Harry and Meghan

The royal interview dominated yesterday’s headlines. Words like ‘sensational’, ‘bombshell’ and ‘heart-breaking’ were scattered liberally. For once ‘unprecedented’ didn’t refer to Covid.

Everyone had an opinion. Experts spoke about racism, mental health and the monarchy; ordinary people escaped from their own private problems in this public drama.

The Queen’s statement was simple yet wise:

‘The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.’ She’s conciliatory and empathetic.

Many have taken sides, joined the battle, said what should be done. The Queen sees not a battle but sad people. There are no winners… apart from the media.  

‘The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning.’  Wherever truth or sympathies lie, big, ugly issues were raised that many identify with.

Racism and prejudice may be denied or disguised. Mental health issues and particularly thoughts of suicide cannot be ignored.

‘While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously…’ I return to the Robbie Williams/ Gary Barlow song: ‘There are three sides to each story, yours, mine and the truth.’

Different memories, opinions and conflicts should be brought together respectfully, seriously, not hidden or allowed to fester and divide.

‘…and will be addressed by the family privately.’ The Royal Family is a public institution… made up of people who deserve some privacy…

Yesterday I spoke to a friend. He’d lent his son £500. Whether he gets it back or not is nobody else’s business….

‘Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.’ The Queen’s bottom line is love, family and ‘always’.

Tomorrow I shall join ‘on-line’ remembering Dave. It will be his funeral. I anticipate that ‘love, family and always’ will refer to his devotion to his human family, his caring church relationships and his real, personal faith in God.

Our national anthem rightly refers to the Queen as ‘gracious’ and ‘noble’.