Why Meghan Believed Archie Deserved the Title of Prince

Much has been discussed and debated about Meghan Markle's decision to push for the title of Prince for her son, Archie, during an interview. Her actions sparked significant conversation about the intersection of status symbols, security, and racial equality in the royal family. Let's delve into the reasoning behind Meghan's stance and the broader implications.

The Role of Status and Security

Many observers argue that the title of Prince is a status symbol for Meghan, who now has the honor and privilege of being the mother of a Prince as well as the wife of a future King. Indeed, in the eyes of many, having a royal child with a royal title confers a certain level of prestige and status.

It is also worth noting that security staffing, often perceived as a status symbol within the royal family, can be a highly prized asset. However, not all members of the royal family receive full-time security. Often, security is only given to those who are actively engaged in royal duties. This means that even if Meghan's son faces credible threats, the mere title alone does not automatically grant him security. According to reports, Meghan and Harry were informed of the impending change in protocol shortly before their interview with Oprah, indicating that their concerns were more about ensuring safety and security, rather than the title itself.

Principles and Protocol

The Duchess of Sussex, in a recent interview, expressed that while she did not care about the title, she did care about ensuring her son's safety. The issue, however, resurfaced questions about the principle behind the royal protocol changes. According to the longstanding protocol, George V, the protocol would have granted titles to all grand children, regardless of their race. Yet, the Duke of Sussex and his wife were informed of the change in protocol shortly before the interview with Oprah, underlining the urgency of their request for Archie's protection.

Critics argue that Charles, the Prince of Wales, was racially motivated in making this change, while supporters say it is irrelevant. The key point remains that if royal protocol changes have a racial dimension, it highlights a critical issue of racial inequality in the royal family. If the Duke and Duchess were informed of the change and realized its implications, it was disingenuous to suggest that their requests were for less protection knowing that the American audience would take offense to such racial overtones.

Outcomes of the Interview and Beyond

During the Oprah interview, Meghan and Harry were asked about their timeline for having royal security. They acknowledged that protection does come with the title, and they asked for the timeline to be moved up if such protection came with the title. This request reflects their deep concerns about personal safety, especially given the credible threats they have faced. Their desire for Archie to have royal protection is a logical extension of their commitment to their family's well-being.

It is also important to note that Meghan retains her husband's surname, like other royal wives. Lady Catherine Trevor and Sarah Ferguson both continue to use their husbands' surnames, even when they are not in the royal family by birth. Similarly, even those who marry out of the royal family are expected to take their husbands' names. This practice underscores the significance of adopting the royal surname for members of the royal family, regardless of their exact lineage.

Ultimately, the debate around Archie's title and security raises broader questions about access to power, privilege, and protection within the royal family, both in terms of race and social status. As such, the issue extends beyond a simple discussion of titles and security, touching on deeper issues of inclusivity and equality.

Key Takeaways

Archie’s Title: Meghan’s push for the title of Prince for her son highlights the status and protection it conveys. Royal Security: The title does not automatically guarantee security, which was a significant concern for the couple. Racial Equality: The debate surrounding the royal protocol changes raises issues of racial equality and access to privilege within the royal family.

The actions and words of Meghan Markle during her interview reflect a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of her family, while also drawing attention to broader issues of privilege and equality within the royal institution.