America at fever pitch, but Trump is silent
AMERICA reacted with delight yesterday to the news that a US citizen was joining the Royal family – with the president the notable exception.
Donald Trump spent yesterday tweeting angrily about news networks he disliked, but did not once mention the American marrying into the House of Windsor.
His silence, perhaps, stems from Prince Harry’s firm friendship with the Obamas, who are considered far more likely wedding guests than the Trumps.
At the Invictus Games in September Barack Obama was overheard asking the Prince about his relationship with Ms Markle, while Michelle Obama has called him “Prince Charming” – and more recently “my friend”, when he joined her in October for a surprise visit to local schoolchildren in Chicago.
And, while Prince Harry has never publicly voiced an opinion on Mr Obama’s successor, Ms Markle has been less restrained – calling him “misogynistic” while he was campaigning, and even threatened to move out of the United States if he was elected.
Mr Obama said on Twitter: “Michelle and I are delighted to congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement. We wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness together.”
American news websites noted the happy announcement and Americans were keen to know all the details, asking excitedly what British people thought of her. “It’s official!” announced the New York Post. Ms Markle’s only fellow American to have married into the Royal family was Wallis Simpson, for whom Edward VIII gave up the throne. Although the couple became Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Wallis was never allowed to use the title Her Royal Highness.
Prince Harry was reported by People magazine to have asked Ms Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, for permission before asking for her daughter’s hand in marriage. Ms Ragland, who met the Prince in Toronto at the Invictus Games, said that she was delighted to agree. Her father’s first wife, Roslyn Markle, said it was “absolutely wonderful news,” adding that Ms Markle would be well equipped to deal with royal life.