Meghan and Harry

I love the rare displays of affection by the younger royals. I still remember, back in the very early 50s, the Queen and Philip had been on a tour abroad, without their children, they`d been away for several months, and on their return, Prince Charles, aged about 4, was at the station when they arrived, walked forward, and SHOOK HANDS with his parents! It seemed so sad, there should have been hugs all round.

callgirl, the example of Prince C aged 4 shaking hands with his mother, the Queen is one that was in my mind as I read the criticism of Meghan and Harry for their displays of affection. Times have changed. Meghan and Harry aren't afraid to respond to displays of affection from the public, whether its from adults or children. The media is full of images of them doing exactly that, and appearing to enjoy it as much as the people who waited to see them do.

It seems to me this couple can't win whatever they do. If they don't show any affection it means the marriage is already in trouble, if they don't respond to the enthusiasm of the crowds it shows how stand offish and out of touch the RF are. Did none of you walk hand in hand with your partners or show affection in public?

Oldswoman - in answer to your question - no.

Harry is not a 4 year old and Megan is not his mother .

How is hand clutching and arm clinging responding to enthusiasm of the crowd?

William and Kate have the balance just right, a touch, a smile shared with each other and lots of hugs for their children.

Something wrong with a couple who have to physically display ‘we are sooo in love’ to the world.

H & M don't have to physically display, Anniebach .... perhaps they are just tactile people. Also I think he is trying to reassure her. She may have been an actress and used to crowds, but she can't do "a second take" if she gets it wrong, and she has not had a stable loving home background that ... for example.... Kate has had. She has given up a lot to be with Harry and doesn't have firm foundations of friends and family in the UK to help her.

I personally think they are lovely. (ducks beneath parapet). I like seeing couples being affectionate with each other.

I love the rare displays of affection by the younger royals. I still remember, back in the very early 50s, the Queen and Philip had been on a tour abroad, without their children, they`d been away for several months, and on their return, Prince Charles, aged about 4, was at the station when they arrived, walked forward, and SHOOK HANDS with his parents! It seemed so sad, there should have been hugs all round!

I always remember that, Callgirl, and it was shocking. I'm the same age as Prince Charles and when I saw photos of it when I was older, my heart bled for him. No wonder he was always closer to the Queen Mum..... and his nanny (who looked just like Camilla which may be relevant!)

Sparklefizz I will join you beneath the parapet and bring the tin hats. As I said before I don't think they can win no matter what they do.

Oldwoman70 Thanks for the tin hat share ... we might need them

Very well said Oldwoman70.

Sparkle, she has given up a job as a tv actress and gained a spot on the world stage. She is not a vunerable teenager she is a 37 year old woman in her second marriage, she left her first husband to work in Canada . Even her friends in Canada have said of her ‘she knows what she wants and goes for it’.

Billybob how sad. My DH and I would often walk hand in hand or I would link my arm through his - right up to the time I lost him a few years ago.

Harry also knew what he wanted and went for it. They are ideally suited IMO. Meghan has confidence and experience and Harry looks really happy.

I agree with that merlot , they are suited.

I shall don my tin hat. I think they come across as very much in love, Harry is as tactile as Meghan. I think they are a credit to the RF. ???

Me too GrannyGravy13

Anniebach - she is still out of her comfort zone. There is still something of the vulnerable child/teenager in all of us, and no one can be prepared for being in the RF with all the ritual and expectations. Even Diana, who was British aristocracy, struggled. Why can't we be more understanding and sensitive? I wouldn't do that job and be constantly criticised for anything.

This takes me back to his mother - when I first heard that Princess Diana had died, the thing that immediately came to mind was when she was reunited with her boys on a ship and swept them up into her arms. She broke the standoffish mould of the RF in that moment, thank goodness, and good for H & M for continuing in that mode ( PS loved the little boy stroking his beard and his head!)

Sparkle, she isn’t constantly critcise . I am understanding but I do not wear rose tinted specs, you critcism of me was uncalled for

humpty, that moment Diana hugged her sons, what was cut from that film was Charles was behind her and hugged his sons too.

I didn't criticise you at all, Annie but just answered your post.

I just think that the world needs more kindness, and that it's lovely to see a young couple so happy with each other.

I said "Why can't we be more understanding ...." meaning the whole media. I didn't say "Why can't you .." Annie

Sparkle, I think I am the only one critcising and you said - ‘why can’t we be more understanding and sensitive ‘ in your post to me .

Annie - let it rest, eh? I've explained what I meant. No need to make mountains out of molehills.

the media are not critcising her Sparkle

They ( the media) don’t need to we on GN seem to be doing that for them!