The Role and Status of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in the British Royal Family

Often misunderstood and misrepresented, the status and role of Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex, in the British Royal Family have been a topic of much discussion and controversy. Contrary to popular belief, Meghan does not hold the third highest rank among women in the royal family as stated in some erroneous information. This article aims to clarify the complexities of royal precedence, focusing on the distinction between the ranks of working and non-working royals as implemented by Queen Elizabeth II.

Understanding Royal Precedence: A Glitch in the System

Historically, the rules governing the precedence of the British Royal Family were straightforward, with many factors contributing to the determination of one's rank. Upon her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan underwent a transition that altered her status within the royal hierarchy. The late Queen Elizabeth II introduced a significant reform to these rules, effectively changing the dynamics of royal precedence. In her will, Queen Elizabeth II explicitly requested for her children and grandchildren to be considered "working royals," a distinction that propelled the status of some family members beyond the traditional hierarchy.

The New Rank Structure of the Royal Family

Considering these changes, the modern ranking of royal females in the British Royal Family can be articulated as follows:

HM Queen Camilla - As the wife of the King, she takes precedence over all other women in the royal family except her husband, the King. HRH The Princess of Wales - As the wife of the heir to the throne, she holds a rank that is second only to that of the Queen herself. HRH The Princess Royal - As the daughter of a sovereign, Anne outranks all other women in the royal family, except her mother the Queen and the Princess of Wales, when either is present. HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh - Still considered a prominent figure due to her long service as the Queen's consort, she is married to a son and brother of the sovereign, making her a working royal. HRH The Duchess of Gloucester - A working royal herself, she is married to a grandson of the sovereign. Princesses and other senior female members -Such as Princess Charlotte and her sisters, who are juniors of the current sovereign and heir.

According to these ranks, Princess Charlotte would indeed outrank Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who, as of recent standings, is ranked fifth in the main line of succession.

Meghan's Choice and the Impact on Her Status

It is essential to recognize that Meghan's decision to leave behind the penumbra of royal protocols and resist the expected role contributed significantly to her current status. The Queen's will, citing the active contributions to the monarchy, bestowed a distinct preference for those who choose to work closely with the royal duties, promoting a tangible divide between the working and non-working royals. Despite this clear distinction, Meghan's interpretation of royal behavior and the practical application of protocol led to a different outcome.

She once held her own rank within the royal family, based on her marriage and subsequent engagements, but her preference for a more personalized and less formal role led to her distancing herself from formal hierarchical structures. Notably, her departure from traditional norms, such as foreswearing her British honor in the Order of the British Empire (OBE), demonstrated her commitment to a different path within the realm of public life.

This choice, though widely respected for its authenticity, resulted in a less formal and traditional royal protocol for her personal engagements and public appearances, ultimately influencing her place in the broader royal hierarchy.

Lessons from the Royal Family and Meghan's Legacy

The decision by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to adhere solely to her personal beliefs and values, as opposed to adhering rigidly to the expectations of the royal family, has set a precedent for those who desire to balance their public roles with personal convictions. Her choice, while individual and context-specific, offers a mirror for contemplation on how traditional hierarchies and expectations can be reinterpreted and redefined in the modern world.

As the ranks and expectations of the royal hierarchy continue to evolve, the personal stories and decisions of family members like Meghan stand as testaments to the complex and nuanced nature of royal life. Understanding these dynamics requires a nuanced approach, one that acknowledges the changing landscape and the personal choices that shape our perception of royal status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the modern royal hierarchy, as established following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, results in ranks and expectations that are far more flexible and dynamic than often portrayed. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, while an influential and beloved member of the royal family, does not occupy the third highest rank among women. Her unique position, rooted in her personal choice and commitment to unique royal protocol, serves as a valuable lesson in the modern reinterpretation of traditional hierarchies.