2017 in Review: Aspiring attorney gets her real-life Prince Charming
On 27th November 2017, the much awaited news of Prince Harry’s engagement to Meghan Markle was announced. Ms Markle, an actor and writer, is best known for her role in US TV drama Suits as Rachel Zane, following her journey from paralegal to attorney. The couple are set to marry at Windsor next May and the one question immediately on everyone’s mind was – are we going to get an extra bank holiday?!
Bank holiday or no bank holiday, in a year filled with terror attack atrocities globally and at home, tensions of nuclear war, the ever-growing uncertainty of a post-Brexit Britain and devastating natural disasters, it’s nice to have a happier story to end the year.
Media harassment: when racism and discrimination touch the Royal family
The next royal ‘it’ couple have had a considerable amount of media attention from the very beginning. So much so that in November 2016, Prince Harry announced he was in a relationship with Ms Markle and in doing so condemned the way the media had been treating her and those close to her. He mentioned the ‘smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls.’ The very open condemnation and desire to want to protect Ms Markle shows just how much times have changed in the royal realms with the next generation royals.
The engagement also promoted comment about the social significance (or insignificance) of Ms Markle being a mixed-raced American divorcee royal. However, neither the Crown nor the church has voiced objections unlike with King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. Times have changed and certainly for the better. The focus should not be on what Ms Markle is or isn’t, but rather on what she will do and difference she will hopefully make.
An ordinary woman who wants to connect with British people
Ms Markle has campaigned for humanitarian causes globally. Her experience of ‘real life’ and the struggles she has faced will no doubt put her in good stead to connect with the ordinary British public. Whilst avid Suits fan will be sad to see her go, the UK welcomes a new princess (or Duchess, the likely title to be bestowed on her) and as she embarks on her royal duties, she will continue to grace our screens.
2018, a year for love?
With so much intolerance and disconnect experienced over the past year, the focus for 2018 has got to be correct this, to reconcile and bring people together. It’s easier said than done but it’s a challenge that has to be faced. And what better way to bring everyone together than a wedding, and a royal one at that!
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Please note that the information contained in this article was correct at the time of writing. There may have been updates to the law since the article was written, which may affect the information and advice given therein.
