Meghan Markle’s awkward joke to Kate met with ‘yawning silence’ at huge royal event

Meghan Markle’s early experiences as a member of the British Royal Family were marked by both excitement and tension, one instance of which occurred during the 2018 Trooping the Colour event. This event, held shortly after Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry, was her first major royal engagement alongside other senior royals, including Princess Kate.

Dressed elegantly in a baby pink outfit, Meghan stood proudly beside Harry as they joined the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony. This appearance was notable not only because it was Meghan’s first Trooping the Colour, but also because it marked her debut on such a prominent stage. The public saw a picture-perfect scene of unity and tradition, with Meghan engaging in what appeared to be friendly conversations with Kate, Prince William, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

However, as revealed in Prince Harry’s memoir, *Spare*, the atmosphere behind the scenes was less harmonious than the public display suggested. According to Harry, after the balcony appearance, when the royals returned inside the palace, Kate asked Meghan what she thought of the event. Meghan responded with a lighthearted quip, describing the event as “colourful.” While intended as a joke, it was met with an uncomfortable silence, which Harry described as a “yawning silence” that threatened to engulf them all. This awkward moment highlighted the underlying tensions between Meghan and some members of the Royal Family, tensions that Harry believes were fueled by misunderstandings and preconceived notions.

In his memoir, Harry delves into the dynamics that contributed to these strained relations. He suggests that both Kate and William had preconceived “stereotypes” about Meghan, which created a barrier between the couples. Harry also recounts other incidents that added to the strain, such as a disagreement over bridesmaid dresses and a moment where Kate visibly grimaced when Meghan asked to borrow her lip gloss.

These anecdotes offer a glimpse into the complexities of Meghan’s integration into the Royal Family. The lighthearted joke that fell flat at Trooping the Colour is just one example of how Meghan’s attempts to connect with her new family were sometimes misunderstood or met with resistance. The book’s revelations paint a picture of a relationship fraught with tension, but also of a woman trying to find her place within a centuries-old institution.

The tension between the two couples seems to have persisted over the years, with little sign of reconciliation. During Harry’s recent visit to the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, he and Meghan did not meet with William and Kate, underscoring the continued distance between them. However, when Kate’s health challenges were made public, Harry and Meghan reportedly reached out privately to offer their support, a gesture that suggests there may still be a possibility for healing in the future.

As the Royal Family continues to navigate these personal and public challenges, moments like the awkward exchange at Trooping the Colour serve as reminders of the pressures and complexities that come with royal life. Meghan’s experience underscores the difficulties of balancing personal relationships within the highly scrutinized and often unforgiving environment of the monarchy.