I'm still uncertain what is meant by "modernizing" the monarchy. Seems as though everyone has a different idea of what that means. JMO, it shouldn't mean "market branding" or mass commercializing of it. It shouldn't go the direction of cheap reality TV, bad manners, tacky behavior. Bringing more diversity, relaxed outreach to citizens, etc. are good things, but ignoring and abandoning all the great history, traditions and ceremonial dignity seems unnecessary and counter-productive. That's up to the subjects of the Queen, not to us, citizens of the US.
For those of you who are part of the British Empire, how do you define "modernizing the monarchy"?
BBM : I'm hesitant to post this as I don't particularly want to invite drama and H and M seem to be a bit of a divisive topic. But I'm going to throw caution to the wind and say how I feel, I'm sure some will agree with me and some won't.
As a British taxpayer there is a lot of commentary on SM and even on this thread that I find mildly offensive. As I've said before, the Royal Family do things in a very particular way in order to ensure the continuity and the stability of the Monarchy. At a time when our country is deeply divided, when we haven't had a stable government for a number of years, we need a stable Monarchy more than ever. The Royal Family are bigger than any one person, it is a centuries old establishment. Harry and Meghan are minor members of this family, whether they like it or not, they are in no position to be changing or "modernizing" anything, this is simply far above their station. The Queen is our Head of State ably assisted by Charles, William and their wives, that is the way it is and the way it will remain.
British taxpayers are compelled by law, to give money to the Royal Family and in return we expect a certain standard of behaviour. If Harry and Meghan are unable or unwilling to adhere to that, they can renounce their titles and remove themselves. If they want to be working royals then they need to toe the line, they can't have it both ways.
We all watched Harry at his mother's funeral, we cried with him and for him. And also for his brother, William who as a lot of people appear to forget, also lost his mother. Diana had two sons. We were delighted when he met Meghan and when they got engaged we welcomed her with open arms and we lined the streets to wish them well on their wedding day.
Meghan has NOT been treated any more unfairly by the press than any other incoming member of the Royal Family. Catherine had her private life dissected, she was called names like social climber, peasant, commoner. Her family were judged, her mother was accused of being pushy, of having sent Catherine to St. Andrew's to "snare" Prince William. She was called desperate, Waity Katie. She's been called lazy and work-shy. She had hundreds of paparazzi following her around every time she left the house. She has had embarrassing family members in the press (Uncle Gary anyone?) Beatrice and Eugenie have had their lives scrutinised, every fashion or make up choice they have ever made has been pored over, they have been known and referred to for years as the ugly step-sisters.
I resent that anyone who doesn't connect with Meghan is automatically labelled as a bully, or worse a racist. Great Britain is a diverse society, we have all cultures and faiths here and it is one of our greatest strengths. Instead of celebrating this, Harry as someone who supposed to be a representative of our country, would rather perpetuate the myth that we are a country of racist bullies. This could not be further from the truth.
Harry and Meghan are NOT hounded by the press. The only time Harry and Meghan are ever seen in public is when Harry and Meghan want to be seen in public. Have a look on you tube at the videos of Catherine being followed by paparazzi. Nothing like this has happened to Meghan.
HM The Queen lived a personal tragedy at a young age, but she dealt with it, and everything that followed, with the utmost grace and dignity.
Commenting on Meghan's bridal make up is not bullying. When her makeup artist is appearing on any daytime tv show that will have him to discuss that exact thing, people are obviously going to comment on it. Some will like it, some will not. If Meghan is unhappy with this, perhaps she should ask her friends to be a little more discreet.
I've never been a fan of Harry, his behaviour has been disgraceful at times when he was plenty old enough to know better. I won't go into it but the pictures are easy to find if you wish.
It is my opinion that our Royal Family is far too big, with too many hangers on who feel they are entitled to special treatment and tax payers money. They are public servants, we do not bow down to them. I resent the view that we are supposed to view Meghan as some kind of hero doing so many great things for us lowly peasants. I've seen people from overseas commenting on how much she has improved our lives, although I've seen no tangible evidence of this.
Of course, this is all IMO. I do not presume to think that I speak for all Brits.
I don’t think the events that led up to her father not being there were under her control at all. How could she control them? He did that all by himself (with his other daughter’s help) and Prince Charles ended up walking Meghan down the aisle. If Meghan had manipulated her father not to attend, I’m sure he would have told us! I’ve never heard anything to support your belief that she wanted to control camera angles, etc.
