The Article below was published in Vol. 135, Issue 5 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on February 7, 2020
By Maryam Javed ’21
Opinions Editor
Tensions arose among the British royal family members when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, announced that they decided to distance themselves from the royal family, giving them the chance to live abroad and possibly spend more time in the United States. The news sent shockwaves all over the world. The public was astounded that the couple broke centuries of age-old traditions in the United Kingdom.
Many deem the couple’s decision to step back from their royal duties as neglecting the kingdom. However, many others view their decision as courageous and for the best. Institutions such as monarchies represent a hierarchical order and represent the idea that one group of individuals is superior to the rest of society through lineage or marriage, and therefore they have the right to rule. Though this is no longer a reality in the United Kingdom, since it is now a constitutional monarchy, the history of these totalitarian monarchies persists through its preservation, thus representing the inequality of the past. The couple’s decision to step away from the monarchy breaks this system, which is a huge progressive milestone in history and truly asserts their independence.
Stepping away from the royal family also allows the couple to focus on what matters to them the most: their son, Archie. They can give their son a normal life, away from the spotlight. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no stranger to public scrutiny, which is extremely difficult to bear at times. To some, it wasn’t a surprise that they decided to make this move because of how negatively the couple is portrayed in the media, especially Meghan.
Many believe that Queen Elizabeth II never really approved of her grandson’s marriage to Meghan Markle, who prior to her engagement to Prince Harry was an American actress on the TV show Suits. There are also some in the public who believe Meghan shouldn’t have been with Harry in the first place because she is half black. The fact that part of British society is so concerned with her race and the color of her skin shows how backward and prejudiced a portion of that society remains.
The world has always been fascinated with the happenings of the British royal family due to its pivotal role in world history. From Princess Diana to Kate Middleton, society has always been interested in the lives of the British royal family from tuning in for every royal wedding to talking about who wore what for weeks.
Despite the fact that Britain became a constitutional monarchy, its royal family remains the talk of the world. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to set aside their royal duties is ground-breaking and unlike anything any member of the royal family has done before. Some would say Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, who herself broke the royal mold, would be proud.
The couple plans on alternating their time between Britain and the United States. Prince Harry stated that it was difficult for him to come to this decision with Meghan, but that it had to be done. Queen Elizabeth II also released a statement where she thanked the two for their duties and contributions they made to the kingdom. I believe what the couple has done is truly remarkable and will change the course of history for the British royal family forever.
Maryam Javed can be reached at javedm@mx.lakeforest.edu
