Dirty linen, washed in public

Watched, at time with bated breath, the controversial interview given by Meghan Markle and prince Harry to Oprah Winfrey. I have never been into fade of the Royal Family, nor particularly interested in their affairs, but gotten familiar with how the “Institution” functions inside out, I have promised myself to read a bit to catch up.

Needless to say, public image of the Royal Family is about keeping up appearances. A well-read man knows the Institution which has lasted centuries and which a symbol of the British Empire badly needs to look out impeccably and be perceived as such. Members of the Royal Family are obliged to take care of the impeccable image, at the expense of personal happiness. In fact this is their service, not a job, a service.

If everybody knows the Royal Family is definitely not as perfect as the picture of it painted in the media, why is there so much fuss about the interview? Meghan and Harry have decided to sign out of the charmed circle of strict rules and begun their own, unconstrained life, far from the golden cage there had been trapped in. They have also decided to divulge details from the Royal Family which were meant to never be brought to the life. The account of ruthlessness, duplicity and harassment within the Institution is anything, but astonishing.

Oddly enough, the Royal Family’s popularity with Britons is none the worse for the interview. It looks like the British citizens expect a neat, immaculate façade from the Royal Family and do not give a damn about the expense at which it is achieved. The perception of Meghan and Harry’s decision to wash some dirty linen in public is unfavourable. Such disapproval reflects condemnation for speaking up when evil is around and actually shows up conservatism of the British society. But if you break down the stances towards the interview by age groups, the elderly in majority disapprove of it, while the youngsters rather approve of the openness in speaking loudly about murky stuff.

Personally I note Meghan and Harry have displayed consistence in their deeds. At first they have chosen to loosed their links with the Royal Family and pay the price of getting financially independent, just a year after they divulged to the public facts which should take aback nobody.

Besides, do watch out for Harry’s worn-out suit and shoes :)

The interview has prompted me to catch up on the story of princess Diana, who was extremely popular with Britons, but was falling out of line with the old-fashioned image of the Royal Family. Time to catch up soon.

 

Apologies for mediocre quality of the posting. Writing-wise, I am not at my best today. Several of my friends are now down with COVID-19, including two in hospitals. My parents’ friend (for me uncle Krzysiek, somebody closer to me than relatives) is now under ventilator. I confess I simply worry and hope the third wave will not be as tragic as it looms.