Meghan (and Harry) didn’t even say goodbye!
THE 20 YEARS PRECEDING TRUMP WERE THE WORST PERIOD OF PRESIDENTIAL MISGOVERNMENT IN TH E COUNTRY’S HISTORY — CONRAD BLACK
It is true, and sadly so, that this dread of a modern plague has buried many stories and much news that would otherwise have commanded the front pages and prime- time screens of our most esteemed press outlets. And even in the lowliest sphere of journalism — this would be commentatorism — we, venal jades that we are, have forgone topics and personalities which, in a quieter time, would have busied a thousand laptops and prompted hourly TV “stand-ups” by the score.
Like my brethren and sistern in the trade, for example, I have neglected, even to total silence, the near- covert departure of Meghan ( and Harry)* from our most hospitable shores.
In better days I would have advocated that Canada declare a day of mourning, to mark Meghan’s ( and Harry’s) abrupt escape from the tranquil and most beautiful island of Vancouver, where they squirrelled away for a while in a rented $11-million cottage — a mere outhouse to the palaces of Buckingham and Windsor. While there, according to the eternal laws of Canadian etiquette, they were given quiet and deference. When they went out, people gave them “space,” and they were only waved at if they waved first. Canadian politesse is the best politesse.
Still, Victoria, we must agree, is not L.A. Who would want to skip down to Tofino Beach when settling in L. A. puts Malibu down the road?
But, their leap down south was so swift, there was no time for a proper national salute to their leave- taking. In the fearsome Biblical metaphor, the two went “like thieves in the night.” They were here one second, and gone the next. No trumpets. No farewell. No notice.
In fact, they went so quickly, Canadians were alerted to their absence only days later. Part of Canada’s shock and sorrow came because we had no glimpse of their intent. We had heard Meghan say, with great and commendable fervour, that she would never leave Canada, never reside in the United States, while Donald Trump was president. And yet, I believe he still is. If yesterday’s news is anything to go by.
So it was both utterly unexpected and a shock. Bank robbers, after vacuuming the vault and emptying the cash drawers, have fled less frantically after a holdup, than Meghan (and Harry) took off from Vancouver Island, and renounced Canada.
Without a wave or a word of “goodbye,” or so much as a Post- it Note on the rented refrigerator — to the good people of Canada and our prime minister, who so generously acted as their hosts, and so obligingly welcomed them into the mild and friendly ethos of B. C. and Canada.
“Meghan ( I address her personally), you are an actress. Could you not have shed a practiced tear, glided a manicured index finger to histrionically moist eyes, to tell us how sad it was, to leave the place which gave you refuge? Did you even say a thank you to the housemaids? (I’ve watched Downton Abbey. It happens.)
During this most trying moment as you ( and Harry) hurried to the private jet for star- glowing Los Angeles, was there even a thought, a flicker, of gratitude for your sojourn in Canada?
However, I do not wish to be harsh. It must have been a torment to shed a brand-new Royal title, and have poor Harry ( sixth in line) molt, so to speak, his lifelong one. It must be tough to abandon the royal life, no more to savour the joys of waving at strangers, and cutting all sorts of ropes when opening things, moving around between various palaces, and harassing foxes and startling pheasants on weekend hunts — all the treasured hallmarks of a royal’s life.
We understand. There were other calls to be answered.
Who would stand down from an invitation to do a “voice- over” on a film about elephants ( Meghan’s first post- royal job) produced by Disney Studios? A touching narrative about a pachyderm “family’s extraordinary 1,000- mile journey across Africa on an adventure that will change their lives.” Stand aside David Attenborough. The fauna of the world have a fresh fawner.
There are many other good works in the funnel. So maybe, it was the “greater good” that led you to break the vow to stay out of America while that nation writhes in such pain and shame under the dominion of that awful Trump. And to speak truly, when Entertainment Tonight beckons — the real one, the L.A. edition, not its feeble Canadian cousin — or a reality TV show shimmers in the distance, no determined aspirant actress would loiter in Windsor Castle when there’s a suite to be had at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Nonetheless, while we forgive, all Canadians are desolate, now that the sparkle of Markle ( and Harry, let’s not forget Harry) illumines us no more. We hardly knew you.
❚ Brackets are intended to mark the once- and- nolonger- future prince’s drop in status from highest aristocracy to Ms. Markle’s distinguished companion. The cameras are mainly on Meghan now.