Meghan Markle, in her Netflix special, made a claim that has stirred mixed reactions: she didn’t realize hugging could be considered a British taboo.
Her exact words were, “I was a hugger. I’ve always been a hugger. I didn’t realize that hugging was jarring for a lot of Brits.” But Meghan, here’s the reality: British people aren’t opposed to affection—they're simply reserved and often value politeness over exuberance. The issue isn’t hugging itself; it’s the way you approach it. Rather than offering a friendly, casual embrace, your hugs seem to carry an intensity that might be better suited to a dramatic soap opera.
It’s less about a warm gesture and more about an over-the-top performance that can leave the recipient feeling overwhelmed. To illustrate the contrast, look at the Christmas Day walk at Sandringham this year. Catherine, Princess of Wales, was seen warmly embracing Karen Anvil, a 73-year-old cancer survivor. The hug was natural, heartfelt, and devoid of any awkwardness—a simple act of kindness.
The takeaway? Catherine doesn’t shy away from hugs; she simply delivers them with grace and authenticity. Meghan, the problem isn’t that the British don’t like hugs—it’s that your hugs might feel more like an overly enthusiastic rugby tackle than a comforting gesture.
Let’s rewind to Meghan’s first meeting with Prince William and Princess Catherine. Meghan, by her own account, arrived barefoot and wearing ripped jeans—a casual choice that some might see as a mismatch for a first impression in royal circles. Meghan likely went in for one of her signature hugs, while Catherine, ever composed and polite, sidestepped the gesture with the precision of a seasoned fencer. What Meghan interpreted as aloofness was likely Catherine choosing decorum over discomfort.
Witnesses have described Meghan’s hugs as less of a casual embrace and more of a full-contact event. One commenter even quipped, “Meghan hugs like an overly enthusiastic dog.” Others have joked that post-hug recovery might involve antibacterial wipes and, perhaps, a hazmat suit. The exaggerated nature of these reactions points to a recurring theme: Meghan’s insistence on turning interactions into larger-than-life moments.
For instance, there’s speculation that during her first meeting with Catherine, Meghan suggested taking a selfie together—a request Catherine, seasoned in the traditions and expectations of royalty, reportedly declined. Years later, Meghan has brought up these moments, spinning them into anecdotes that hint at coldness or cultural misunderstandings. But the narrative doesn’t hold up. Catherine isn’t averse to connection; she simply prioritizes dignity and respect for boundaries.
Fast forward to today, and Meghan’s recounting of these moments feels tinged with bitterness, as though she can’t fathom why her overtures didn’t land as she hoped. Rather than moving forward, she’s framed the British as being inherently averse to hugs. The truth is simpler and less flattering: the discomfort lies not in cultural differences, but in Meghan’s approach.
Meanwhile, Catherine is steadily carving her path to becoming Queen, embodying grace, poise, and the quiet strength the public admires. Meghan, by contrast, seems to be clinging to relevance through increasingly dramatic tales that strain credibility. It’s a tale of two paths: one rising steadily toward respect and admiration, the other flailing in search of attention.
Catherine’s actions speak volumes. Her warm, genuine embrace of a stranger on Christmas Day encapsulates everything Meghan claims to represent—authenticity, compassion, and love from the public. Meghan’s struggle isn’t with British cultural norms; it’s with her own inability to adapt and understand that connection comes from sincerity, not spectacle.
So, Meghan, the issue isn’t the hugs. It’s you. Your hugs feel less like a gesture of affection and more like a high-stakes event. The British aren’t avoiding hugs—they’re avoiding discomfort. And as Catherine’s actions demonstrate, true warmth and grace transcend all cultural divides.
