Dear Harry and Meghan, Happy anniversary to you and to what might have been

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Two years ago, I watched in awe as Prince Harry finally got his happily ever after. Looking at Meghan's ecstatic face, bouncing with joy, as she joined Harry at the altar, you would never have suspected the family controversy only days before. The only evidence was Meghan walking alone, part way, up the aisle. Creating one of the most compelling royal wedding images ever.

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Today was indeed special. Harry had spent the last 7 years playing third wheel to William and Catherine at joint engagements. Now he would finally have a happy family of his own. There were signs this ceremony would be different, it was more personal and less formal. Judging by the reaction shots of the royals during the ceremony, they seemed uncertain how to respond to Bishop Michael Curry's energetic sermon. I doubt St George's Chapel had ever hosted an American gospel choir within its 500 year history. It was an unforgettable and unique day.

At the time. William, Catherine, Harry and Meghan, were lauded as the 'Fab Four'. Two years on, the royal family looks very different. It is hard to celebrate when the two couples held such promise for the future. Each generation plays a role in reinvigorating an institution viewed by many as outdated in democratic society. Queen Victoria was 18 when she inherited the throne, a fresh start after reigns of dissolute kings. King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and their young family, offered stability after the abdication crisis. Their daughter, Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II, heralded a new future when she made her 21st birthday speech in South Africa in 1947.

Each heir has a path, a predetermined future, providing continuity people expect. But there are consequences when you step out of your lane or ignore it altogether. Prince Edward, later King Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor, was a counterpoint to his stuffy parents. He brought the worst controversy in modern royal history. Princess Margaret had a scandalous relationship with Peter Townsend. Charles, Diana, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson brought their own troubles. Diana's death struck a different blow. For all of the doom and gloom predictions, the royal family survived, as they always do. But it is somewhat ironic that Camilla, the source of so much anguish in Charles and Diana's marriage, should be the one to help steady the ship.

William and Catherine are now caretakers of the future. Harry and Meghan tried to mould a different future and paid a high price in trying. Despite good intentions, maybe they never had a chance to begin with. Regardless of what happens in the future, the royal institution will continue, as it always does.

Today is Harry and Meghan's second wedding anniversary. A day to celebrate their happiness and joy. It is also a reminder of a promising future and what might have been.

© Marilyn Braun 2020

 Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

If being royal is so extraordinary, why do the royals want to be ordinary?

Being royal is clearly not all it is cracked up to be. Gilt here and there. Liveried footmen abound. Church bells ring on your birthday. Red carpet magically appears, the car is always filled with gas, and almost everyone is happy to see you. But for some royals, it just isn't enough. The lure of something different is irresistible. A lure that cannot be filled by private planes and beautiful clothes. For some, the siren call of elevator music is just too much to resist. We have done such a good job downplaying regular existence, the royals can't help be intrigued. For Harry and Meghan, leaving it all behind and becoming one with the rest of us. Let us welcome them.

Dear Harry and Meghan,

Welcome to your new lives. You are now, one of us. You've bemoaned your regal existence long enough. Now you are free. There is so much to introduce you to. You have probably read about us (err...Commoners) in books, or seen us on TV, but to see us in person, is to truly be believed. We will introduce you slowly to the more wonderful parts of our lives.

Most people your age are financially independent already but we understand it has been different for you. Let me say, there is truly nothing like the feeling of paying bills. Embrace feeling of relief as you make payments on time. The exhilaration of worrying whether you have enough money to cover them. Will you have to choose between eating and paying rent? Every month is a new adventure.

Of course, being a 'working royal', in the literal sense, you will need to find a job. Prince or Duchess positions are limited, and well, you wanted something new didn't you? Why play it safe? Just imagine the wonderful feeling when you finally land a position. A cubicle to call your own. You may or may not have natural light. Or co-workers who clip their nails beside you. But you'll get a security card. Trust me, there's nothing more reassuring than hearing the door buzz open. When it does, you will enjoy the exclusive privileges that come with arrival. A computer, phone, desk, chair and you might even get free coffee. You'll have to bring your own stapler.

You will need to get to work. This means you either have a car or you take transit. You know, those overpacked buses and trains? No one and we mean no one, stands on ceremony. Every person for themselves, even the pregnant and elderly. Note, unlike in your previous life, you wait for transit, it doesn't wait for you.

You may find yourself waiting in line. When you buy food, go to the bank, or when you need to renew your passport. Standing in line can be challenging, especially if you have a small child with you who suddenly needs to go to the bathroom when you're at the front of the line. This always happens. Always. Remember to fill out all the paperwork. You will now have to look after all of this yourself. Don't be alarmed when you're asked to take a photo. It's just an ID. You might find it traumatizing but this is normal. No one looks good in those photos.

From time to time you will interact with others by phone. Like the rest of us, you may spend time 'on hold'. This is perfectly normal and to be expected. It is just like waiting in line but with better music. Sometimes you will wait for 10 minutes (rare), sometimes over an hour (common). You will get disconnected, or passed from person to person, or told to call another number. Finding a helpful person is challenging, but don't give up or you'll lose your magical place in line. Only to begin the adventure all over again. Exciting isn't it?

This is now your reality. For. The. Rest. Of. Your. Lives. Day in and day out. Until. You. Die.

Harry and Meghan, where are you going?? You wanted to be ordinary, right?? Right??

© Marilyn Braun 2020

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Places people, places! Harry and Meghan are back!

I normally refrain from voicing an opinion on Harry and Meghan without having an option for shelter. Especially on Twitter where a pile-on can be swift for those who dare to voice their opinions. Not all heroes wear capes. But if they did, they would be designed by Stella McCartney. Offering us protection in a stylish and sustainable way. Any other designer and you're on your own.

Yes, the unsung heroes. The Twitter warriors wading through the toxic battlefield so we don't have to. The next generation will thank us for their sacrifices against the immediate threat of a complete stranger's contrary opinion. Observing from above, the royal family is designing a medal. It will be called the Order of Think Before You Tweet. Don't you know there are wild-fires/starving children/poverty/environmental problems to remind others about?

This just in, Harry and Meghan have returned from their holidays. Places people, places! 7 days in to 2020 and we are off!

Harry and Meghan. Just the names make you suit-up. Oh those wacky Stans! Why can't they just understand? Or better yet, go away. Oh no, here they come! Block 'em and brag about being on the right side. Announcing you like Meghan and Catherine? (egads!) becomes just another thing to argue about. Why can't we just grab a coffee and hash it out?

Some say Harry and Meghan are to blame. They can't do anything right. Not when we've decided they're already wrong before they step off the plane.  We wouldn't have to argue if they did what we demand they do, right? Could they handle things differently? Depends on who you ask. Today's controversy will be tomorrow's tally point. Sending mixed messages by publicly thanking people for a private holiday? Oh the humanity!

The story may change but one thing is consistent, our reaction to it.

[Insert action we don't like]...furious typing...snack..furious retweet...snack...furious typing...lunch break..furious retweet...dinner...Rinse and repeat next week.

Now that we're off, grab a comfy chair. I'm making popcorn, do you want some?

© Marilyn Braun 2020

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

If you want to give Prince Harry and Meghan Markle a gift, give them a wedding day to call their own

So Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are getting married. Five days from now they will be husband and wife and this is the first blog article I am writing about them.

I would like to think that it is because I was a full-time student in school (which is true). During that time, royalty fell off my radar (As it should. I don't get marked on it). But this isn't completely true. In the lead up to the royal wedding and royal birth I have always had my toe in the water. Now that school is over, I can get caught up in the excitement. But unlike William and Catherine's wedding, I have found myself disillusioned at times.

Unlike royal weddings past where the speculation was over the top but harmless, now we are walking on egg shells.  It is hard to blog about a royal wedding when you have to be careful about every word you write. Because nothing is sacred and every topic relating to the wedding has become bigger than Harry and Meghan. To the point where if their faces were not in the china, you could think there isn't a royal wedding at all. Everything topic is magnified and Harry and Meghan are no longer people. Meghan in particular. She represents something greater than flesh and blood.  She has become a blank slate to project on to.

As Meghan is biracial, there is the discussion about race. There is no question this is an rampant issue. I've read some disgustingly vile statements from people who have never met her. On the other hand, expressing critical opinions or making innocuous statements can incur a wrath that doesn't encourage dialogue. Which, ironically is something Meghan would want there to be.

People find Meghan inspiring in their own ways. She can make a black feminist a fan of princesses and she has a little girl in her corner. She is also an inspiration for African American women in the work force. But some things are still not good enough. Such as the way Meghan chooses to style her hair.

Meghan's wedding invitations say 'Ms' and it is a feminist statement. She gives her mother a more prominent role in the wedding and she is sending an important message there too. It can't possibly be personal preference and a simple loving gesture. Meghan is not only planning a wedding for a global audience, she is also a proud feminist who has time to be all things to all people. Point one feminist wedding etiquette experts.

Then there is her family dynamic. It irks me when people who have never met her parents refer to Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle by their first names as if they have earned the right to that familiarity. Now her parents have become characters for public consumption. It was the same with the Spencer and Ferguson families: Bolting mothers, indiscreet relatives, affairs, and wicked step mothers. Oh my! Thankfully they did not have the internet to contend with. Meghan's parents do.

Speaking of Diana. No royal event is complete without her. Would she have approved? Will Meghan pay tribute to Diana's side by wearing the Spencer tiara? What message will she be sending if she does? Or doesn't? It also would not be a royal wedding without the Republican movement. Are Meghan and Harry their biggest threat? Stay tuned!

Now Meghan and Harry are changing royal wedding breakfast traditions. It is no longer a seated event. It now includes trendy bowl foods with seasonal vegetables! Expect a royal etiquette expert will critically weigh in on that in 3...2...1....

On May 19th I will be glued to the TV watching Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get married. I wish them all the happiness in the world. I wish for them to have a day free from being symbols and representing something greater than themselves. If you want to give them a gift, give them a day they can call their own.

© Marilyn Braun 2018

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.