The Guardian

Meghan threatened to bring change. So she was hounded out | Owen Jones

The Duchess of Sussex upset the self-appointed guardians of traditional morality in the media who fear her progressive values
‘A wider culture war is now threatening to tear apart the monarchy.’ A postcard of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding in 2018. Photograph: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images

If the media onslaught against Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was a devious plot to transform red-blooded republicans into royal defenders, it would have been ingenious. A savvy royal family would have cultivated their newest princess, acknowledging that the long-term existence of the monarchy depends on continued support from – or at least acquiescence of – the socially progressive younger generation. Yet the first woman of colour – to take her place in the dynasty has been hounded out: both she and her husband declared they would “step back as ‘senior’ members”, savaging the tabloids and as they did so. The royal whispering campaign against both that commenced as soon as Meghan first appeared has only escalated, with the Prince of Wales described as “incandescent with rage” and a “” announcing that “this is a declaration of war on the family”.

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