Royal lessons: the Queen orders 6 months of dutchess training for Meghan Markle
Life as a Duchess ain’t easy!
Meghan Markle officially became royal after her wedding to Prince Harry last Saturday, but apparently, there’s still a lot to learn in the coming months.
Queen Elizabeth has reportedly signed up Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex, for six months of royal lessons taught by senior palace adviser Samantha Cohen, who also goes by the nickname, “Samantha the Panther,” according to The Daily Mail.
The senior aide is set to move into Kensington Palace in order to help the former Suits actress adjust to royal life.
Etiquette expert and author Liz Brewer told Hello! magazine that Meghan’s training will include “the basics, such as how to wave, how and whom to address, how to curtsy, what to carry in her handbag. There will also be huge emphasis on protocol, especially tradition and formality, which gives correct order to formal occasions such as state and diplomatic events and also includes behavior within royal gatherings.”
The Times reports that Cohen, who once served as the Queen’s press secretary, played a significant role in advising Meghan about Tuesday’s garden party at Buckingham Palace.
A palace insider told the Times: “It will be six months of listening. She is seeking out advice on a range of people. She is going to proceed with humility. It is not going to be quiet, though. It’s going to be a very busy office.”
Kensington Palace announced Friday that Meghan received her very own customized coat of arms. The statement noted that Meghan worked closely with the College of Arms to create a design that incorporated her California roots, as well as her new life as a Duchess.
