After much deliberation about whether to write about the controversial interview of the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry with Oprah Winfrey, it’s obvious I've decided to voice my opinion like so many other people. This interview has sparked many comments from supporters and those against it, creating an unhelpful division that mirrors what happened in the royal family.
Some rushed into comparing this interview to the one the late Princess Diana gave to BBC, but there are considerable differences. Recent information emerged about how the journalist used forged documents to instil distrust and fear in order to get the interview.
The Duchess of Sussex willingly accepted to be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, a renowned and ethical journalist, to express her side of the story.
It was heartbreaking to witness her distress and shocking to hear about blatant racist comments from a family that stands for high moral principles.
The royal family represents human values that are in decline and should be preserved, they are free from financial constraints and use their power to support the work of many charities and worthwhile humanitarian and environmental causes.
The monarchy ensures wealth remains in the country and generates much income from tourism, without avoiding taxes in offshore tax havens. It’s crucial for its survival to maintain a sound public image, and that’s not so easy to do in a country with a ‘toxic’ media culture.
The Queen’s response has also sparked a wide range of comments, but it was highly reassuring to know the issue will be resolved ‘privately’, as it should have been done in the first place.
Hopefully, they will find a way of working together and bring about positive changes out of this public mess. The marriage of Prince Harry with Meghan Markle represented a shift that could have been used in a powerful way to reach many people who didn’t relate to the royal family.
“Meghan was the Crown’s greatest opportunity for change, regeneration and reconciliation in a new era. They didn’t just maltreat her light - they missed out on it.” Amanda Gorman
The Duchess of Sussex has a lot of potential, with an unshakable integrity and strong values that could be an asset for this country. Unfortunately, she was not prepared for the limitations and rules inherent to the title.
Let’s remember the Duchess of Cambridge studied at the same university as Prince William, she’s also British and was even called ‘Waity Katy’ by the British tabloids. She had much more time to prepare for her place at the Palace, and was already familiar with the upper class.
It’s very likely that the Duchess of Cambridge will become Queen at some point, and she’s doing a wonderful job, with her charming elegance and caring attitude towards others. She has been actively supporting the NHS during these challenging times with a series of heartwarming live streamings.
Undoubtedly, the leading role is hers to play, but Meghan Markle could also do a lot, if there’s a bit more room for manoeuvre and if she’s wiling to compromise when needs must.
The decision to do your dirty laundry in public is highly questionable for anyone, let alone for someone who occupies a prominent position in British society.
I’m a hopeless romantic, so I do envisage an inclusive royal family, unified by the shared goal of offering public service, and resolving whatever issues come along in private, while always supporting one another like any good functional family.
But probably the damage is now too deep, and Prince Harry and his wife will continue going their separate ways, abiding by the laws of capitalism instead.
Whatever happens, I wish the whole family well, and sincerely hope British media will be forced to change the way they target women in the public eye, and refrain from racist comments altogether.
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