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Why Megxit is a win for women and girls: there’s a lot more to real life than being a princess

South China Morning Post

發布於 2020年01月21日16:01 • Melissa Stevens
  • Many can’t seem to understand why Meghan Markle wouldn’t want to be a princess. But what woman, especially a self-proclaimed feminist, would really be satisfied with living a life where she can’t speak out or act without royal clearance?
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leave Windsor Castle after their wedding in May 2018. Less than two years later, Markle’s rejection of royal life has been emphatic. Photo: AP
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leave Windsor Castle after their wedding in May 2018. Less than two years later, Markle’s rejection of royal life has been emphatic. Photo: AP

If ever there was a resounding rejection of the idea central to countless fairy tales and romantic films " that marrying a handsome prince is the pinnacle of achievement for a woman " then it has been surely come from Meghan Markle.

The decision by Markle and Prince Harry to walk away from royal life, leave Britain and "become financially independent" has caused widespread consternation and condemnation.

Whatever the machinations behind the move, part of the outcry can certainly be attributed to the fact that many simply can't believe someone would not want to be a princess.

In other words, why would an American actress, who appears to have overcome hurdles of geography and heritage to pull off the ultimate act of hypergamy, then turn her back on a life of privilege, perks and palaces?

Back in 2018, the former Suits star seemingly had no problem sticking to the fairy-tale script. On her wedding day, she rolled through Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage with her dashing prince by her side, demure in dewy make-up and a white gown, serenaded by the cheers of adoring crowds.

But, less than two years later, Markle's rejection of royal life has been emphatic " the compromises are not worth the proximity to the crown.

Even Markle's own father sounds perplexed by her decision, saying: "It's disappointing because she actually got every girl's dream."

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While there's no doubt that the public criticism of the biracial Markle is reason enough for the couple's distaste for life in the spotlight, the reality of royal life is that it is full of restrictions and expectations.

It might not actually be "every girl's dream" to be unable to express her opinions without having them vetted, or to be scrutinised for what she wears instead of what she does " especially not a woman who has publicly declared herself a feminist on a number of occasions and who once said: "I've never wanted to be a lady who lunches " I've always wanted to be a woman who works."

Long before she became a member of the royal family, Markle had distinguished herself through her work with the United Nations on gender equality and women's empowerment. She spoke confidently on the subject at a UN Women conference, and tackled less publicly palatable topics such as the stigma around menstrual health.

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Is it possible that seeking financial independence is not so much about maximising commercial opportunities, or sitting back and enjoying the very large income Harry enjoys by virtue of trust funds without the obligations of royal life? For Markle, financial independence may well equate with freedom.

The freedom to speak out, make decisions and take action without having to seek the permission of royal courtiers or kowtow to the establishment by virtue of having a lifestyle funded by British taxpayers. The freedom to live beyond the very narrow and limited perceptions of how a princess should behave.

If it was any indication of the priorities in her post-royal life, the first public act undertaken by Markle in Canada, where she has been since the couple's resignation from royal life was announced, was to highlight the work of women's refuges.

Meghan Markle has chosen to smash her glass slipper to smithereens and send a clear message that marrying well is not a means to an end. This dismissal of this fairy-tale fantasy can only be seen as a win from a feminist perspective.

Melissa Stevens is the Post's deputy digital editor

Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

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