitting next to Queen Elizabeth, Meghan innocently crossed her legs, something that royal females are forbidden to do. She quickly realized her mistake, however, and returned to doing the “Duchess slant,” which had her put both legs off to the side.
Watch the exact moment Meghan realized her mistake and made her recovery below.
Protocol dictates that royal women keep legs and knees together, although crossing at the ankle is fine. Earlier this month, Meghan demonstrated this during her solo trip with the Queen.
Myka Meier, a royal etiquette expert and founder and director of Beaumont Etiquette, said that “biggest etiquette mistakes a lady can make” is to cross her legs at the knee, explaining that women should sit with their knees and ankles together and should only cross their legs at the ankle if needed.
“It’s sophisticated, protects vulnerabilities and looks fabulous in photos,” she said.
“‘The Duchess Slant’ is one of the most elegant and flattering ways to sit, because it has a lengthening effect on the legs,” she continued. “The key with the technique is to square your shoulders straight ahead while maintaining perfect posture. Keeping knees and ankles together at all times, position your legs so that you create a slant, angling your knees to the side. Hands should be folded one over the other and placed in your lap.”
We wish Meghan the best of luck as she continues to figure out these royal rules! SHARE this story so your friends and family can see this as well!
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