Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to hold hands as they leave Westminster Hall on Wednesday has divided royal fans.
As the pair arrived separately for Queen Elizabeth II’s procession – with Markle in a car and Harry next to brother Prince William – they stood side by side during the service.
During their walk, the pair were the only duo to hold hands, unlike King Charles III, Queen Consort Camilla, William and Kate Middleton.
Many Twitter users celebrated the public show of affection as Harry, 37, mourned his late grandmother.
“Meghan and Harry have such a special and amazing bond that no one can ever take away from them,” one person gushed.
Another called the former actress, 41, a “supportive woman” amid her husband’s grief.
“Meghan and Harry love each other,” added a third. “There’s no reason they should ever hide it!”
Members of the royal family, in particular, are strongly discouraged from displaying PDA, leading many social media users to find fault with the ‘infringement’ on the hand.
“They are part of the procession”, read a Unfortunately. “Is it too much to expect them to walk in their line? even the horse was able to walk in his position for 20+ minutes. anyway meghan [and] Harry couldn’t hold the formation until they reached the door?’
Another claimed Markle had “no class” writing, “I see Meghan still couldn’t handle the whole shift without holding 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 relinquish their senior duties as members of the royal family.
The couple, who now reside in Montecito, California, with son Archie, 3, and daughter Lilibet, 1 officially resigned from their role in February 2021.
The following month, they sat down for a great interview with Oprah Winfrey, discussing the suicidal thoughts of the “Suits” alum and an unnamed relative who expressed concern about the color of Archie’s skin.
Harry also told Winfrey at the time that he was trying to “heal” his relationship with Charles, 73, because his father had reportedly “stopped” his phone calls.
The former military pilot returned to the UK for the first time in April 2021.
Two months later, he returned with Markle and their little ones to celebrate Elizabeth’s platinum anniversary.
The pair appeared at charity events in Europe earlier this month when the late sovereign died in Balmoral, Scotland, aged 96.
Harry initially flew to Her Majesty’s bedside alone and seemed to arrive after her death. Markle reunited with her husband and her in-laws on Saturday to pay tribute to Elizabeth.