Meghan Markle / Sarah Ferguson smiling

Meghan and Fergie met nine years ago

arah Ferguson offered Meghan Markle some important tips during her early days in the royal family, like how to curtsy to Queen Elizabeth II.

Fergie and Meghan first met back in October 2016, four months into the duchess’ relationship with Prince Harry.
Meghan Markle with her mouth open at Invictus GamesMeghan didn’t know how to curtsy (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Sarah Ferguson helped teach Meghan Markle how to curtsy

In October 2016, Prince Harry facilitated a meeting between Sarah and Meghan at Royal Lodge, Windsor.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, wanted Meghan, 44, to meet his aunt, Sarah, first out of everyone in the royal family.

However, an unexpected visit from the queen prompted a scramble, during which Meghan confessed that she didn’t know how to curtsy properly.

Meghan recalled the incident during her and Harry’s infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.

“And I remember Harry and I are in the car and he says, ‘Okay, well, my, my grandmother’s there. So you’re going to meet her,’” she said.

“I thought that [curtsying] was part of the fanfare. I don’t think that’s what happens inside. And I said, but it’s your grandmother. He goes, ‘it’s the Queen,’” she continued.
Sarah Ferguson smilingSarah offered her help to Meghan (Credit: CoverImages.com)

‘Do you know how to curtsy?’

Meghan then continued, saying, “Right in front of the house, we just practised and walked in. Fergie ran out and said, ‘Are you ready? Do you know how to curtsy?’

“Apparently, I did a very deep curtsy. I don’t remember it, and then we just sat there and we chatted.”

Harry also wrote about the incident in his 2023 book, Spare.

Fergie ran out and said, ‘Are you ready? Do you know how to curtsy?’

“First stop, Royal Lodge. To meet Fergie, because Meg already knew Fergie’s daughter Euge, and Jack, so this seemed a logical baby step,” he wrote.

“Fergie came outside, somewhat aflutter, and said: ‘Do you know how to curtsy?’ Meg shook her head. Fergie demonstrated once. Meg imitated her. As we walked towards the door Fergie and I both leaned into Meg, whispering quick reminders. When you first meet the Queen it’s Your Majesty. After it’s just Ma’am. Rhymes with ham,” he added.
Sarah Ferguson on This MorningFergie supported Harry and Meghan (Credit: ITV)

Fergie’s gratefulness over Harry and Meghan wedding invite

In 2018, Fergie was invited to Harry and Meghan’s wedding, something she was thrilled about.

She spoke about the invite during an interview on Good Morning Britain at the time.

“I felt like I was really happy for my friend Diana, who I love, and my mum and dad, and I felt honoured and grateful for Harry and Meghan to invite me,” she said.

“It was very kind of them and I can’t thank them enough for doing that because it was nerve-wracking but I knew I was ready,” she added.

Fergie’s support for the couple continued long after they quit working royal life.

Months after the Oprah interview, she told The Telegraph: “I’m a great supporter of Oprah and everything that she does… I wouldn’t presume to give advice to Harry and Meghan, except to say to be happy.”

During another interview with the publication in 2023, Sarah spoke about Meghan. She said: “I don’t really know Meghan, I haven’t really met her. I spoke to her at [Queen Elizabeth II’s] funeral, and I thought she looked absolutely beautiful. I think she is beautiful.”

When asked if Meghan had done “damage” to the royal family, Sarah said: “It is absolutely not my place to answer that. She has made Harry very happy, and that is so nice. Honestly, he’s so happy with her. She really loves him. And I think that’s beautiful – and that Diana would be proud of him and her lovely grandchildren.”