Editorial: Monarchy keeping up with the times

Hawke's Bay Today news editor James Ford. PHOTO / File

We'll soon be exposed to the pomp and pageantry of another royal wedding, now that the engagement of Prince Henry of Wales and American actress Meghan Markle has been announced.

Whether you are a royalist or not, one must appreciate the spectacle of a royal shindig.

When it comes to an occasion like this, no one does it better.

The tradition, the patriotism it evokes and the attention of billions from all corners of the globe.

But this royal occasion will be unique.

It is a symbol of the royal family evolving, modernising into what many, even 20 years ago, would never have foreseen.

The last time a member of the royal family fell in love with an American divorcee it changed the course of history.

After all, Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, is only on the throne because her uncle Edward VIII fell for American Wallis Simpson, who had married twice before.

The British government and dominions were adamant that a twice-divorced American could not be crowned queen.

Edward abdicated and the Queen's father George VI ascended to the throne.

Granted, Harry will never be king.

But it is refreshing that these archaic social shackles have been broken.

The 36-year-old will also become the first non-white royal bride – her father is Caucasian and her mother is African-American.

Who would have thought the child of a Los Angeles psychotherapist and yoga instructor and an Emmy award-winning lighting director would become a royal princess.

It is a modern fairy tale – the key word being modern - and it's refreshing to see the royal family keeping up with the times.