Sadly, at the time of Queen Elizabeth II's death, Princes William and Harry and their wives had been all but estranged for months.
That's why royal fans were so delighted to see the new Prince of Wales invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to join him and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, on a walkabout in Windsor this past weekend, where they greeted a crowd of well-wishers for upward of 40 minutes.
One well-wisher in particular, a teenage girl, drew attention from photographers and the media for the warm embrace she gave Meghan Markle on the day. She explained to CNN what happened.
"We were just waiting for her to come, and she came near me and asked my name, and how my day was, how long I was waiting, and I asked her if I could have a hug and she hugged me back, so that was just quite an amazing moment," the girl said.
"I'm still shaking now. I can't really explain what the feeling was when she did it, but it was really nice."
The interviewer then asked this royal fan why she felt compelled to hug the duchess.
"I don't know, it just went through my mind, like everyone was kinda cheering me on to, and I guess I just felt like I needed to in a way, like I just really wanted to at least hug her, because I look up to her in some ways and it just felt like it was the right thing to do," she explained.
Next, the journalist wanted to know if she felt particular sympathy for the duchess because of everything that has transpired between her and the Royal Family.
"I feel like it was quite nice to see William and Kate and Meghan and Harry together, and it was fine, but yeah, I just wanted to show her that she's, like, welcome here, I guess, and I wanted to hug her after everything that's happened, really," the girl said.
Royal watchers are divided in their opinion of the duchess after she and her husband left the U.K. and decided to give Oprah Winfrey a candid interview about their time as senior royals. (Let's also not forget the thinly veiled racism often aimed at her.)
That's partly why the crowds at Windsor, including the teenager, were surprised to see the Sussexes take part in the walkabout with the Waleses.
"I was like, 'Oh my gosh,' because I really didn't expect them to be here," the girl who hugged Markle said.
-
I'm Copying Issa Rae's View on Gray Hair ImmediatelyHer approach to aging is such a breath of fresh air.
-
A 'Titanic' Child Star Says a Devastating Scene Was Cut: "Heavily Rejected by Moms"“You're still my best girl, Cora.”
-
Selena Gomez Takes Makeup-Outfit Coordination to Rarely-Seen LevelsShe heard "lady in red" and ran with it.
-
All the Details on Princess Kate and Prince William's Seriously Luxe Mustique VacationFrom a $42k villa with a private butler to a celebrity-fave bar, the Waleses are enjoying some fun in the sun.
-
Meghan Markle Launches Her 'As Ever' Era in a White Button-Down Shirt and Classic JeansThe big announcement was a return to basics.
-
How Meghan Markle Included Princess Lilibet—and Their Stunning Backyard—in Her New Brand, As EverThe rarely-seen toddler shared in the excitement for her mom's As Ever brand launch announcement.
-
The Deeper Meaning Behind Meghan Markle's Reimagined Brand, As Ever"This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language," the Duchess of Sussex wrote on Instagram.
-
Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Her Friend's Late Son and His Twin With a Touching New Heart NecklaceShe wore the gorgeous red pendant in the announcement video for her new brand, As Ever.
-
Princess Kate "Put Her Foot Down" and Refused to Let George, Charlotte, and Louis Take Part in "Blooding" TraditionThe Princess of Wales is raising her kids on her own terms.
-
Kate Middleton Trades Her Red Carpet BAFTAs Gown for a Luxe Beach Vacation BikiniShe's skipping the awards ceremony for a private island loved by celebs.
-
Prince William "Didn't Have a Romantic Bone in His Body" Before Falling in Love With Kate Middleton"William also attempted to turn Kate's head with his sporting prowess."
