Manners maketh man. If you are going to be a prince, moreover, politesse really should be paramount. Monarchy is, if nothing else, all about ancient codes of conduct: honour, chivalry, formality, and bloody well smiling at people you don’t necessarily like.
That seems a bit much for Prince Harry, who, if reports and photos are to be believed, gave the President of the United States a very chilly reception at Buckingham Palace yesterday. He seems to have avoided Mr and Mrs Trump. He stood at the other end of the room and looked peeky.
Of course, such speculation could be a nothing-burger cooked-up by the controversy-addicted tabloids. The press and the social media masses are desperate for a spat between Meghan and Donald Trump. But it seems fair to say that Prince Harry didn’t go out of his way to greet the President and his family.

Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in