Editor’s letter
There’s been a lot of excitement in The Australian Women’s Weekly office this month. We’d been happily caught up in the festive spirit, poring over the pages of Christmas recipes, crafts and gifts to make in this issue… and then came the announcement we’d all been waiting for. The engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. After months of speculation, Kensington Palace officially confirmed the couple were engaged and set for a May 2018 wedding.
With Kate’s third baby due the month before Harry and Meghan walk down the aisle, we’re likely to experience a level of royal zeal next year not seen since Charles and Diana wed in 1981. And I personally can’t wait! There’s nothing we like more at The Australian Women’s Weekly than a royal wedding.
Meghan is sure to bring a new level of glamour to the royal family, and possibly mark the beginning of a makeover for the centuries-old British monarchy. But what we love most of all is that the 36-year-old actress has brought happiness to one of our royal favourites, Prince Harry.
And when he holds the hands of his bride in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, before hundreds of guests – and millions of TV viewers – it will be his late mum many of us think about. I loved Harry’s tribute to Diana during his engagement interview, saying he wanted to use some of the diamonds from her personal collection to create Meghan’s ring “to make sure that she’s with us on this crazy journey together”.
In the lead-up to the big day, Harry will no doubt turn for support to the two people he is closest to – his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate.
As our British correspondent,
William Langley, writes in our cover story this month,
Kate is likely to be particularly welcoming of Meghan’s arrival into the royal family.
She’ll offer huge support for Kate, not only in sharing the plentiful official duties, but in drawing away some of the attention, which the Duchess of Cambridge has at times found overwhelming.
With their move to Kensington Palace a few months ago, Kate and William have taken up full-time royal roles earlier than they had expected. In our story on page 12 we look at Kate’s new chapter – a third baby, a new sister-in-law, and expanded royal duties... and bigger-than-ever expectations.
From all of us at The Australian Women’s Weekly, thanks for being with us this year, and our very best wishes to you and your families this Christmas. Have a safe and happy holiday.