Harry and Meghan!

Like most people, I sat down to watch the interview with Harry and Meghan on Monday evening. I had heard the headlines, after their audience with Oprah Winfrey on Sunday, but wanted to hear for myself, just what this couple had to say. Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK for America just over a year ago there has been much speculation about their reasons for doing so. Sunday in the United States, Harry and Meghan, finally broke their silence on what seemed to be a very traumatic period in their lives. To say that it was explosive, was an understatement; as an ardent Monarchist, even I was shocked by the revelations they spoke so eloquently about. These were two people who had suffered real pain and prejudice, during their time as senior members of the Royal Family together!

I have commented on many current affairs issues, over the years writing Roaming Brit, but these circumstances are very different to those I have highlighted before. Meghan's experience resonated with me, unlike other subjects I have covered. This was a woman who had suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts, rather like I have in the past. The fact that her cries for help were for the most part ignored, was an experience I have encountered myself. It was testament to her own strength that she survived and was able to finally tell her story.

It is difficult for people to understand just what a person goes through, when they have to contend with suicidal thoughts. A deeply heartbreaking experience, it is a thought process that only the victim can comprehend. The manifestation of these feelings are unique to each individual, which is why there is no easy answer, to solving the issues contained within those emotions. It is important that anyone suffering should be believed, acknowledged and directed towards the help they need. Clearly this wasn't Meghans experience and if I am honest, a terrible indictment on the royal household. On the surface at least, it would seem the Monarchy has learnt nothing from the experiences of Diana Princess of Wales, Harry's Mother.

For most of the interview, I was sat aghast at the depiction of events unfolding before me. Both of them had clearly suffered dramatically over the months after their wedding and were given very little or no help at all. This was their time to get across their points of view and personal recollections, of a period that clearly left both of them scarred. I think the questions here are why was this allowed to happen, and why did these two people feel so aggrieved at their treatment?

None of us really understand the workings of the Royal 'Firm,' It is clear there is an overlap of personal and public duty. The Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and everyone else are all part of a family, whose sense of public service is undeniable. The Queen and her husband Prince Phillip, have served the United Kingdom and Commonwealth unwaveringly, over the nearly seventy years Her Majesty has been on the throne. However, in many incidences, her own personal bonds with family has had to take a back seat, as emotions are set aside for other pressing official matters. Somewhere along the line, Meghan and Harry's well-being has been sacrificed, rightly or wrongly, for the greater good. One has to remember these are two people who have sensitivities and emotions, that need to be respected and understood, not dismissed and rejected. Direct contact with the Queen, may well have helped to solve many of the issues they highlighted.

The allegations of a racially motivated question in regard to their then unborn baby, Archie, is hard to understand. Asking Harry just how dark his new son would be, was insensitive at least, racist at worst and should never have been said by a member of the Royal Family. As a white man, I can not fully understand the issues that surround racism, because I have never experienced it myself. However, if Meghan and Harry felt demeaned by a question regarding the colour of their son, then it is not for me or anyone else to judge. Trying to justify the comment as an innocent off the cuff remark, when you have no idea of the pain it caused, is to deny somebody's apprehensions as not being valid. Both of them clearly felt this was a racial slur and deserve our support.

Television and social media was full of vitriol and malevolence towards the Duke and Duchess the day after their interview. I was disgusted and appalled by the comments made by broadcasters, internet trolls and from people who have no understanding of the impediments involved. The personal attacks made against Meghan in particular, who had suffered dreadfully, was awful to witness. I have heard and seen much in my life, but even I was taken aback, by the level and intensity of the onslaught they both suffered. This was a woman who had contemplated suicide and suffered racial abuse, yet she was being called a liar and disbelieved by some of the most influential journalists in the country, that was truly horrifying to watch.

I am and will always be a Monarchist, regardless of this latest scandal. The Queen remains the best public servant we have and works tirelessly for our country. Despite the Queens dedication, I can also support two people who have suffered from abuse, just because of who they are. There was clearly no support for Meghan, as there wasn't for Princess Diana, and she undoubtedly felt alone and unable to continue her life as a leading member of the royal family. Buckingham Palace once again have a lot to learn from these allegations and in order for all parties to move forward, all concerns must be addressed. If there is racism, it must be dealt with. Equally, anyone suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts must be taken seriously and not dismissed. There should be a complete overhaul of the structure within the Palace that allowed these serious allegations to be overlooked. Maybe its time other members of the family were now put in the spotlight for their misdemeanours  and Meghan and Harry are left alone, to finally live the life they want to lead. A time for change is approaching, and it should be embraced, not resisted, modernity demands transformation.

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