I thought that after my last opinion piece regarding the tabloid-propagated racism Meghan Markle and her family endured as she navigated settling into life in the royal spotlight, I would probably not write on the issue again. I said my piece, and honestly, my opinion, was not unique as these repeated racist attacks against her are obvious to anyone either literate, or literate and on twitter. But now just a few weeks later, the largest development in the battle between Markle and the masses is the announcement that her and Prince Harry are considering splitting their time between the United Kingdom and North America. The couple has said enough is enough, and is taking a step back from royal life.

Rumors have been circulating that the couple will be spending their time split between Canada and the UK, but nothing has been confirmed location-wise. It seems like they’re being supported by most in their choice, as waves of support are present as I scroll through my timelines. I can’t imagine the rage behind the scenes in Buckingham Palace though, and although the Queen has come out in support of the couple’s decision, I remain skeptical that they aren’t weary of the public relations nightmare that may ensue. Never has such a large scale royal power shift like this been as present in the media, so I’m curious to see how this affects the perception of royalty and the Queen’s rule.

Prince Harry is most concerned with protecting his family right now, according to an interview aired on ITV: “I will always protect my family, and now I have a family to protect,” Harry said. basically, he spoke about what he saw his mother go through—and what got her killed—part of history that does not need to repeat itself. Harry vowed to protect his family and already has lived through a deadly media circus and the consequences it can so sadly entail.

The couple is claiming they want to be “financially independent” but we are all still left wondering if you can truly quit being a senior royal in that respect. In their various statements, the couple is quoted saying they intend to “carve out a progressive new role within the “institution” of the British monarchy, and to “step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family” according to the New York Times. Additionally, they plan to launch a “new charitable entity” and still will “honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.”

The fanciest and most scripted of claims and analysis of their statements can only tell us so much, and digging for more information about their half break up with the royal family to me just seems ironic and antiquated. This has been a long time coming if you really look at the paparazzi fueled pressure they’ve been smothered with, which is exactly what they’re trying to avoid with this separation. Obviously no one can just fall out of the spotlight—we wouldn’t allow that.

I think the coming months will be the most telling as their transition from royalty to half commoners begins, and we’ll see if they’re accepted as commoners. The fame they already have will follow them, so I’m curious to see if that will be ignored in their everyday lives they plan to construct away from England.

— Emma Jaber, Staff Reporter