Close Ad

royals

How Harry and Meghan Set Boundaries with Family - And Why It’s a Perfect Resolution This Year
Celebrities

How Harry and Meghan Set Boundaries with Family - And Why It’s a Perfect Resolution This Year

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been slowly separating themselves from the royal family over the last few years. The rumored animosity between the couple and their royal relatives has put a damper on their relationship and also on the way that the public views the monarchy as a whole as themes of racism have also been in question. The bombshell of the couple leaving their roles in the royal family shocked the world and sparked controversy. RELATED: The Truth Behind Meghan Markle’s Relationship With Her ParentsThe death of Queen Elizabeth II brought up the gossip once again. Between Markle’s “Archetypes” podcast, and the plethora of “anonymous sources” that have commented about what’s gone down, it’s hard to decipher what’s true or not. Well, Markle and Prince Harry’s new Netflix docu-series spilled some piping hot, British tea. Here's what Markle and Prince Harry have done to set healthy boundaries for themselves.Netflix Docu-series “Harry & Meghan” Addresses Rumours of RacismThe docu-series holds the crown for highest Netflix documentary debut. Prince Harry jumped into the Harry & Meghan docu-series headfirst, quickly addressing his decision to give up his royal title. When this happened in real-time, the world nearly stood still. It’s been almost unheard of for royal blood to deny their lineage. But, Harry had some pretty good reasons for doing this.“My job is to keep my family safe,” he said in the docuseries, “But the nature of being born into this position amid everything that comes with it and the level of hate that is being stirred up in the last three years, especially against my wife and my son, I’m generally concerned for the safety of my family.”RELATED: How Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Navigated The Grief Of A MiscarriageThere had been gossip circulating about the royal family showing racist tendencies and ideals toward Markle and her son. The media itself perpetuated some of these narratives but from what Harry had to say, it seems as though there might be some truth to that.While Markle also made comments in her interview with Oprah Winfrey about racism in the royal family, Harry has also confirmed the presence of discrimination. Harry calls out an “unconscious [racist] bias” in the Windsor family which ultimately prevented the royal family from understanding why Markle and her son would need more protection as they were mixed race and being targeted heavily in the media. That being said, Harry stated that he is “really proud” about his children being of mixed race.Meghan Markle’s Struggle with Mental Health and Lack of SupportMarkle opened up about her suicidal ideation in the docuseries, shedding light on how her mental state was deteriorating during this time. She had previously opened up to Winfrey about her mental health struggles as well, but this particular comment felt more shocking than the last. “It was like, ‘All of this will stop if I’m not here,’ and that was the scariest thing about it,” Meghan had explained in the docuseries, “That it was such clear thinking.”She expressed this to her husband who claimed he was “devastated” once he really understood how dark it had gotten for Markle. “We were both struggling,” he said, “But I never thought that it would get to that stage and the fact that it got to that stage, I felt angry and ashamed.” Princess Diana, Harry's mother, had gone through some similar media scrutiny that left her vulnerable. Harry has seen people he loves fight this battle before. RELATED: How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Love Defied All BordersBut, he also talked about his mishandling of this situation the first time around and his lack of support – as well as how much he now regrets it. “I didn’t deal with it particularly well. I dealt with it as institutional Harry as opposed to husband Harry. I had been trained to worry more about what are people going to think if we don’t go to this event, we are going to be late.” He said, “Looking back on it now, I hate myself for it. What she needed from me was so much. More than I was able to give.”Harry wasn’t the only person that failed her at this time in terms of support. Markle explains that she wanted to seek help while still a part of the royal family but “she wasn’t allowed to” because “they were concerned about how that would look for the institution”. The couple also says that the royal family didn’t understand why she couldn’t deal with it when everyone else had previously, but what they didn’t understand was how different it was for Markle. Not solely because of her internal conflicts but because of the harrowing media coverage that was going on at the time. She was ultimately left to fend for herself.“I realized that I wasn’t just being thrown to the wolves,” She said, “I was being fed to the wolves.”How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Boundaries Shifted their Situation Harry and Markle needed things to change, and when they were denied help from their royal relatives, they decided to do it themselves. They decided to leave. This decision was hard for many reasons, including the fact that it was going to distance him from his family. But we always talk about leaving toxic relationships and family relationships also count in this.A relationship goes two ways, and all the things that bond people together such as support, love, and trust, were ultimately non-existent between Harry and his family at that point. His child and his wife had their general security in question and Harry needed to protect them since no one else had the courage to do it. Markle was in a toxic relationship with the royal family, and in many ways, so was Harry.RELATED: Meghan Markle Shares Cake With Waiting Children in New Zealand, Reminds Us That Kind Gestures Don’t Have to Be GrandEven when this is the case, and even when the solution seems crystal clear, it’s never hard to set a boundary that shouldn’t have had to exist in the first place. It’s not in our nature to abandon the life we knew and the people in it, but if it’s harming someone you love, or yourself, then we have to put limits in place to protect ourselves.Harry and Meghan made some difficult decisions and placed some drastic boundaries in place to protect their peace, their lives, and their marriage. While this couldn’t have been easy, sometimes in the long run, setting boundaries with family and friends is the only thing to do. READ MORE: Here’s The Best Thing We Can Do For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Queen Elizabeth II's Inspirational Life, Reign and Her Legacy After Death
Celebrities

Queen Elizabeth II's Inspirational Life, Reign and Her Legacy After Death

Queen Elizabeth II has died. Buckingham Palace confirmed the news, sharing that the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on the afternoon of September 8. RELATED: Prince Harry Stops and Talks to 6-Year-Old and His Grandmother – What Happens Next Breaks Royal ProtocolThe 96-year-old was surrounded by family, including her four children and grandson Prince William, who rushed to be by her side in Aberdeen, Scotland, after doctors placed her under medical supervision. How Old Was Elizabeth When She Became Queen?Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t just the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch but the world’s. In addition to the U.K., Elizabeth was also the sovereign of 15 countries (think Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), as well as the head of 54 more countries that make up the Commonwealth of Nations — all for an unrivaled 70 years.Making her reign all the more impressive is the fact that she wasn’t actually supposed to be queen at all. Elizabeth was third in line to the throne when her uncle (he father’s brother), King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936. Her father succeeded him, becoming King George VI, and reigned until his death in 1952. RELATED: Meghan Markle Exposes The Truth About Her Life In The Royal FamilyElizabeth was just 25 years old when her dad died, making her the Queen of England. The news caught her by surprise while she was visiting Kenya with her husband, the future Prince Philip. She returned home to London immediately and, rather than focusing on her beloved father’s death, she got to work. Showing off her signature get-it-done attitude, she later said, "My father died much too young, so it was all a very sudden kind of taking on and making the best job you can."And that’s exactly what she did. Despite her young age, Elizabeth showed her devotion to her people from the get-go. In her coronation speech, which she delivered on June 2, 1953, she vowed, “Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”Always honest, she noted her own shortcomings but vowed to rise up to the challenge. “Although my experience is so short and my task so new, I have in my parents and grandparents an example which I can follow with certainty and with confidence,” she proclaimed,” she said. Indeed, she stayed true to those words throughout her long life.Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Inspirational Life Queen Elizabeth II always put her royal duties and her people above all else. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor on April 21, 1926, she was just 10 years old when her father ascended to the throne, making her the royal heir, in 1936. World War II began shortly after and a young Elizabeth watched Britain go to war, as her family refused to flee to Canada. She experienced the tragic reality of warfare first-hand and it must have sparked something within her because, when she turned 18 in 1944, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service like many other women her age. There, she learned how to drive and how to be a mechanic and was dubbed Princess Auto Mechanic by the press. It was this drive to do her part and commitment to give back to her country that she exemplified throughout her entire reign. As calls for independence and the toppling of the monarchy and Commonwealth grew louder, Elizabeth didn’t allow herself to be fazed. In fact, it seems it motivated her to do her best, as she embraced the challenge and set out to modernize the royal family.In the 1960s, she allowed the BBC to film a documentary about her and her family, which was the first time ever viewers were offered a glimpse into day-to-day royal life. Other notable moments included her visit to Australia and New Zealand (she was the first reigning monarch to travel Down Under), her 1992 decision to start paying taxes, and the fact that she was able to work alongside 15 very different prime ministers from opposing political parties. Queen Elizabeth Showed Strength in the Face of Family AdversityDuring her life, Elizabeth also faced great loss, scandal, and controversy — all of which she withstood. 1992 in particular was a tough year as three of her children ended their marriages and became tabloid fodder. She, in turn, was criticized for not being more open about the drama. Proving that she always listened to her people, she conceded publicly that they did indeed have the right to know more, but she also stood firm that she deserved better. “We are all part of the same fabric of our national society and that scrutiny can be just as effective if it is made with a measure of gentleness, good humor and understanding," she said. RELATED: Family Quotes that Will Strengthen the Bond With Your Loved OnesIn another impressive showing of her strength, Elizabeth didn’t waver in her royal duties following the death of her beloved husband in April 2021. As a lady-in-waiting told the Daily Mail, the queen took her coronation vows seriously and she wasn’t about to break them. "Obviously there will be a gap while she is getting over it, but she has faced the possibility in her own mind and the vows she made at the Coronation are still with her,” she explained. Queen Elizabeth and Her Undeniable Sense of HumorPerhaps best of all, however, was the monarch’s quick wit and sense of humor. While it can’t be denied that she took her position and role extremely seriously, she also knew how to be human and have a good laugh. Over the decades, Queen Elizabeth II delivered countless great one-liners, like in 1986 when she and Prince Philip had eggs thrown at them during a royal visit to New Zealand and she took the heckling in total stride. “New Zealand has long been renowned for its dairy produce, though I should say that I myself prefer my New Zealand eggs for breakfast,” she quipped. RELATED: 20 Funny and Profound Robin Williams QuotesOn another epic occasion, she was approached by tourists near Balmoral who failed to recognize her and asked if she’d ever met the queen. Her response? She pointed to her guard and said, “No, but he has.” Most recently, the 96-year-old stole hearts when she appeared opposite Paddington Bear and rocked out to Queen during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations. His short but poignant tribute says it all: “Thank you Ma’am, for everything.” Queen Elizabeth’s Charitable WorkQueen Elizabeth believed in the power of giving back and supported over 600 charities (yes, 600) in her lifetime. She was a passionate philanthropist and just some of the organizations she backed were Cancer Research UK, the British Red Cross, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and Mothers' Union. She was also a patron of smaller local initiatives, like Step One, a mental health charity serving Devon, England. As they tweeted following her passing, her impact was huge and lasting. “As our Royal Patron for over 75 years, her passion for bettering the lives of people in this country will continue to guide us as we support people in Devon to live more independently,” they wrote.In addition to supporting established causes, the queen also launched her own charitable initiatives, like The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, which worked to eradicate avoidable blindness in the Commonwealth, and, most recently, the Queen’s Green Canopy, “a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.”Her charitable work was so extensive, in fact, that The Guardian proclaimed, “The Queen has done more for charity than any other monarch in history.” Indeed, she helped raise over £1.4 billion (or about $1.62 billion) for the various charities she was involved with.Who Will Be the United Kingdom’s Next Royal? Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest son, Charles, was next in line to the throne and he immediately succeeded his mother upon her passing. The 73-year-old, who was known as the Prince of Wales until this point, has now become King Charles III. RELATED: William and Kate’s Surprising Decision Is a Bold Lesson in ParentingIn a statement remembering the queen, the king said, "The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.” He continued, "We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.” So what happens now? Queen Elizabeth II’s death has triggered 10 days of mourning and, as of yet, it’s unclear when King Charles will be officially crowned. However, the late queen had her coronation 16 months after her father’s death, so it’s likely to be at least a year before Charles receives the Crown Jewels at Westminster Abbey.Whether or not you agree with the idea of a monarchy, it’s hard to deny Queen Elizabeth II’s impact. She was a true trailblazer who never wavered from her duty and quietly pushed boundaries for women for seven decades. Now, as the world mourns the death of such an important and revered figure, there is comfort in knowing that Her Majesty lived a truly full life and that her charitable acts, as well as her penchant for breaking boundaries, will be remembered far beyond her 70-year reign.KEEP READING: Meghan Markle Is Worth Admiring — but Not Because of Royalty

William and Kate’s Surprising Decision Is a Bold Lesson in Parenting
Celebrities

William and Kate’s Surprising Decision Is a Bold Lesson in Parenting

Prince William and Kate Middleton have long given us relationship goals while also being inspirational as individuals. Kate, for example, has shown us the power of admitting weakness, and her very real parenting style is seriously refreshing. RELATED: Why Is Sandra Bullock and Boyfriend Bryan Randall’s Co-Parenting Style So Unique?Even so, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge haven’t been immune to the criticism that plagues most of Britain’s royal family. However, the criticism they’ve faced is unique in that it’s often focused on their parenting style. And yet, the way they’ve approached raising three well-balanced children in totally surreal circumstances is actually a lesson in good parenting. William and Kate’s Shocking Move From LondonBack in June 2022, Kate Middleton faced major backlash after Prince Louis’ headline-making Platinum Jubilee tantrum. The four-year-old acted like an everyday kid and yet, the haters came out in full force. Many were impressed with Kate who clearly did her best as a normal mom in an abnormal situation.Now, just a few months later, she’s being criticized again. This time, it’s because she and Prince William have decided to leave London’s Kensington Palace (where they moved in 2017) and settle in the quieter, more private Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park. Their aim? To bring as much normalcy as possible to their kids’ upbringing. RELATED: Meghan Markle Exposes The Truth About Her Life In The Royal FamilyAccording to the Associated Press, the property is a downsize from their current digs as it only has four bedrooms and no space for live-in staff. Not even their longtime nanny, Maria Borrallo, will be able to move in, which means the siblings will be without a live-in nanny for the first time ever, per The Telegraph.The move to Adelaide Cottage will also allow for more family time. Not only is it a 10-minute walk from Windsor Castle where Queen Elizabeth has been spending much of her time, but it’s located in the county of Berkshire where Kate grew up and where her parents still live. However, one of the biggest perks of the move is that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will all be able to attend the same school. As of September, the royal trio will attend Lambrook School, which opened in 1860 and is described as “a leading co-educational Prep School for 615 boys and girls aged 3-13, set in 52 acres of beautiful Berkshire countryside.” Fees range from a not-so-extravagant £4,389 (about $5,200) to £6,999 (about $8,200) per term, depending on the grade. According to one insider who spoke with CNN, the goal is living a down-to-earth lifestyle, as much as is possible. William and Kate reportedly want to be “active parents in a busy school” and “they want to be as normal a family as possible.”Why Prince William and Kate Middleton Are Facing BacklashWhile Prince William and Kate are moving their family to the countryside, they’re not giving up their Kensington Palace apartment, which will remain their official working residence. They’re also keeping Anmer Hall, a 10-bedroom mansion in Norfolk where they initially raised their kids before moving to London in 2017. The fact that they will maintain three properties has sparked major backlash. BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt told Independent that “a third home for the Cambridges is a reminder the royals don’t suffer from the cost-of-living crisis and a looming recession in the same way as the rest of us.” RELATED: Why the British Royal Family Gets So Much Hate – And How It Might Change ForeverMeanwhile, Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, a group that wants to replace the monarchy with an elected head of state, slammed, “While ordinary households are struggling with their energy bills and facing crippling inflation, why are we giving yet another home to William and Kate? This is disgraceful.” On the flip side, supporters pointed out that the kids deserve the type of privacy they had at Anmer Hall, but that the family couldn’t move back to Norfolk because that would impede their royal duties. “It’s something they have thought long and hard about and this is a decision they have not taken lightly,” assured one royal source. Speaking with The Sun, another insider explained that William and Kate were careful to balance their own needs with the needs of the country. “They were adamant they didn’t want anything too showy or anything that needed renovating or extra security so as not to be a burden on the taxpayer,” they said. What’s more, “they will pay rent from their private account” and, in return, “the three children will enjoy running around and playing in the gardens, which is the kind of life they enjoy so much when at Anmer Hall.”Joe Little, the managing editor of Majesty magazine, also argued that security costs would actually be lower since all three kids would be going to the same school. On Twitter, the reaction was split between criticism – “Another Mansion at Taxpayers expense” – and support – “At last some reliable royals to support the Queen.”Prince William and Kate’s Unapologetic Parenting Style Prince William and Kate have made it clear that they’re not about to apologize for their parenting style which puts their kids above all else. As People points out, the couple’s hands-on approach is similar to that of Princess Diana’s. Indeed, they’ve often followed in the late princess’ footsteps by allowing their kids to be kids. According to People, Kate wants to raise her kiddos the same way she was brought up — with a focus on family. “She desperately wants that normality for her own kids,” an insider told the mag. To achieve that, she reportedly "runs things at home with the kids and the schedules” and, as another source told People, “she is hugely involved in every single part of their day." RELATED: Prince Harry Stops and Talks to 6-Year-Old and His Grandmother – What Happens Next Breaks Royal ProtocolIt also means George, Charlotte, and Louis are exposed to everyday activities, like going to the supermarket, doing chores (Kate revealed in 2022 that “George's job at half term [is] moving feed"), and enjoying time with each other. As Prince William revealed in 2021, most mornings start with music chosen by Charlotte or George and plenty of carefree silliness. “It's a really happy moment where the children just enjoy dancing, messing around, and singing," he shared. While William and Kate have faced plenty of criticism over their parenting choices, it’s obvious they’re simply doing what they think is best for their children (just like all parents do), all while dealing with immense, unnatural pressure. According to Supernanny Jo Frost, they’re getting it totally right. William has often been praised for his active listening in which he kneels down to speak to his children and thus, by being at eye level with them, lets them know they’re being heard. As for Kate, she’s been praised by Frost for being a “confident parent who is able to hold boundaries whilst empathetically meeting her children's needs as well as understanding the circumstances.” Whether or not you like the royal family, it’s impossible to deny that Prince William and Kate Middleton have always chosen to put their children first — regardless of what others might say – and that’s as relatable as it gets. While there is no perfect parenting style, putting children above all else, is something that most parents have to struggle with. KEEP READING: Meghan Markle Is Worth Admiring — but Not Because of Royalty

Japanese Princess Gives Up Title and Refuses $1.3M - Marries Commoner Despite All Objections
Uplifting News

Japanese Princess Gives Up Title and Refuses $1.3M - Marries Commoner Despite All Objections

In Japan, it is common for male royals to marry whomever they choose without losing their power. But the same courtesy is not extended if you're female.Forgoing her royal rightsAccording to Japanese law, female imperial family members forfeit their status upon marriage to a "commoner." And that's exactly what Princess Mako did.As reported by BBC, Princess Mako has married her college sweetheart Kei Komuro, forfeiting not only her royal status but also her right to a royal wedding as well as a traditional payment of $1.3 million."I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused and I am grateful for those... who have continued to support me," she said, according to an NHK report. For me, Kei is irreplaceable - marriage was a necessary choice for us.Princess MakoChoosing love News broke of Mako and Komuro's relationship years ago and the buzz heightened when the two announced they were engaged to be married in 2017.Their relationship received tons of negativity, leading to post-traumatic disorder for the princess, according to the Imperial Household Agency (IHA)—something that has happened to other female Japanese royals who weren't accepted for who they choose to marry or for their inability to conceive of a male heir.The situation is also reminiscent of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to leave the British royals as well as King Edward VIII's decision to abdicate the throne in favor of marrying American Wallis Simpson in 1936.The reason for the backlash against Mako has been linked to Komuro's status as a "commoner," the fact that his mother had financial problems, and simply because he's seen as unfit for a princess. One of the biggest criticisms against him came when he returned from the United States- where he had been offered a job at a law firm- to Japan sporting a ponytail. Criticisms are so fierce that they've led to protests on the streets of Tokyo.But the couple has held to their convictions, with Komuro telling AFP that love shines above all. I love Mako. We only get one life, and I want us to spend it with the one we love.Kei Komuro"I feel very sad that Mako has been in a bad condition, mentally and physically, because of the false accusations," Komuro added.Love chooses usIt's hard to imagine not being allowed to marry the person you love- but we don't have to look far to find locations where that's the norm. We don't even have to look further than a decade in the United States to see how the right to marry who you love has been restricted (2015 for same-sex marriage).We cannot choose who we love—love chooses us. And you have to respect Mako and Komuro for realizing that despite immense pressure to do otherwise.More uplifting stories:Controlling Cousin Disinvites Her From Wedding For Being Fat – She Hits Her With Mature ResponseWoman Breastfeeds Baby Found Abandoned In A Box, Teaches Us a Powerful Lesson in CompassionLoyal Young Man Steps In With Best Response Girlfriend After Bully Makes Comment on Her WeightUber Driver Has The Best Response To Lonely Passenger’s Touching Storylove has no boundaries"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage."- Lao Tzu

What Prince Philip's Traumatic Childhood Tells Us About The Kind Of Man He Really Was
Family

What Prince Philip's Traumatic Childhood Tells Us About The Kind Of Man He Really Was

Prince Philip may be known to fans of The Crown as the patriarch of the family but his own history was one of tragic loss – and having no family of his own for much of his childhood and young adult years. The longest-serving British consort in history passed away peacefully at 99 on April 9, 2021. His commitment to the Queen and royal family was unwavering, but you might be surprised to know he had quite a turbulent upbringing himself. Determined not to repeat the past, here's how he overcame childhood abandonment and became a rock for those around him. He wasn't born into British royalty Prince Philip was born into royalty – but not British royalty. He was a Greek prince. His parents were Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg, and at the time of his birth, Philip was sixth in line to the Greek throne. He had lots in common with his future bride, then-princess Elizabeth. They were both children of younger siblings of monarchs. But their lives took very different turns. A turbulent childhood"Whereas the Queen experienced a very close-knit and happy family life—apart from the Abdication in 1936 when she was 10—Philip’s childhood was far more turbulent," Philip Eade, author of Young Prince Philip, told Town & Country.Philip’s family was forced to flee their country, and relocated to Paris, where he spent very little time with his parents in his early years. His mother had a nervous breakdown and spent some time in a sanatorium, his sisters were married off to aristocrats, and his father relocated to the south of France. He was very much alone. He had no one to care for him and ended up in the care of his mother’s extended family – the Mountbattens, who had ties to British royalty. Meeting Queen Elizabeth That’s how Philip ended up going to school in England, and ultimately, what led to him meeting the Queen (back when she was a teenager, and a princess!). While Philip and then-Princess Elizabeth were actually distantly related themselves (they share a great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria), they were instantly smitten and wrote letters for years before officially embarking on a relationship, and later, a marriage.They stayed together for 73 years. What he lacked in family growing up, he put into being the patriarch of the most famous family in the world through several tragedies and scandals. Overcoming childhood circumstancesHe overcame his childhood abandonment and the breakup of his own family and became a parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent. He was also one of the most recognizable and beloved figures of the royal family, from his tough no-nonsense exterior to his legendary sense of humor.While Prince Philip was born into privilege, he didn't come from a loving home. His legacy is a reminder that no matter our upbringing, we can do our best to make different choices for ourselves and avoid repeating history with our own family. And we can choose to give the love we were deprived of. More inspiring celebs:Meghan Markle Always Speaks Up Against Injustice–No Matter What Form It TakesThe Truth Behind Meghan Markle’s Relationship With Her ParentsHow Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Navigated The Grief Of A MiscarriageHow Hailey Baldwin Dealt With Being In A Love Triangle Involving Selena Gomez

How Meghan’s Experience Mirrors The Little-Known Story Of Queen Victoria’s Indian God-Daughter
Family

How Meghan’s Experience Mirrors The Little-Known Story Of Queen Victoria’s Indian God-Daughter

Thanks to the series Bridgerton, many are already familiar with Queen Charlotte, who had Black ancestry. But there was another royal who is less known: Princess Gouramma, Queen Victoria’s god-daughter.Similarities of royal proportionsDr Priya Atwal, a Victorian historian, recently took to Twitter to point out the great deal of similarities between two princesses who existed almost two centuries apart. “Princess Gouramma (1841-64) was brought to Britain in 1852 by her father, the deposed Rajah of Coorg. The Rajah campaigned to win back his family wealth from the East India Company, but also asked Victoria to adopt his daughter, believing the Queen would give her a good life (sic),” Atwal wrote.Princess Gouramma’s father, Rajah of Coorg, actually offered her to the queen in hopes she’d have a good life, which at that point in history for a girl meant raised to secure a good marriage.However, despite being one of the Queen’s godchildren (she had several), racist attacks were prevalent. And there was another Meghan parallel.“Their lives were pored over in a newly-emerging popular press,”Dr. Priya AtwalMuch like with Duchess Meghan, Gouramma was pressured to not honor her own history and culture, but become the perfect English princess. She was part of the Queen’s family – but she was to stay away from her own family. And that was to do with race as well.Disturbing parallelsThey did this to keep her from returning to her “native” ways. Something that sounds abhorrent now – and was then – but also is a parallel to how Meghan has been treated.“She was moved from foster family to family as her caretakers struggled with the cost and demands of raising a royal ward.”Much like Duchess Meghan, she struggled a great deal in this new life and actually tried to run away many times. It was just an unbearable level of attention and scrutiny – and prejudice. “In this I find her parallels with Meghan most intriguing: Gouramma often spoke of dearly wishing for more privacy & living independently – even to become a household maid – so she could be free of scrutiny. Yet her actions were attributed to her 'innate Oriental weakness (sic),' Atwal writes.In her recent interview with Oprah, Duchess Meghan mentioned her own lack of privacy. When Oprah asked about she felt the royal family would react to her sharing these stories, Meghan had responded: “I don’t know how they could expect that after all of this time we would still just be silent if there’s an active role that The Firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us.”History always repeats itselfIt's interesting how history truly does repeat itself -- even within a single family. But, sometimes, if we take the time to look back, we can learn from it and avoid making the same mistakes again. Perhaps it's time the British Royal Family took some time to look inward?More inspiring celebrities: What Prince Harry Revealed About Growing Up In A “Toxic Family”The Truth About Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s Rebellious SisterWhy I’m Not Interested In Anything Harry and Meghan Have To SayThe Truth Behind This Photo Of Princess Diana Sleeping At A Formal Event

Why Prince George May Never Be King (And Why That's A Good Thing)
Uplifting News

Why Prince George May Never Be King (And Why That's A Good Thing)

Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, have a son named George who is third in line for the throne. But there's growing reason to believe the British monarchy, as it currently operates, may not last until Prince George becomes king. The monarchy is mired in scandalNext year, Queen Elizabeth II, 94, will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years in power, which is the longest any British royal has remained in power. And in that time, the world has changed, a lot. Does the United Kingdom still need a royal family? A new scandal has only made its citizens question their role even more. A recent report in The Guardian revealed that the Queen meddled in the government to hide how much money she really possesses. The investigation puts into question whether a monarchy can exist alongside a democracy, and makes people wonder why British taxpayers continue to pay so much to support symbolic rulers from a bygone era.Prince Charles is expected to be an uninspiring rulerMeanwhile, like his father and grandfather before him, Prince George, 7, is being groomed for the throne. But will the monarchy make it that far?At 72, no one has ever waited longer than Prince Charles has to become king, and if he does end up sitting on the throne (which would occur immediately after Elizabeth II dies), there are some who believe he won't have the support to rule. According to Clive Irving, author of The Last Queen: How Queen Elizabeth II Saved the Monarchy, Elizabeth II and her father, George VI, were exemplary rulers, but those that came before them weren't great. By the time Charles comes around, it could be a return to lame rulers from years past, and that wouldn't be good news for the royals. "Before you can assess how William, and later George, might work out, you have to allow for the way the monarchy will look under King Charles, and whether under him it can survive," Irving told Express.co.uk. "In my view Prince Charles is a reversion to the line of duds, falling far short of the standard set by his mother and grandfather."Irving added that once Charles becomes ruler, Britain could finally have a reckoning about whether it still needs a monarchy."All polling shows that younger Britons don’t find the monarchy relevant," he said. "What is salient to this attitude is the impression that the Windsors are too many, too many freeloaders and palace dwellers.As we've seen with Harry and Meghan, as we saw with Diana, the public is craving more and more of that authenticity and humanity in its leaders."Together the royal family occupies 15 state residences paid for by public money at the cost of at least 82 million pounds a year – in contrast Denmark, for example, allots around nine million pounds to its royal family."A pared-down monarchy – fewer palaces, no freeloaders and attractively modern family heads – might make a reboot work, but that’s impossible to judge right now."Prince George can still be greatThis all could be bad news for Prince George's chances at sitting on the throne -- but it's not a life wasted. Growing up with all the resources he has, as well as two stand-up people in William and Kate to support him, Prince George has an opportunity to be great. Not necessarily a great monarch, but a great person who can use his resources and platforms for good and lead by example. More inspiring celebrities:Behind Victoria Beckham’s Posh Facade: Humiliation And Celebrating Her Own ResilienceAfter Surviving Abuse Twice, Rihanna Is Ready To Have Kids With Or Without A ManCharlize Theron Fought Through Trauma To Build Her Fulfilling LifeCiara and Russell Wilson Prove The Power Of Moving On From A Toxic Ex