"Doorgate" is taking the media by storm, as Prince William's less than chivalrous behavior
towards his wife is the talk of Royalville.
We break down exactly what went down.
After years of tension, the reunion of Prince William and Prince Harry and their wives certainly
took royal fans by surprise.
"As brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days."
However, many have now turned their attention to the differences in each couples' dynamic.
In the wake of the unexpected joint engagement, experts have weighed in on Meghan Markle's
perceived awkwardness during the reunion.
However, it seems that wasn't the only awkward vibe people picked up on.
So, what's got everyone talking?
Well, as the couples returned to their vehicle after greeting well-wishers outside Windsor
Castle, Prince Harry opened the door for his wife.
However, Prince William did not do the same for Kate Middleton.
Suffice it to say, many were not amused, and some even complained that it was a disrespectful
move on the new Prince of Wales' part.
One Twitter user wrote,
"William can't even open a door for this wife?
Goodness me."
In comparison, Prince Harry was lauded for his sweet gesture.
One fan wrote on Twitter:
"Harry is such a gentleman making sure he opens the door for his wife and she's in the
car safely."
Whether or not Prince William intended to slight his wife, the difference in dynamic
is a stark one.
However, we can't help but wonder ... is there a reason for it?
Let's get one thing straight: Kate Middleton and Prince William have never been too big
on public displays of affection.
After all, who can forget their quick peck on the Buckingham Palace balcony on their
wedding day?
Even their second kiss lasted mere seconds before both caught a case of the giggles.
Over the years, one might have caught glimpses of the two hugging, but even as recently as
July, when the pair made news on Access for kissing at a polo event, the kiss in question
was a simple one on the cheek.
According to etiquette expert Myka Meier, there's a good reason why these two typically
refrain from being overly affectionate.
Speaking to People, Meier explained,
"The couple are working representatives of British Monarchy.
The couple are likely to show very little PDA, if any, to remain professional."
Meier has subsequently told the outlet that the nature of the engagement also often plays
a role in how members of the royal family conduct themselves.
In particular, she pointed out that "somber" occasions would likely see even less public
affection.
Given that the Windsor Castle engagement marked an opportunity for the royals to greet mourners,
it was about as somber as could be, so we're not shocked by the absence of PDA.
With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Cornwall now occupying a higher position in
the firm than they previously held, it makes sense that they would be going above and beyond
to come across as professional.
However, one could also say that the new Prince of Wales simply wasn't thinking about chivalry
in the wake of his grandmother's death.
As one Twitter user pointed out in response to the comments that he was mistreating his
wife,
"The guy just lost his granny.
It's just a car door ... Can't we cut him some slack?"
Countless others have taken to social media since the tragic death of Queen Elizabeth
II to remark on how Prince William is handling the grieving process.
In response to his father King Charles' accession ceremony, one person tweeted,
"You can see just how incredibly sad The Prince of Wales is at the loss of his much loved
grandmother."
Another echoed those sentiments, sharing two screenshots of the prince with a solemn expression
and writing:
"This is such a hard moment for him."
Of course, the coming weeks — and years, even — will be difficult for the entire
extended royal family.
As Prince William himself shared in a heart-wrenching statement,
"I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without
Grannie will truly feel real."
We hope each member can be afforded grace as they navigate their new reality.