Recent news of Princes Harry and Meghan’s departure from the Royal family has been met with a variety of responses. To some, it was a well thought-out decision and a refreshing step towards independence. To others, it was seen as a hypocritical move from the usually respectable Duke and Duchess of Sussex. To examine their decision to leave and the perceived hypocrisies within it, let’s take a closer look.
What Led them to Investigate Their Path to Freedom?
For a number of years, Princess Meghan and Prince Harry have been developing their public personas as charitable, forward-thinking figures promoting inclusion, equality and diversity. That’s not to say that no criticism has been made of them – far from it. Since the couple’s marriage they’ve been embroiled in a number of tabloid controversies.
In order to make their own way, the couple made a very calculated decision to step away from the public limelight and make their own way. They chose Canada – a country with a constitutional monarchy much like the UK – as the primary place they would call home. This choice allowed them a certain degree of political privacy and press freedom, while also allowing them to remain close to the United Kingdom.
The Effects of Royal Life on their Personal Lives
One of the primary reasons for their departure was a need for a more private life. For years, their presence had been snapped and tracked by paparazzi, their movements compared and commented on. From an unrelenting barrage of speculation surrounding their family life and marriage to the intensity of their tour schedules, there was little respite from the pressure of being in the public eye.
The couple came under palpable scrutiny following Meghan’s decision to take on a more active role in feminism and advocacy. They felt that the best way forward for them was to create a life with more independence and privacy.
What Hypocrisy Has Been Highlighted?
Of course, the decision to leave has not been received completely positively. Many have accused the couple of walking away from making a positive difference in their home country and choosing to sit out while those who choose to remain under the limelight do the hard work.
The Duchess of Sussex has been a vocal advocate of diversity, inclusion and progressive values. Critics have noted that the couple’s decision to turn their back on the monarchy and their responsibilities to it undermine these beliefs.
Further, the amount of money being spent on private jets by the couple has been pushed into the limelight. This has been widely seen as hypocritical, for two people advocating for sustainability and environmental awareness to jet around rather than taking public transport.
Positive Steps They’ve Taken
However, since their departure, the couple have taken various steps to not just curb the perceived hypocrisy, but also continue to use their platform to make a positive change in the world.
Meghan and Harry have recently announced collaboration with a range of charities and initiatives to support women’s and mental health rights. The couple are also doing their best to use the public’s attention to encourage both positive environmental initiatives, as well as raising awareness of global humanitarian crisis.
They have also teamed up with an all-female law firm, who aim to use proceeds from their work to further promote equality and diversity.
In addition, Prince Harry has taken a strong stance on The Opioid Crisis. Through his own involvement in the cause, he intends to raise awareness and save lives at the same time.
Meghan and Prince Harry have certainly made significant strides to bridge the gap between their words and actions. They have proven that their mission to make a positive change in the world has not been compromised by their departure from their professional roles.
We should not forget that they too are just human beings, trying to make sense of a world full of good intentions, hard decisions and very public scrutiny. It is not easy, but they are doing their best to both grow and remain respectful to their home country.
The decision to step away from Royal life was undoubtedly a difficult one. But going forward, the couple will continue to stay true to their convictions and the people they serve. Whether that is through the royal family or through their own endeavours, we can be sure they will continue their mission to make a positive difference in the world.
