Listening to the Dear Jane letter from King Edward VIII to the nation, delivered in sombre and sonorous tones, has made me reflect on the lack of majesty in Harry and Meghan’s exit from the royal stage. Of course their case is of much less constitutional importance but, still, I find myself feeling that something is fundamentally lacking in the approach adopted by them.
King Edward got a lot wrong in his life but addressing the British people and making his case clearly was admirable.
Like everyone else, I discovered the equivalent of a glossy leaflet advertising grandiose future plans on my doormat but what I felt was needed was a proper letter from Harry and Meghan, addressed specifically to us, the British people, acknowledging the past and finding something good to say about it, whilst explaining clearly why the relationship between us could not continue as it was.
We have had lucid statements from the Queen but from Harry and Meghan we’ve had very little clarity.
They are not happy. It’s our fault - or the media’s - or that of other Royals. People have been toxic, racist, unwelcoming. That appears to be the message, bringing together the little that has been said by them directly and what they seem to be allowing friends to say on their behalf - if media reports are to be believed. Do they really want this narrative to stand? It seems from their silence on the matter that they do. (Steps were taken by the Palace to counter the rumour of a rift between William and Harry. So there is certainly recent precedent for speaking out to rectify such stories.)
I think most people in this country are painfully aware of the pockets of racism in the UK, the risk of insularity attached to being an island nation and how monstrous the press can be, but surely, even amongst all that, there is something gracious to be said in the parting of ways. Now is the moment for them to be generous and conciliatory.
But he’s only the 6th in line to the throne. Why the fuss, you might say, if their departure is ill-tempered?
The answer to that is Harry and Meghan set themselves up very publicly as royal representatives of the UK. There was the introductory grand tour of the countries in the UK when Meghan first arrived, the pomp-and-circumstance wedding and the high profile Commonwealth tours. What was that all about if they can then skulk away with scarcely a direct word to the British people?
And I’m saying that as a republican and someone who doesn’t feel the whole Britishness thing personally.
It’s hard to make any sense out of how this has been handled. Even out of self-interest, if your planned future product is going to be royalty in some shape or form, why diss it, or allow it to be dissed, by friends?
I seem to remember when Gerald Ratner called his products crap, it did not do much for his jewellery business.
A thoughtful and dignified Dear Jane letter to the nation, then, a valedictory address in the manner of King Edward, who knew something about noblesse oblige, that is what is needed, and what might bring some honour to this whole affair.
No need to invite Emily Maitlis along to help out though. Just ask Uncle Andy!
But, Harry and Meghan, saying a few words on camera directly to the British public could be powerful.
Taking your cue from King Edward, you could reaffirm your loyalty to the rest of the family and commit yourself to continuing to support them all in a private capacity, recognising that your departure will mean that others will be called upon to do more.
You might clarify the situation with respect to your patronages too. And you might speak fondly of the British people and all you have learnt whilst working alongside them. Thank them for the memories. Touch on your reasons for leaving but let it not be too much a matter of blame but more of a growing recognition that your aspirations are not compatible with being royal.