Great piece as always. I did comment a bit on Twitter but it's difficult with the word limitation :) Here is my take for what it's worth. I first hasten to say that I am a Royal follower (not expert) of many decades and a "California movie star" follower for an equal length of time. Having lived in Canada, the UK and the US, my take on Royals and movie stars is tempered by those three cultures. Having said all of that here is what I think:
(1) I was not at all surprised by the announcement. I had said on Twitter several days ago that I was fairly certain BP already knew what Harry was doing and that I was fairly certain he, at least was coming. Looking at what happens in "celebrity" marriages, there is a definite pattern emerging that bodes ill for Harry. First it's "stand by your man (or woman)". That happened at the Queen's funeral and Meghan waited to see what the reaction to the Netflix documentary would be. It wasn't good. And then came Harry's book and its promotion, during which period Meghan was nowhere to be seen. That's the distancing period that happens in celebrity marriages, a time that gives the media a heads up, an opportunity to opine there's trouble in paradise. Hotly denied (opinions have been muted thus far, they may get louder now that Meghan isn't coming.) Denials issued. A photo of a romantic holiday or meals out (anyone remember Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston on holiday weeks before it was announced they were separating?) And then there's the "we have decided to sadly separate although we love each other deeply."
It's a pattern that's happened over and over and I think THAT's why Harry is coming to the Coronation. Even though he is distanced (maybe) from Charles and William, he has loving family in the UK who would provide him a shoulder to cry on, advice to give. Who would take him back because that's what families do once a member is in trouble.
I firmly believe things are in motion and they are NOT looking good for Harry. No way would Meghan miss the coronation if she had any intention of remaining in this marriage for much longer. She might have been mildly booed but the Press coverage in the US would have been worth it. For her to miss it says she has something else up her sleeve and attending the coronation wouldn't play in with her plans. The Royal card has been played but was trumped; now she plays her Ace.
(2) As to the timing of the announcement, it coincides with the release of many of the notables who are attending, crowned heads of Europe and Japan, Dr. Biden, etc. Slot the announcement of Harry's coming among all the other news. Masterful of the Palace.
Great analysis of the situation! I always enjoy your perspective on royal matters. I did have one question - why do you think Buckingham Palace agreed to announce Harry's attendance, instead of leaving it to Harry (since he has been so vocal about speaking for himself up to now)? Even if relations were not strained, it seems a weird subject for a palace announcement, IMO.
I’m thankful Meghan is saying she won’t attend the coronation, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Her association with the Royal family is her only entertainment value.
Great piece as always. I did comment a bit on Twitter but it's difficult with the word limitation :) Here is my take for what it's worth. I first hasten to say that I am a Royal follower (not expert) of many decades and a "California movie star" follower for an equal length of time. Having lived in Canada, the UK and the US, my take on Royals and movie stars is tempered by those three cultures. Having said all of that here is what I think:
(1) I was not at all surprised by the announcement. I had said on Twitter several days ago that I was fairly certain BP already knew what Harry was doing and that I was fairly certain he, at least was coming. Looking at what happens in "celebrity" marriages, there is a definite pattern emerging that bodes ill for Harry. First it's "stand by your man (or woman)". That happened at the Queen's funeral and Meghan waited to see what the reaction to the Netflix documentary would be. It wasn't good. And then came Harry's book and its promotion, during which period Meghan was nowhere to be seen. That's the distancing period that happens in celebrity marriages, a time that gives the media a heads up, an opportunity to opine there's trouble in paradise. Hotly denied (opinions have been muted thus far, they may get louder now that Meghan isn't coming.) Denials issued. A photo of a romantic holiday or meals out (anyone remember Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston on holiday weeks before it was announced they were separating?) And then there's the "we have decided to sadly separate although we love each other deeply."
It's a pattern that's happened over and over and I think THAT's why Harry is coming to the Coronation. Even though he is distanced (maybe) from Charles and William, he has loving family in the UK who would provide him a shoulder to cry on, advice to give. Who would take him back because that's what families do once a member is in trouble.
I firmly believe things are in motion and they are NOT looking good for Harry. No way would Meghan miss the coronation if she had any intention of remaining in this marriage for much longer. She might have been mildly booed but the Press coverage in the US would have been worth it. For her to miss it says she has something else up her sleeve and attending the coronation wouldn't play in with her plans. The Royal card has been played but was trumped; now she plays her Ace.
(2) As to the timing of the announcement, it coincides with the release of many of the notables who are attending, crowned heads of Europe and Japan, Dr. Biden, etc. Slot the announcement of Harry's coming among all the other news. Masterful of the Palace.
We shall see....
Great analysis of the situation! I always enjoy your perspective on royal matters. I did have one question - why do you think Buckingham Palace agreed to announce Harry's attendance, instead of leaving it to Harry (since he has been so vocal about speaking for himself up to now)? Even if relations were not strained, it seems a weird subject for a palace announcement, IMO.
I’m thankful Meghan is saying she won’t attend the coronation, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Her association with the Royal family is her only entertainment value.