Now Meg’s gone Kate Will shine
JNOW Harry has gone to join Meghan and Archie let’s leave them be for a while to enjoy their spell of remote rural bliss. Sadly, I don’t imagine it will last, what with the paparazzi stalking their idyllic borrowed home, and the tendency of the real world, money, and jobs, to nose its way into the most tranquil retreat.
Haven’t we all longed to take a sabbatical when times are tough, an escape from the pressures of mortgage and kids? I know that in our hard-striving middle years we definitely wanted to quit the stressful world of TV, chuck the whole thing in and live permanently in Cornwall, watching the sun rise over the sea, and our little ones grow brown and blonde under the Cornish sun.They’d become little surfers, riding the waves.What a wonderful, peaceful dream.
It didn’t last, of course. Not being royal, there wasn’t enough money to get by without our jobs. Like everyone else, we stuck it out until the children grew up, the mortgage was paid off, and we could afford to take things a little bit easier.
Harry and Meghan’s idyll will probably last longer than most, but eventually financial pressures will force even them to face the world again.And as the Sussexes retreat like wallflowers, the Cambridges are positively blooming.While Harry was winging his way to Canada on Monday night,William and Kate were hosting their first major international event at Buckingham Palace, looking cheerful and relaxed as they schmoozed African heads of state on behalf of the Queen.
Immediately afterwards, Kate launched her own initiative, stressing the importance of giving children the best start in life by ensuring happiness and mental health in under-fives. This immediate emergence of the couple, composed, charming and brimming with confidence, is surely no coincidence. Both looked as if the weight of the world had been lifted from their shoulders.
Which makes you wonder if the reported rift between the brothers was even more acrimonious than it appeared.
Maybe two charismatic young couples, so close to the throne, is one too many. Did the Sussexes have to go in order for the Cambridges to shine?
I can’t help thinking Harry will miss his old country, but all judgment suspended, I wish all four of them happiness.