As we revel in Meghan’s marriage to Prince Harry, the Royal family is consciously cleansing her previous identity.
The weddings bells are chiming in old London and the world is gearing up for yet another Royal wedding. This time it is Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle at the altar in St George’s Chapel in Windsor castle. The world is applauding Markle for “landing” the British prince and for the fact that her marriage is breaking conservative centuries-old rules of the British monarchy.
The world is revelling in the birth of this mixed race, once divorced duchess but I mourn the death of an actress, social media influencer and social activist — the demise of an individual to say the least. Before candid pixilated images of Meghan and Harry dating surfaced, she was a lead actress and a celebrated lifestyle blogger at The Tig. But her past and her achievements are all being cleansed to cast her in the Royal mould.
Everything that made her Meghan Markle is now being chipped away from her individuality as she transforms into the Duchess of Sussex. Henceforth, she will be seen wearing diplomatically significant designers, flashing practiced smiles and having the perfect messy bun. Meghan has already been strung in, in the Royal puppetry. Her past few Royal engagements only stand proof of the turnaround.
The Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle joined today's Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark #ANZACDay pic.twitter.com/wChRqEWFrz
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) April 25, 2018
Her second marriage being seen as an achievement, once again establishes the fact that no matter how famous or talented you may be, a woman will eventually be measured in terms of the status of the man she marries.
Meghan will now have to pick from the menu of charities served to her under The Royal Foundation. She will be synchronised with the works of Prince William, Harry and Kate Middleton. Causes she had worked for like women’s healthcare and gender inequality her entire life will now be whitewashed. Now on, she will have to do all of it under the banner of the Royal family.
Only time will tell if Meghan is able to bring individuality to her role as a duchess. History has shown that only Princess Diana managed to not be eclipsed by the shadow of the monarchy. Instead, she carved a place as the People’s princess, pioneering causes that were yet to hit charity limelight during her time. The mark of real princess after all goes beyond the dresses she chooses to wear.
Till Meghan finds her voice, it is the smile, wave, curtsy drill.