House of Windsor II: Prince Harry and The Flight of Icarus

A biracial woman enters the top of the pyramid by marriage. Because she lacks the birth and blood prerequisites, she’s considered unworthy. Because she’s proud of her own heritage and regards herself as equal to others at the top of the pyramid, she’s considered ungrateful.

Go back and read the first article in the House of Windsor series: Will The House of Windsor Turn into a House of Cards

Image: Dimitris Vetsikas

One woman reigns supreme, but for most at the top of the pyramid, birthrights are still passed down through the male line. This paradox is the Pandora’s Box of being a royal bride. The Prince had “to up [his] game” to win her and convince her to be his wife. But remember, her elite status was conferred by marriage not by birth and by blood. So while he wanted a “teammate” to walk beside him, the society saw her place as three steps far behind. He felt grateful to have found “a wife that was strong enough to be able to stand up for what [they] believe in together.” But to the society, she was not a partner. Not his equal. She was meant to be a mere shadow, his “assistant,” unworthy of sharing the spotlight much less standing in her own.

Undaunted, the Prince pushed his wife forward through doors and receiving lines. His pride became her protocol breaks. Courtly gestures befitting a Prince of the realm, but not when they were bestowed on a biracial woman perceived to be more bed wench than beloved. He remembers the heckling from the town criers, “She has failed my Mum Test,” one said. His family’s whispers floated through palace corridors counting down his “degree wife” with the sly reminder that “one steps out with actresses, one doesn’t marry them,” still ringing in his ears. Those at the top of the pyramid bided their time. They curtsied to her in one moment and cursed her in the next. Confident that eventually, blood will out.

The Prince was equally confident that once the people met his wife, they would love her just as much as he did. The people did love her, just not PLU — People Like Us. While those at the top of the pyramid continued to look askance, the couple were cheered…