Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step down as senior royal family members have been met with fierce condemnation. While this move to “carve out a progressive new role” sets a precedent for the royal family, it also speaks to me on a deeply personal level. Everyone is aghast, wondering what has driven the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to take such drastic measures. The answer is simple, they are parents to eight-month-old Archie. As loving parents, it’s their duty to protect him, even if their methods break from convention.
Meghan has faced intense criticism from the British press. The tabloids hounded her with a slew of racist headlines for the sole purpose of driving her out of Britain, only to react with shock and dismay when she finally makes the decision to leave.
Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, was killed in a car crash in 1997 while attempting to evade the paparazzi. Chances are, he fears history will repeat itself.
“He is a very principled individual and so when he looks as how the media reacts and how social media talks about someone, he has to answer to his son one day when he begins to understand this and be able to look him in the face and say, ‘I made the right decision and I did right by you,’” Harry’s friend JJ Chalmers said during an appearance on a UK show.
“And ultimately he grew up in the limelight and knows how it will end if this isn’t handled correctly,” Chalmers added.
It’s refreshing to watch Prince Harry put his family first. You may not agree with his decision to step away from his royal duties — and that’s OK. When it comes to making challenging choices to protect your family, hopefully, you can relate to his plight.
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