I honestly think that if their family hadn’t helped the British tabloids create a false narrative about them (or at a minimum one they believe is false) they wouldn’t be doing what they are. I think they might be public people and critics of the monarchy as an institution but not talk about their family. It feels to me like ppl trying to correct the record. So yes I think for non famous ppl they would want to correct the record at the level it was done — if your mom told everyone in your family you did x and you didn’t you might want to tell your family what really happened. But for Harry and Meghan their stories are reported work wide. Does that make sense?
As a dual us/uk citizen, I appreciate your insight into how our reaction to the royal family can reveal quite a lot about us.
I feel quite torn about this situation. On the one hand, I had a lot of respect for the past Queen, who seemed to have a lot of good character and positive influence. On the other hand, I suspect that this royal institution has many imperfections (along the lines you mentioned) and also suffers from the perils of “organizational silence”. It is important for people within an organization to be able to speak up freely without fear of punishment. Firstly within closed doors, then outside if serious issues remain unheard.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I have heard from other UK citizens expressing similar feelings of being torn which as an American I can’t really relate to because the monarchy seems to be such an obvious problem. But I’m saying that from the perspective of an outsider
I couldn’t agree more with what’s written here. Very well articulated & clear—much clearer than I could have written. Having been scapegoated, I totally empathize with H & M & the cruelty in the Royal Fam is stunning. So glad they got out & may they build their own happy “chosen family” here. Another family (Royal) destroyed by myth & unwillingness to be 100% honest. All the gold coaches & diamonds in the world aren’t worth losing your integrity & personal dignity.
In the U.S.,for many people, which side we take falls along partisan lines much like everything else. Republicans reflexively attack the liberal, bi-racial woman. Sadly, I feel that it doesn't go any deeper than that. Your essay should be read by everyone interested in this topic. It states a point of view which so many Americans will never consider. Unfortunately, the people who should read it won't. Thank you for this brilliant piece of journalism. !!!
Kirsten, you so often speak from a place of insightful compassion. That's something lacking in most of what we hear and read today. Thanks for sharing this.
A fine psychological analysis. So much of public reporting is rather story telling blind for our shared projections or may be even forced into certain assumptions of the audience they serve. It takes time and a mirror to look deeper. The same analysis would be needed for the “royal family” who happen to ran this country and the firestorm of projections and shadow wars it triggered on both! sides. Thank you.
Thank you for putting some sense into this circus. I agree with everything you have written and really feel for those two. And yes, in the USA its racism that contributes to their condemnation.
I don't blame Meghan and Harry for providing their own narrative about their own lives, especially when so much has been written about them by others without their consent. Let's be honest, who among us normal people would just sit back and tolerate other people writing about our lives without our permission? It's been true for centuries that the English Royalty has had fractures in which various family members violate the simplistic expectations of the English public, especially the current 70% who still believe the Monarchy should continue. So, it's inevitable, given their own unique history, that a couple like Meghan and Harry would come along and essentially pull the curtain back a little more on this questionable human anachronism and cause it to look within itself with a little more humility. But, in the meantime, may they and their children live in peace, be grateful for all the advantages they already enjoy, and find their own way in the American tapestry and the world, without being used for the benefit of someone else's personal agenda, whether family or not.
I appreciate your piece and insight. My immediate feeling is exhaustion. And to wonder why that is. But I have a question. Do you think that as a non-famous person, the people we tell our story to when we are wronged is our friends and family? If so, is the reason famous people do it via Netflix and books and Oprah a way of telling their “friends and family” because everyone knows them? Is that a fair assessment? It seems to me if so much money is involved the water gets muddy fast. I really wish them the best. It looks very painful. Thanks!
I just wanted to say thank you for writing this piece. I am experiencing this exact scenario as I speak out against an institution that is harming children. Everything you outlined is happening to me. I began to believe I was crazy. I began to believe I might be a bad person. I began to question my lived experiences and knowledge. Thank you for throwing me a life jacket. I am grateful for you and your words.
It’s not that they wanted to throw the royal family under the bus or advocate against the monarchy as a general principle They would have been happy trading on their piece of the family name But mummy said no and they need to support themselves somehow Telling his side of the story using the media to his benefit is about the only way to support himself or herself without actually working again
I honestly think that if their family hadn’t helped the British tabloids create a false narrative about them (or at a minimum one they believe is false) they wouldn’t be doing what they are. I think they might be public people and critics of the monarchy as an institution but not talk about their family. It feels to me like ppl trying to correct the record. So yes I think for non famous ppl they would want to correct the record at the level it was done — if your mom told everyone in your family you did x and you didn’t you might want to tell your family what really happened. But for Harry and Meghan their stories are reported work wide. Does that make sense?
Definitely makes sense. Thank you!
As a dual us/uk citizen, I appreciate your insight into how our reaction to the royal family can reveal quite a lot about us.
I feel quite torn about this situation. On the one hand, I had a lot of respect for the past Queen, who seemed to have a lot of good character and positive influence. On the other hand, I suspect that this royal institution has many imperfections (along the lines you mentioned) and also suffers from the perils of “organizational silence”. It is important for people within an organization to be able to speak up freely without fear of punishment. Firstly within closed doors, then outside if serious issues remain unheard.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I have heard from other UK citizens expressing similar feelings of being torn which as an American I can’t really relate to because the monarchy seems to be such an obvious problem. But I’m saying that from the perspective of an outsider
I couldn’t agree more with what’s written here. Very well articulated & clear—much clearer than I could have written. Having been scapegoated, I totally empathize with H & M & the cruelty in the Royal Fam is stunning. So glad they got out & may they build their own happy “chosen family” here. Another family (Royal) destroyed by myth & unwillingness to be 100% honest. All the gold coaches & diamonds in the world aren’t worth losing your integrity & personal dignity.
well said!
In the U.S.,for many people, which side we take falls along partisan lines much like everything else. Republicans reflexively attack the liberal, bi-racial woman. Sadly, I feel that it doesn't go any deeper than that. Your essay should be read by everyone interested in this topic. It states a point of view which so many Americans will never consider. Unfortunately, the people who should read it won't. Thank you for this brilliant piece of journalism. !!!
Kirsten, you so often speak from a place of insightful compassion. That's something lacking in most of what we hear and read today. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you!!!
A fine psychological analysis. So much of public reporting is rather story telling blind for our shared projections or may be even forced into certain assumptions of the audience they serve. It takes time and a mirror to look deeper. The same analysis would be needed for the “royal family” who happen to ran this country and the firestorm of projections and shadow wars it triggered on both! sides. Thank you.
Agree!
Thank you for putting some sense into this circus. I agree with everything you have written and really feel for those two. And yes, in the USA its racism that contributes to their condemnation.
Joy
Thx joy! 😍
I don't blame Meghan and Harry for providing their own narrative about their own lives, especially when so much has been written about them by others without their consent. Let's be honest, who among us normal people would just sit back and tolerate other people writing about our lives without our permission? It's been true for centuries that the English Royalty has had fractures in which various family members violate the simplistic expectations of the English public, especially the current 70% who still believe the Monarchy should continue. So, it's inevitable, given their own unique history, that a couple like Meghan and Harry would come along and essentially pull the curtain back a little more on this questionable human anachronism and cause it to look within itself with a little more humility. But, in the meantime, may they and their children live in peace, be grateful for all the advantages they already enjoy, and find their own way in the American tapestry and the world, without being used for the benefit of someone else's personal agenda, whether family or not.
So eloquently stated. TY!
This resonated so much with me!
I appreciate your piece and insight. My immediate feeling is exhaustion. And to wonder why that is. But I have a question. Do you think that as a non-famous person, the people we tell our story to when we are wronged is our friends and family? If so, is the reason famous people do it via Netflix and books and Oprah a way of telling their “friends and family” because everyone knows them? Is that a fair assessment? It seems to me if so much money is involved the water gets muddy fast. I really wish them the best. It looks very painful. Thanks!
I just wanted to say thank you for writing this piece. I am experiencing this exact scenario as I speak out against an institution that is harming children. Everything you outlined is happening to me. I began to believe I was crazy. I began to believe I might be a bad person. I began to question my lived experiences and knowledge. Thank you for throwing me a life jacket. I am grateful for you and your words.
Well said! Only one typo!!
just making sure you are paying attention ;-)
By the end of your piece, I had tears.
This was a brilliant and heartfelt analysis!
thank you!!
Thank you! It’s refreshing to read your insightful analysis.
It’s not that they wanted to throw the royal family under the bus or advocate against the monarchy as a general principle They would have been happy trading on their piece of the family name But mummy said no and they need to support themselves somehow Telling his side of the story using the media to his benefit is about the only way to support himself or herself without actually working again