‘ Their relationship is a game-changer’
Ever since the news broke last October that Prince Harry was dating the US actor Meghan Markle, speculation of an engagement has been at fever pitch. Last Monday, Kensington Palace made it official and the world met the couple in an interview with the BBC’S Mishal Husain.
I have chronicled the royal family for the last 25 years, and revealed Charles and Camilla’s engagement – the first time a royal wedding had been announced in a newspaper rather than by the Palace. I could tell instantly Harry and Meghan had a very different kind of royal relationship.
Unlike the shy brides-in-waiting we’ve seen before, Meghan took the lead (footage showed Harry teasing her for not allowing him to get a word in). She was confident, candid; the more powerful of the two. But this was also a watershed moment for Harry. He was clearly smitten and seemed in awe of Meghan. The rebel royal prince seemed a world away. He was more mature, more considered. This relationship was a game-changer.
Earlier this year, Harry admitted that he had struggled with his role as a member of the royal family. But here was a man who appeared settled and ready for the next stage in his life. Meghan is clearly the right woman to accompany him on that journey.
Indeed, those close to Harry say she has had a calming influence on him, and many credit her with the openness he has shown this year, particularly about his mental health. Privately, he has shelved his partying, preferring to roast chicken with his partner in their cottage in Kensington Palace (the backdrop of his ‘very romantic’ proposal). It’s a change for the prince: even when dating seriously, he was prone to a wild night or two. But not since he met Meghan.
From the interview alone, you can tell they will forge a strong partnership – both personally and publicly. Her humanitarian work with the UN has been important to her. She has won plaudits for her work as a UN women’s advocate (for Political Participation and Leadership). She’s even given a speech before UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon. Her quote says it all: ‘I’ve never wanted to be a lady who lunches – I’ve wanted to be a woman who works.’
So what’s next? Meghan has decided to ‘wipe the slate clean’ and take on new causes over time. I’m sure a visit to Lesotho is on the cards, given that Harry’s HIV charity Sentebale was developed from there. Together, they can accomplish a great deal and no doubt the Queen and her Government will use this new star couple as key ambassadors to the Commonwealth.
As Harry gushes, ‘ There’s a hell of a lot of stuff, work that needs doing. Meghan is capable of anything.’