Modernising the monarchy secures future
WHETHER you’re a fan of the royal monarchy or not, most Zululanders were glued to screens on Saturday, witnessing history in the making as Prince Harry married US actress Meghan Markle in a nuptial that arguably broke centuries of British royal tradition.
And while fashionistas babbled about Meghan’s simplistic and contemporary choice for a wedding gown and others were engrossed with the Duchess of Cambridge’s Jimmy Choo shoes, the choices made at this particular wedding probably secured the future of the monarchy for the next century.
As American Bishop Michael Curry delivered the most radical sermon ever heard at St George’s Chapel, I was taken back to 1957 when all eyes were on young sovereign Queen Elizabeth and her adjustment to the role of monarch at a point in history that was rapidly changing.
An unprecedented attack on the Queen’s public manner appeared in an obscure journal by John Grigg.
His cruel characterisation of the monarch as ‘a priggish schoolgirl, captain of the hockey team, a prefect, and a recent candidate for confirmation’, spurred protests (mainly because he dared say anything negative about the monarchy).
Grigg also criticised the ‘tweedy aristocrats’ who made up her entourage, the conservative values that still existed in court and how the way she spoke made her sound ‘like a pain in the neck’.
The brash critic was eventually slapped by a crown subject in front of television cameras for his rude remarks.
It was unfortunate that Queen Elizabeth had to endure the brunt of criticism over institutions that she in no way created.
But the Queen’s comeback is what I think, changed the course of history.
Being labelled as someone who could not relate to the working class, she convened a meeting with her fiercest detractor to hear him out and make interventions.
Response to change
The Queen responded with some modest reforms of court life, introducing informal lunches with her more interesting subjects, and ending the absurd practice of debutante presentation.
It’s unclear whether Grigg was responsible for the television broadcast of the 1957 Royal Christmas Message - the first to be aired from inside her home.
But it was evident from the recording that she appeared relatable and less aloof.
In the face of adversity, the Queen made a concerted effort to relate to her subjects.
The monarchy’s ability to respond to change over centuries is what has ensured its longevity.
So what has this got to do with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex?
Their wedding, which broke conservative trends dating back centuries, proved that the monarchy yet again was able to adapt to change and relate to its subjects.
From the charismatic preacher, to the gospel choir, the exchange of rings and not forgetting the first biracial bride and divorcee, this dismantlement of ageold institutions paved the way for a monarchy that will stand the test of time.
A valuable lesson to be learned from the royal union – if institutions do not evolve with changing times, it will inevitably disintegrate.