Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to hold hands while leaving Westminster Hall on Wednesday has divided royal fans.
While the couple arrived separately for Queen Elizabeth II’s procession – with Markle riding in a car and Harry walking beside brother Prince William – they stood side by side during the service.
On their walk out, the pair were the only duo holding hands, unlike King Charles III, Queen Consort Camilla, William and Kate Middleton.
Many Twitter users celebrated the public display of affection as Harry, 37, mourned his late grandmother.
“Meghan & harry have such a special & amazing bond that no one can ever take away from them,” one person gushed.
Another called the former actress, 41, a “supportive wife” amid her husband’s grief.
“Meghan and Harry love each other,” a third added. “There is no reason why they should ever have to hide it!”
Notably, royal family members are strongly discouraged from showing PDA, leading many social media users to find fault with the hand-holding “breach.”
“They’re part of the procession,” read one gripe. “Is it too much to expect them to walk in their line? even the horse could stay in their position for 20+ minutes walk. yet meghan [and] harry couldn’t keep the formation at least until they reach the door?”
Another argued that Markle had “no class,” writing, “I see Meghan still couldn’t manage the whole service without holding on to Harry.”
Harry and Markle are no strangers to making waves in the royal family. Nearly two years after their wedding, the couple announced their decision to step back from their senior duties as royal family members.
The pair, who now live in Montecito, Calif., with son Archie, 3, and daughter Lilibet, 1, officially resigned from their roles in February 2021.
The following month, they sat down for a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, discussing the “Suits” alum’s suicidal thoughts and an unnamed family member expressing concern over the color of Archie’s skin.
Harry also told Winfrey at the time that he was attempting to “heal” his relationship with Charles, 73, since his father had allegedly “stopped taking” his calls.
The former military pilot returned to the United Kingdom for the first time in April 2021.
Two months later, he went back with Markle and their little ones to celebrate Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
The couple were making appearances at charity events in Europe earlier this month when the late sovereign died at age 96 in Balmoral, Scotland.
Harry initially flew to Her Majesty’s bedside alone, appearing to arrive after her death. Markle reunited with her husband and her in-laws on Saturday to pay tribute to Elizabeth.
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