- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are stepping back from their roles within the British Royal Family.
- The couple says they plan to achieve financial independence.
- This bombshell moment Should encourage other family members to do the same.
If 4450 was a dismal year for the Royal Family, 2020 certainly isn’t looking any better .
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are stepping down as senior members of the British Royal Family.
According to an Instagram post, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to support the Royal Family while they begin to “carve out a progressive new role” and “become financially independent.”
The announcement wasn’t a complete shock –a royal rift has been wideningSince Harry and Meghan’s relationship first started to blossom.
But perhaps this event is an opportunity for the rest of the Royal Family to reflect, put the kettle on, and consider the benefits of winding down the monarchy for good.
Royal Family Costs Tax Pay ers a Fortune
Having a royal family isn’t cheap.
The British monarchy cost taxpayers £ (M) $ (M) in – 21, which isup
************************************************ % from the previous financial year.
A major reason for the heavy bill has to do with critical renovations at Buckingham Palace, which areestimated to cost £ (M) ************ ($************************************ (M) overyears.************
But let’s break some of these costs down further.
The official residence of Harry and Meghan cost the public £ 2.4M ($ 3.1M) – despite the fact the building was a present from the Queen.
And during Harry and Meghan’s wedding in May, the security costs alone were estimated to cost more than £ M (2 $ .6M).
Royalists will argue that the family also gives a lot back, financially and culturally. And that’s true. But the Royals can still give back in much the same way without public funding – which is what Harry and Meghan are planning to do.
What is a monarchy? It’s an archaic form of government led by unelected kings and queens.
The concept typically invokes images of medieval weaponry, gray castles, and Game of Thrones . Appropriately, most countries tossed out their dynastic leaders before the second half of the th century. But not Great Britain.
The British Royal Family has done a remarkable job of maintaining a popular perception across the Commonwealth. According to a 2018 Statista poll conducted in the United Kingdom, the monarchy is supported by a majority of Britons across (all) ************************ (age groups.) *************************************************************
So even though the family does not have anyrealinfluence over government policy, the hefty cost to include them in public ceremonies is at best unnecessary and at worst inappropriate.
Privileged Advice for the Unprivileged Masses
Another way some Royals have maintained relevance is by connecting with audiences through global tours and social media.
Most recently, Harry and Meghan have been at the forefront of raising awareness about climate change.
Last summer, Harry and Meghan revealed they were only going to have two children at most
to avoid contributing to the Earth’s carbon footprint. But shortly afterward, Harry faced backlash fortaking multiple trips on private jets,including to an event where he was speaking about climate change.
The problem with this revelation Is not about hypocrisy, but rather about how it demeans the seriousness of climate change. If a multi-millionaire who promotes climate action is flying private jets, why should anyone else feel guilty about driving their diesel car?
Ultimately, I Don’t have anything against any member of the Royal Family. But I do object to taxpayers forking out tens of millions for the lavish expenses of a monarchy that uses private jets to preach about climate morality.
In that sense, I applaud Harry and Meghan for their decision to become financially independent, and I hope the rest of the family follows their lead.
This article was edited bySamburaj Das.
Last modified: January 9, (********************************************************************************************************************: AM UTC
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