On November 27, 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement to the world. The couple is filled with joy during this huge milestone in their lives. Yet, their recent engagement has sparked controversy.
Instead of being focused on the fabulous ring, or the love that this couple shares for one another, many people have shown concern over Meghan Markle’s background. She is a Los Angeles native who has been previously married. All of these traits have historically been frowned upon by the Royal family who have previously tried to maintain the English blood of the family line. Her divorce is also being looked down upon by some of the general public. This is happening despite the fact that much of the stigma surrounding divorce in the royal family has slowly faded since Princess Diana’s divorce in 1996.
Meghan’s background has attracted the typical “prince- meets-commoner” tabloids which have become extremely popular over the course of their relationship. Her race has also become a huge focus in the tabloids. Meghan states that “it’s disheartening… it’s a shame that this is the climate in the world, to focus that much on that… I am proud of who I am and where I come from”. All of this backlash has lead Prince Harry to take action by releasing an official statement stating that these comments were a “wave of abuse and harassment.”
Although these hurtful negatives have been surfacing throughout their relationship and subsequent engagement, the couple continues to grow their love for one another. They are overjoyed to begin this new chapter in their life, as they will exchange vows in May of 2018. According to the Washington Post, the queen is delighted to have Meghan join the family, and of course, we should be too.
https://www.vox.com/world/2017/11/27/16705282/meghan-markle-prince-harry-engagement-royal-family