The relevance of the royal family can vary depending on the individual and their interests. Some people, particularly in countries with a strong monarchy tradition, may find the royal family to be an important symbol of national heritage and continuity. Younger audiences may be less interested in the traditional role of the monarchy.
What exactly made the British monarchy so important in the first place? Firstly, religion played a massive role in consolidating the power of the monarchy. The established hierarchy gave them that power, and the idea that the king was a position appointed by God was a firm belief within society. The monarch is the Head of the Church of England, and the royal family and is expected to attend religious services and ceremonies. The relationship between the Church of England and the monarchy has been a central aspect of the British royal family for centuries. It continues to shape the role and responsibilities of the royal family in religious matters.
In recent years, there has been a shift in attitudes towards the monarchy, with some younger generations becoming more critical of the institution and its role in society. They can be seen as a symbol of an outdated and unequal system of power and privilege. On the other hand, there are some young people who are fascinated by the history and culture of the monarchy and continue to follow the activities of the royal family with interest. Also the royal family can be viewed as being out of touch with the concerns and interests of young people, which can make them seem unimportant to this younger demographic.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex stepped away from their roles as senior members of the British royal family in January 2020. They cited the intense media scrutiny and public pressure they faced, as well as their desire for more personal and financial independence, as the primary reasons for their decision. In their statement, they expressed their intention to split their time between the UK and North America and to become financially independent while continuing to support the Queen and the monarchy in a more limited capacity.
However, in a revealing interview with Oprah, the theme of corruption and racism within the royal family was addressed. Meghan Markle stated that the royal family was “willing to lie to protect other members of the family, but they weren't willing to tell the truth to protect me and my husband.” This insinuated that perhaps the royal family was subject to secrecy, and turning a blind eye to corruption if it benefited them; but they claim that there wasn't any support given to them, despite being him being a direct descendant of the Queen. People had reason to believe this was due to her being a biracial woman from the United States. Buckingham Palace issued a brief statement on behalf of the Queen saying she was “saddened” to hear of the couple's struggles and they were particularly concerned by allegations of racism.
The feelings of young people towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle can vary greatly, as with any public figures. Some young people may admire and respect the couple for their individuality, activism, and desire for a more private life, while others may view them as selfish or disloyal for stepping back from their official duties as senior members of the royal family. It's worth noting that attitudes towards the couple can be influenced by a range of factors, including personal experiences, cultural background, political beliefs, and media coverage. As with any public figure, opinions are diverse and can change over time based on their actions and public statements.
So why exactly does this position of the monarchy and royalty still remain prominent? In fact, such a role is argued to no longer be needed within this modern society, and weaving a historical concept into this society that is firmly modern is what makes the royal family seem outdated. This spirals back to the first idea; is the royal family truly needed as a ‘face’ or is it still integral for our country?
Written by: Rebecca & Adelia
Edited by : Sana