The excitement of life opening up
Topening up of most of Britain was the main focus of much of yesterday’s news media, with people warned to proceed with caution as restrictions eased, while on the opinion pages, commentators expressed excitement about life returning to normal. Elsewhere, Prince Harry’s refusal to stay out of the limelight provoked the ire of some.
The Independent
Amy Nickell was excited about a bit of the life we once took for granted returning, including going to the cinema and the pub. She wrote: “Today, yet more normality is invited to flow back through the veins of our society in the form of Cineworld, a non-weather dependant pint at Wetherspoons and a cup of tea at your nan’s... I’ve missed eavesdropping on cinemagoers’ film reviews in the glare of the credits, or hearing the chatter inside a pub. It’s these small interactions that remind us we are part of a whole. So now, look up from our phones, give the technology a real break and move toward what makes us humans – each other.”
Evening Standard
Nancy Durrant was in raptures over the return of kissing those outside of your household. In her ode to the kiss in the Standard, she said “all hail the cautious return of the kiss. Of grandparents embracing their grandchildren again; of friends hugging each other tight; of smooching lovers letting the food on their hardwon restaurant table go cold. We need it now, more than ever”. Ms Durrant said the kiss is much needed, as it says: “I’m here for you. I care for you. I’m proud of you. I’ll keep you safe. It’s not your fault. I forgive you. I can’t keep away from you. Look how lucky we are. I’m happy. You’ll be OK. Thank you. I missed you. I love you.”
Daily Mail
As Prince Harry shows no sign of moving forward with his life and again lashed out at the royal family in an interview last week, during which he appeared to suggest both Prince Charles and the newly widowed Queen both failed as parents, Dr Max
Pemberton wrote in the Daily Mail that although “there are times we benefit from talking about our troubles”, Prince Harry “is starting to embody the characteristics of those who’ve had too much therapy – selfcentred, self-obsessed, aggrieved and resentful”.
Dr Pemberton pulled no punches, adding: “While a bit of self-obsession is acceptable inside a therapist’s office, it is unbecoming in public, especially from someone who has – and continues to have – a life of almost unparalleled luxury and privilege.
“It would be far more helpful if Harry showed through his actions how he has turned his difficulties into something positive, rather than simply sounding spoilt and angry.”