Support Sussex Royal
Everything comes with a price. Some people think it is worth paying and some don’t. To be a loyal Royal, to conform is a prerequisite. Meghan was an actor and even for her, this is too much. The minute you wake up, you have to step in and play your role. There is no let up. When she had an acting career, at least she could down-tool and be herself when the filming had finished. As a Royal, it is a 24/7 job. Besides, even if she is happy to play this role for the rest of her life and gives a cracking performance, she will never be able to compete in the Best Actress category. She can only be the best Supporting Actress. Probably not worth the price that she has to pay, no? Perhaps Harry now also realises that there are others ways to fulfil his duties as a Royal and as a human being.
Some do think that for a super comfortable and privileged life, it is a small price to pay. Good for them and I wish them a truly happy life. I often wonder if Prince Andrew has a truly happy life. Some may be able to convince themselves that they were dealt with this card at birth so they have no choice because they owe a constitutional duty to this country. Seriously, does one really think that Great Britain will descend into civil war if the monarchy disappears? Seriously, does one really think that the country will go into perennial decline or democracy will end if the monarchy no longer has a constitutional function?
Everyone is entitled to seek happiness, Meghan and Harry included, but happiness means different things to different people. Some may think they find happiness playing golf several times a week; some may think they find happiness drinking expensive wine; some may think they find happiness hanging out with the wealthy and the powerful; some may think they find happiness doing nothing. Some may even think that happiness is an illusion and it is a futile pursuit. Perhaps Meghan and Harry realise that happiness comes from self-actualisation or perhaps they realise the harms it will do to themselves, to their son and to all of us if at all times they can only put on an idealised version of themselves in front of people and have to constantly live up to others’ expectations.
Upset from the Palace is understandable because how dare they to decide to not play by the rules, to quit the game. Can’t they not see that “we” are already struggling to justify our relevance in the 21st century? Have they got no consideration for their poor relatives? Leaving their ability aside and unlike the majority of the people, some of them may not want to stand on their own two feet ever!
The Palace has a choice: they can be magnanimous, be supportive and wish them well or they can “deal with” them in their usual way.
Don’t underestimate how hard it is to break away, to decide not to conform (If people do not understand, I recommend Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence). I admire their courage. I wish them well. I hope that they are surrounded by genuinely compassionate and supportive friends and relatives who will be by their side always and love them unconditionally. Isn’t that enough?