A New Generation of Royals

Elizabeth, 92, is Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, having ascended the throne in 1952. She was never meant to be queen, but her destiny—and British history—was altered forever when her uncle, King Edward VIII, fell in love with a twice-divorced American in the 1930s.

The Church of England at the time forbade marriage in church with any divorcé who had a living spouse—even for the king, who was the official head of the church. Refusing to give up love for his royal duties, Edward abdicated (surrendered his claim to the throne) in 1936. The decision catapulted his younger brother—and later, his niece Elizabeth—to the throne.

Despite Queen Elizabeth’s global influence—she serves as head of state for the U.K. and 15 other countries in the British Commonwealth—she’s largely a symbolic leader. In the U.K., the head of the government is the prime minister (see “Where the Real Power Lies”).

Support for the monarchy remains very high, with about three-quarters of Britons continuing to approve of the institution in most polls. And much of the world is captivated by British royalty, especially Americans.

“A lot of the fascination stems from our common history,” Chernock says. “We were once British colonies, so there’s that sense of shared culture.”

Elizabeth, 92, is Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, having ascended the throne in 1952. She was never meant to be queen. But her destiny—and British history—was altered forever in the 1930s. During that time, her uncle, King Edward VIII, fell in love with a twice-divorced American.

The Church of England at the time forbade marriage in church with any divorcees who had a living spouse. That rule extended to the king, who was the official head of the church. Edward refused to give up love for his royal duties. As a result, he abdicated (surrendered his claim to the throne) in 1936. The decision handed over the throne
to his younger brother—and later, his niece Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth’s influence is global. She serves as head of state for the U.K. and 15 other countries in the British Commonwealth. Despite this, she’s largely a symbolic leader. In the U.K., the head of the government is the prime minister (see “Where the Real Power Lies”).

Support for the monarchy remains very high. About three-quarters of Britons continue to approve of the institution in most polls. And much of the world is captivated by British royalty, especially Americans.

“A lot of the fascination stems from our common history,” Chernock says. “We were once British colonies, so there’s that sense of shared culture.”

In recent decades, the world has watched the royal family evolve. For instance, divorce has become more commonplace in the royal family. Today, three of the queen’s four children have been divorced.

There have been other changes too. In 2011, Harry’s older brother, Prince William—second in line to the throne—married Catherine (Kate) Middleton, a commoner, rather than someone with royal lineage. Moreover, in 2013, Britain ended a more than 300-year-old rule that put boys ahead of their older sisters in line for the throne. Now the firstborn is heir—regardless of gender.

Prince Harry attributes many of the progressive changes in the monarchy to his grandmother.

In recent decades, the world has watched the royal family evolve. For instance, divorce has become more common in the royal family. Today, three of the queen’s four children have been divorced.

There have been other changes too. Harry’s older brother, Prince William, is second in line to the throne. In 2011, William married Catherine (Kate) Middleton, a commoner, rather than someone with royal lineage. Moreover, in 2013, Britain ended a more than 300-year-old rule that put boys ahead of their older sisters in line for the throne. Now the firstborn is heir—regardless of gender.

Prince Harry attributes many of the progressive changes in the monarchy to his grandmother.

“The monarchy is a force for good,” he told Newsweek last year. “And we want to carry on the positive atmosphere that the queen has achieved for over 60 years, but we won’t be trying to fill her boots.”

Indeed, the prince, along with his brother, his sister-in-law, as well as Markle, seem focused on ushering in a new era of what it means to be a royal. Harry, a former officer in the British army, has taken on a cause previous generations of royals would never have considered: mental health issues. He regularly speaks out about depression and other illnesses.

Markle is currently a United Nations global ambassador on issues including clean water and women’s health. As Harry’s wife, she’ll be expected to put aside her acting career and increase her humanitarian work.

In addition to showcasing how the monarchy has evolved, experts say the upcoming wedding will be a welcome distraction for a country that’s facing a largely uncertain future. It voted in 2016 to leave the European Union (E.U.), a partnership of 28 countries that trade with one another. As the U.K. negotiates its departure, known as Brexit, experts worry about what leaving the union will mean for Britain’s economy.

For a country struggling with such issues, “this wedding reflects a side of Britain that many want to celebrate,” Chernock says. “It’s a feel-good story—a love that has overcome historical obstacles.”

“The monarchy is a force for good,” he told Newsweek last year. “And we want to carry on the positive atmosphere that the queen has achieved for over 60 years, but we won’t be trying to fill her boots.”

Indeed, the prince, along with his brother, his sister-in-law, and Markle, seem focused on ushering in a new era of what it means to be a royal. Harry is a former officer in the British army. He’s used his influence to take on mental health issues. He regularly speaks out about depression and other illnesses. It’s a cause previous generations
of royals would never have considered.

Markle is currently a United Nations global ambassador. She tackles issues including clean water and women’s health on behalf of the organization. As Harry’s wife, she’ll be expected to put aside her acting career and increase her humanitarian work.

In addition to showcasing how the monarchy has evolved, experts say the upcoming wedding will be a welcome distraction for a country that’s facing a largely uncertain future. It voted in 2016 to leave the European Union (E.U.), a partnership of 28 countries that trade with one another. The move is known as Brexit. As the U.K. negotiates its departure, experts worry about what leaving the union will mean for Britain’s economy.

For a country struggling with such issues, “this wedding reflects a side of Britain that many want to celebrate,” Chernock says. “It’s a feel-good story—a love that has overcome historical obstacles.”

*At press time, Prince Harry was fifth in line for the British throne. But with the birth of Prince William’s third child—due this spring—Harry will move to sixth in line.

*At press time, Prince Harry was fifth in line for the British throne. But with the birth of Prince William’s third child—due this spring—Harry will move to sixth in line.