The affectionate display by the first couple was echoed by Harry and Meghan who then walked hand-in-hand as the exited the abbey, something social media users have attributed proudly to the duchess’ American origins.
Sharing a photo of the Bidens a the funeral online, broadcaster Smita Prakash wrote:
“The Bidens walk into the Abbey hand-in-hand. Meghan probably stifling a smile - yes we Americans hold hands. It’s not improper.”
Another user echoed this sentiment, highlighting the hypocrisy in the lack of outrage over the Bidens’ display as opposed to the earlier one from Harry and Meghan.
“An observation my housemate just made,” the wrote, “President Joe Biden & Jill Biden were holding hands. Shock horror (people should lay off Meghan & Harry) perfectly normal to hold hands for support on such occasions or any occasion. #HoldinghandsGate”
A further Twitter user posted: “By the way President Joe Biden and FLOTUS just walked into the Westminister Abbey HOLDING HANDS. So to you #Britishmedia and derangers, people who are in love hold hands just like Prince Harry & Meghan, Eugene & husband did.”
The criticism of Harry and Meghan began on Wednesday after they were photographed exiting Westminster Hall following a service marking the lying in state of Queen Elizabeth II, holding each others’ hands.
This is nothing new for the couple. In June they were photographed hand-in-hand at the service of thanksgiving for the queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and more recently at Harry’s appearance at the United Nations on Nelson Mandela International Day.
However, some social media users interpreted the intimate gesture as inappropriate for the solemnity of the occasion and the fact that members of the royal family were observing “royal mourning.”
Jesus Enrique Rosas, name behind the YouTube channel The Body Language Guy, quoted a social media post after the event which suggested that the hand-holding was “disrespectful” and added: “The woke despise traditions and respect, so not surprising.”
Another poster at the time added: “The Royal Family leave our beloved Queen in Westminster Hall with grace and dignity except for Harry and Meghan who just have to hold hands like two lovesick teenagers. They really get on my nerves.”
The state funeral for the queen included a selection of the late-monarch’s favorite hymns and lessons with a reading delivered by British Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Prince Harry took part in a procession alongside his brother and father from Westminster Hall with the coffin to the abbey where he joined Meghan for the walk down the aisle.
The couple were seated directly behind King Charles and Queen Camilla, with the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, 9, and Princess Charlotte, 7, sat in a neighboring section.
After the abbey service the queen’s coffin was transported to Windsor where, following a committal service at St George’s Chapel, she will eventually be buried alongside her husband, Prince Philip who died at the age of 99 in April 2021.
