Royals

Resurfaced video shows Duchess Meghan refusing a curtsy and giving a hug instead

The Duchess of Sussex has never been one to follow the rigid rules of the monarchy.
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From wearing black nail polish to closing her own car door (shock horror), Duchess Meghan has brought her own modern twist on the royal family since she joined in 2018.

But in a video from this week’s One Young World Summit’s opening ceremony, the Duchess of Sussex was shown forgoing royal formalities and instead bringing a touch of warmth.

Duchess Meghan flew solo on Tuesday night’s event at London’s Royal Albert Hall and looked as radiant as ever in her purple midi dress by Babaton for Aritzia and her loose waves.

After an official introduction, Duchess Meghan made her way to the stage to greet Kate Robertson, the founder of One Young World whom Meghan has known for five years. And while Kate descended to give the royal mum a curtsy, Meghan, with her arms outstretched, appeared to shake her head no and instead gave her a friendly hug.

Watch the moment in the player below. Post continues after video…

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Meghan has been involved with One Young World since 2014 and become a Counsellor, acting as a role model and adviser for young people and has attended summits in Dublin and Ottawa before she became a royal.

“When I was asked to be a Counsellor at One Young World my response was a resounding ‘yes’,” Duchess Meghan has previously said about her involvement the organisation.

“One Young World invites young adults from all over the world who are actively working to transform the socio-political landscape by being the greater good. They are delegates who are speaking out against human rights violations, environmental crises, gender equality issues, discrimination and injustice. They are the change.”

Duchess Meghan greeted Kate Robertson, the founder of One Young World with a hug rather than a traditional curtsy.

(Image: Getty Images)

Duchess Meghan’s glowing appearance marked her first formal outing since the release of the emotional ITV documentary, Harry & Meghan: An African Journey.

In the TV special, Duchess Meghan candidly spoke about how her British friends dissuaded her from marrying Prince Harry telling her that the British tabloids would ruin her life and that since joining the royal family, she has struggled.

READ MORE: Meet Meghan Markle’s British friend who warned her about marrying Prince Harry

“I’ve really tried to adopt this British sensibility of a stiff upper lip… I’ve tried, I’ve really tried but I think that what that does internally is probably really damaging.”

“I never thought that this would be easy, but I thought it would be fair and that’s the part that’s really hard to reconcile. But I don’t know, just take each day as it comes.”

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