Meghan and Prince Harry are currently in Canada, having dropped the bombshell news that they no longer wanted to be frontline royals at the beginning of the month. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did plan to split their time between North America – where Meghan was born and raised – and the UK, but the Queen ruled that the two of them must spend the majority of their time abroad if they were to step back from the Royal Family. Although the exact reason for the split is not known, it is believed that Harry may have struggled with the obligations of royal life.

Additionally, a throwback interview with Lady Montagu reveals all the minor lifestyle changes which Meghan had to adopt upon moving to Britain and joining the Royal Family, which could have added strain to the situation.

As Judith Woods wrote in the Daily Telegraph this month: “Meghan was just not that into Britain.”

US-born Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, married to the Earl of Sandwich’s heir, moved to the UK when she met her aristocratic husband.

She had grown up in LA and has frequently spoken out in the lead-up to Meghan and Harry’s wedding about how she would have to adjust to British life.

She told the Daily Mail back in April 2018 what she found surprising when first moved to the UK.

Lady Montagu said she was surprised at the “impeccable manners” required with British aristocracy.

She explained: “The constant ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is wonderful to be around – it’s so positive. Of course, we use these words too in the US but not near as often. 

“I’ve learned to love the formalities, the drinks parties, the family tweed, the family crest, the elevenses at shoots and the afternoon tea! It’s the rich history that I find fascinating.

“Walking through our family home now, Mapperton, and seeing paintings and furniture that are older than my country and learning about who they are and where they came from still fascinates me to this day and I suspect Meghan will feel the same.”

However, there were elements she found difficult, such as how cold the homes are in Britain.

She said: “Much colder than the LA temperature that she grew up in. Most stately homes that Meghan will be visiting for dinner parties and events do keep the temperature low due to the expensive painting and furniture. 

“If it’s too hot or the heat on above a certain temperature, that can damage the paintings and furniture. I believe the ideal temp is 16°C.

“So, she will have to get used to colder homes than she’s used to – I certainly did!”

Lady Montagu said even the food was very different.

DON’T MISS
Queen heartbreak: Dream career denied to monarch by royal duty exposed [INSIGHT]
Prince William’s heartbreaking confession about royal future exposed [REVEALED]
Royal intrigue: How William ‘hid his true emotions’ from the world [EXPLAINED]

She explained: “Meghan can expect different cuts of meat than what we are used to in the States. For example, venison is incredibly popular to serve at dinner parties and shoot parties as well as boar with crackling. 

“Yes, I remember being served boar once and with all the crackling and had no idea you were supposed to eat it.”

Meghan frequently mentioned her love of food in her lifestyle blog, The Tig, which she had to close when she married into the Royal Family, and would often refer to her love of pasta, macaroni and cheese and tacos during her interviews when she was a star on Suits.

One of the first projects she launched after her wedding to Harry in May 2018 was a cookbook intended to raise money for the Grenfell Tower victims.

Etiquette too is a key part of aristocratic life, especially when it comes to mealtimes.

Lady Montagu said: “There is also smaller things like knowing when to speak with the person on her left and then switches to speak to the person on the right.  Also, pouring water or wine when hosting a party – Meghan will most certainly know now that you always fill everyone else’s glasses up first before your own. 

“And anything that needs to be passed to someone across the table must be passed person by person around the table until it reaches the right chair.”

Lady Montagu added: “And of course, there is shooting – pheasants that is. Prince Harry likes to shoot and so Meghan will most likely be wearing the family tweed, a pair of plus fours and some shooting socks while she accompanies Prince Harry out on the drives and for the elevenses and the long lunches that are traditional in big shoots.”

However, this became a contentious issue, as animal-loving Meghan reportedly banned Harry from shooting.

Source: Read Full Article