How Meghan can help rejuvenate the royals
JUST 20 years ago, the monarchy seemed to be struggling for its very survival.
Messy divorces, an explosive book about the infidelity of the heir to the throne, Squidgygate and the toe-sucking exploits of the Duchess of York were capped by the perceived lack of emotional reaction from Buckingham Palace over the death of Princess Diana.
Public esteem for the Royal Family had hit a historic low. The House of Windsor was seen as stuffy, remote and unable – or unwilling – to adapt to the modern age.
How different the picture looks today. Prince Harry’s wedding to the glamorous and thoroughly modern actress Meghan Markle did more than put the seal on a fairytale romance. It symbolised the monarchy’s evolution into a contemporary institution – at ease with itself, outward looking and fit for the 21st century.
And what a glorious day it was – one in which tradition and modernity were fused in perfect harmony.
We had a mixed-race divorcee bride being led down the aisle by our future king, a black Episcopalian preacher speaking alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, gospel singers complementing a traditional Anglican choir and the soul anthem Stand By Me on the hymn sheet with Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer.
In the congregation, Hollywood royalty mixed with the real thing and superstar musicians mingled with charity workers.
Outside in the brilliant spring sunshine, well-wishers came from all over the world to show their support. Anyone who says Brexit has discouraged foreign visitors, or that Britain is now regarded as a colder, less tolerant place should take note.
Of course the rehabilitation of the House of Windsor is about more than this one event – joyous though it was. It has been a slow and gradual process.
It owes a great deal in recent times to Prince William and his own bride (also a commoner), who with their three children are blossoming into a model family.
Charles himself has also changed from a rather haughty, sometimes petulant prince into a more rounded and apparently more contented soul.
But above all, it has been the fortitude and selfless hard work of the Queen – supported in rock-like fashion by the Duke of Edinburgh – which has kept the monarchy on the rails. Through all the tumult she has remained a shining example of how a sovereign should act.
Now in the twilight of her reign, she has ensured that her dynasty will survive her.
The royals will be hugely enhanced by the addition of the newly created Duchess of Sussex. Already a passionate charity campaigner, she says she’s ‘proud to be a woman and a feminist’ and that she has a lifelong passion for ‘social justice’.
These are admirable sentiments, but may we strike just a note of caution? She must be careful that her enthusiasm for these causes doesn’t allow her to be pulled into the political fray. To survive, the monarchy must remain scrupulously neutral.
If she needs any advice, Meghan should seek counsel from the Queen. Over 65 years, she has proved herself to be the greatest royal diplomat of them all.