I discussed the future of The Crown series on Netflix with Janet Davison for the CBC News Royal Fascinator newsletter. Peter Morgan, the creator of the hit series, has announced that there will be only 5 seasons rather than 6. Since each season dramatizes a decade or less of the lives of Queen Elizabeth II, her family and her Prime Ministers, it is unlikely that the program will cover events in the 21st century. This week’s Royal Fascinator newsletter also discusses the future of the royal family in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth after Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties and a royal scandal in Luxembourg.
Global News Interview: Prince Andrew’s daughter, Princess Beatrice, announces private wedding venue
Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter, Princess Beatrice of York, will marry Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on May 29, 2020 in the Chapel Royal of St. James’s Palace. The Chapel Royal has not been a venue for royal weddings in more than 100 years but was the setting of important historical royal weddings including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in 1840 and the future King George V and Queen Mary in 1893. I discussed Princess Beatrice with Meghan Collie at Global News.
Global News Interview: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie: Who are Prince Andrew’s daughters?
I discussed Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie with Meghan Collie at Global News, amidst speculation that their public role will expand following the departure of Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, from the United Kingdom. As Princess Beatrice is expected to get married in 2020, the two sisters have been the focus of increased media scrutiny.
Huffington Post Interview: Now That Harry And Meghan Aren’t Working Royals, Who Will Fill In For Them?
I discussed the future of the royal family after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s departure for Canada with Waverly Neufeld at Huffington Post Canada. Since Harry and Meghan have decided to step back from royal duties, other members of the royal family will need to assume additional duties or the overall level of public engagements will decrease.
Global News Interview: The Ways the Royal Family Has Changed in the Last 100 Years
I discussed changing royal traditions with Olivia Bowden at Global News.
Here’s an excerpt from the interview:
“In the last few decades, members of the British Royal Family have phased out some customs and traditions that no longer meshed with the image the family wants to portray, or simply wouldn’t be seen as acceptable anymore, said Carolyn Harris, a royal historian and author based in Toronto.
Social and political factors that have shifted the world since Queen Elizabeth II took the throne have also changed the practices the family engages with, said Harris.
“The Queen’s reigned over a period of tremendous political, social and cultural change, and that has an impact on her family,” she said.”
CBC News Interview: Uncertainty remains over the future success of Harry and Meghan’s new life in Canada
I discussed the continuing uncertainty regarding Harry and Meghan’s future public role in an interview with Janet Davison at CBC News. The interview included the history and nuances of royal titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to have the titles of His and Her Royal Highness but will not use these titles going forward as they step back from their duties as senior members of the royal family.
My Globe and Mail article: What It Takes for British Royalty to Truly Become Canadian
My new article in the Globe and Mail, “What it takes for British royalty to truly become Canadian” compares Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Louise and son-in-law Lord Lorne, the first royal couple to visit Canada. Even in the nineteenth century, royalty faced different expectations in Canada than they did in the United Kingdom and Louise and Lorne adapted well to Canadian life during Lorne’s five year term as Governor General.
City News Toronto Interview: A commoner’s guide to Harry and Meghan’s complicated divorce from the monarchy
I discussed Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their duties as senior members of the royal family and spend part of the year in North America in an extended interview with Michael Talbot at City News Toronto. Questions included the royal couples titles, financial arrangements, security and continuing place in the line of succession.
Huffington Post Interview: Are Harry and Meghan Dropping Their Royal Titles?
I discussed royal titles with Maija Kappler at the Huffington Post, clarifying that Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex will retain the titles of His and Her Royal Highness (HRH) but will not use these titles now that they have stepped back from their duties as senior members of the royal family. The interview includes some historical context concerning royal titles and possible changes concerning royal titles that may occur in the next reign.
Global News Interview: The biggest lawsuits filed by the royal family
I discussed the history of royal lawsuits with Meghan Collie at Global News. There have been legal disputes between the royal family and the press since the 19th century and the relationship between royalty and the media has been transformed over the course of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
Click here to read “The biggest lawsuits filed by the royal family” at Global News