Harry to enhance ‘special relationship’

Any offspring they have may be highly unlikely to ascend the throne, but that didn’t stop the world’s media from greeting the news of Prince Harry’s engagement to American actress Meghan Markle with feverish excitement.

News outlets across the world gave the news near blanket coverage.

The Washington Post hailed news of the proposal of the “ginger-beard prince” but also sounded a note of caution, pointing out that the last time an American married into the royal family in 1936 it sparked a crisis, with King Edward VIII abdicating the throne to marry the American socialite and divorcée Wallis Simpson.

However, one need not rewind that far through history to recall difficult times for the royals. In the wake of the death of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, the monarchy came in for unprecedented criticism. Many believed an image change was required, and it has largely fallen to Harry and his elder brother William to show how the institution can remain relevant, necessary even, in the modern era.

It is a role they have delivered with some aplomb. Harry’s Invictus Games have captured the imagination on a worldwide scale, thrusting the young royal further still into the limelight.

The global reaction to yesterday’s news provided fresh evidence of just what an important and significant symbol the royals remain for our nation.