Probably.
So, yesterday, a major thing happened.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made an announcement that left many people (including senior members of the royal family) shook.
The couple released a statement on social media, saying how they’re planning to step back from their roles in the royal family.
The statement said:
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”
“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.”
“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”
Yeah I know, a lot to take in. And a fairly vague statement too, if I’m being honest.
As you can only imagine, the reaction has been intense, with people taking various sides in the whole thing.
Some are saying that Meghan and Harry are dead right, and should be allowed to carve their own path (fair).
Then there are others saying that the move is an insult to the 1500-year-old institution (also fair).
However, I actually think the move really and truly benefits the British monarchy, above all else.
Why? Well, please excuse the phrase, but it will trim the fat of a family that is badly in need of a shake up.
In a recent piece in the Times it was argued that the monarchy “needs a firmer grip at the centre”.
“This can only come from Prince Charles. Although he has faced his own set of scandals, he has already taken on a greater role and can do more, in effect acting as king-in-waiting.”
For the last number of years, Prince Charles (heir to the throne) has spoken about downsizing the monarchy, being of the opinion that there are too many senior royals.
And he’s right.
Prince Charles was key in the decision for Prince Andrew to step back from royal duty for “the foreseeable future”.
However, it did prompt the public to question the current number of working royals who receive British taxpayers’ money for carrying out duties.
And to be honest, Harry and Meghan making their own decision to pull back from royal duties, and royal salaries too it seems, is a move in the right direction.
Listen, I am an active supporter of the British royal family (sue me), however, at this stage in the game, it needs slimming down.
It seems that everyone within an ass’s roar of the Queen’s bloodline is entitled to British taxpayer’s money, and that doesn’t feel right in 2020.
In order for this institution to survive and prosper, it needs to be trimmed to the main line of succession – meaning the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and his family.
There will of course always be members of the royal family, with titles and lavish homes – but they don’t need to be ‘working’ members.
Let’s leave that to Kings and Queens, yeah?
