American women are still finding new ways to be inspired by the American-born Duchess of Sussex, with the latest trend being etiquette and protocol classes to achieve the poise of a duchess.
Elaine Swann, etiquette expert and founder of the Swann School of Protocol, told the National Post that Meghan has been a lightning rod of inspiration for women looking to refine their comportment.
“If I post anything related to Meghan on social media, it gets serious traction,” says Swann. “Individuals are contacting me about classes. Girls want tea parties, and women want to look more polished. It’s certainly happening, and it’s exciting.”
Swann will host an etiquette workshop next month based on Meghan which will be all about “refining and redesigning your look.”
Myka Meier, an etiquette expert who was trained by a former member of The Queen’s household on all things protocol, now teaches a class called The Duchess Effect, where she teaches students everything from how to hold cutlery to how to properly sit in a chair: the Duchess slant, so to speak.
“Meghan Markle’s entrance into the family as the new Duchess of Sussex reinforces that you don’t have to be born into a certain bloodline, from a certain race or raised in a certain place to learn the skills to become the best, most polished version of yourself,” says Meier.
Another etiquette expert, Crystal L. Bailey, who founded the Etiquette Institute of Washington, says that there’s been a boon since Meghan arrived on the royal scene.
“A number of finishing schools are now opening up. And it’s not just young people – it’s adults, too. Every time I speak, I’m now asked about Meghan.”
Terri Thompson, an etiquette consultant on the east coast, says that Americans were always intrigued by the royals, “But now, with Meghan, we are definitely more so.”
