William is right to show his royal wrath
HOWEVER much they have felt provoked or smothered by sovereignty’s strictures, the Royal Family have always adhered to one timeless principle: ‘Never complain, never explain.’
But some accusations are so serious and so wounding it is simply impossible to stay silent.
That was the case yesterday for William. Asked about the toxic race row unleashed by the Duchess of Sussex, supported by the obedient Duke, he broke with tradition to fiercely defend the monarchy.
Barely concealing his fury, the Duke of Cambridge told reporters: ‘We’re very much not a racist family.’
That his seismic intervention – backed by the Queen – was off the cuff, rather than meticulously scripted by courtiers, betrayed the hurt felt by the House of Windsor.
To William, the pain must cut even deeper. Leave aside the fact his wife Kate came under relentless, spiteful personal attack.
By vengefully broadcasting their grievances to the world, Harry and Meghan conspired to further rupture a brotherly bond strengthened by having to walk as young boys behind their mother’s coffin.
Five days after the interview, there remains a yawning chasm between the Sussexes’ allegations of racism and even the tiniest shred of evidence.
By refusing to name the royal bigot (if, indeed, it’s not just a figment of oversensitive imaginations), the self-absorbed pair allow the guessing game to go on – damaging the ancient institution to which they owe their gilded existence.
To PR gurus in California, this may seem a slick strategy. But to countless millions of Britons who respect and admire the Royal Family, it is grotesque.
Commendably, William met their snide innuendo with candour. Rather than rely on whispering flunkies to convey his unhappiness, he tackled the venomous accusations head on.
His rebuttal – just seven words – carried more power for its brevity. It displayed the courage and conviction we expect from a future king. Equally, William’s steely retort inspires confidence that the racism claims are groundless smears.
That the prince spoke out during a longplanned visit to a school in a deprived part of London with pupils of myriad races and nationalities was hugely symbolic.
Led by the Queen’s shining example, no monarchy has done more to foster harmony and understanding between different cultures. It also spoke volumes that in the face of a family crisis, William was out on a cold March morning, serving the country dutifully and uncomplainingly.
Of course, Harry and Meghan may yet launch another petulant salvo from their West Coast mansion. Instead, they should do what they promised when they stepped away from royal life: Bow out gracefully.