Perhaps the British Royal Family have survived when other monarchies have fallen by the wayside because they kept a strict reserve that made them a mystery to their subjects. What happens within Buckingham Palace was kept strictly free of comment in newspapers for over a century.
That has now changed dramatically, with the Queen's grandson and his bride severing links with the Palace and choosing to live on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The Queen has wisely accepted their decision but has sharply drawn a very clear line between their private way of life and the duties expected of " Royals ".
Prince Harry and Meghan will keep their titles but be free of Royal duties. They will certainly be newsworthy because they are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex but the novelty aspect of their marriage will wear off.
The world press was interested when a British prince announced that he would marry an American commoner who was not only of mixed blood but a movie actress. It quickly became obvious that this created tensions with other members of the Royal family. The common " Royal Reserve " had been breached and Meghan did not fit comfortably into the Royal tableau.
Harry and Meghan had a child together, and another one is on the way. To the Americans these children and their parents will be seen as " celebrities " and exposed to the full glare of the media which seeks fame and fortune from producing titillating footage to entertain the public. In the creation of news coverage, truth is usually the first casualty.
British royalty survived the endless Charles and Diana scandals and it is inevitable that because of her age the Queen will be replaced by Prince Charles. Perhaps his conduct when married to Princess Diana will be unhelpful in cementing his support on the throne and it is likely that the world press will badger Harry and Meghan to comment on the wisdom or otherwise of his decisions.
Whether they like it or not, it seems that Harry and Meghan will be cast in a critical role of sharing their viewpoint of events in Britain with their American public. They are no longer funded by British public money and will need to earn their own living in America and that may not always be in tandem with the views from Buckingham Palace.
Despite his training and time in the British army, Harry is no longer entitled to hold rank or wear a uniform of his former command level. He is now essentially a " civilian " and in that respect he will miss the glamour that went with the job. That will be in sharp contrast to his brother, who will keep his military connections in expectation of eventually serving as the British King.
The British Royal family has survived previous differences. A king abdicated over an unwelcome marriage choice and Harry and Meghan's decision to live in the United States will again rock the House of Windsor.
How it all works out will be subject matter for the history books !
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