IN BREXIT MODE
The one constant "fi xture" of the Kingdom, the one Narrative that Still somehow
holds it all together in British psyche is the The Royal Family Narrative.
The core element of this narrative always has been the Queen.
increasingly diminishing place in the decision making
process of the Brits.
In fact, The Royal Family Narrative is the only national
export that doesn't seem to have been aff ected by Brexit.
Let us analyze this narrative. Let us have a look at its
constituent parts.
The Queen and Prince Philip. The core and the backbone
of the narrative. Many generations grew up with it ever
"ticking" in the background like a Grandfather clock.
Charles and Camilla. "Charles" part of the Narrative is
better known for being lavish, for taking the royal train, for
chartering jets, for having six butlers when one would suffi ce,
for being for all things organic, for taking liberties,etc. It has
captive audience of certain age (mainly male). "Camilla" part
of the Narrative brings much needed light and fun and makes
it more humane. "William and Kate" is a "quiet" one. It is
mainly associated with involvement with selected charities
and "Being a Mother" narrative. Then we have dozens of
“Andrew”, “Edward”, etc- narratives that have a niche value.
And now we have come to the part of Royal Narrative that,
in my opinion, is best suited for the XXI st century- "Harry
and Meghan". Both parts of this narrative are backed by very
strong metaphors. "Harry" part is associated with Invictus
Games, with adventurous youth, with rebellious spirit.
"Meghan" part is the strongest one, in the eyes of the outside
world. Let me explain. She is an accomplished actress in her
own right, with a global popularity and a strong personal
recognition for genuine human rights related campaigns. She
has the reach to the audiences otherwise inaccessible to any
other members of the Royal Family. It can be expected that,
supported by her association with Royal Narrative, she will
become the most acceptable envoy for Britain, especially
in the US, Mexico, South America. We can only imagine
what Meghan's proud identity as an American of mixed race
means for the royal family, whose members include fi gures
with the views that haven't changed for many decades( some
say-centuries).
The Royal Family is set to unleash a charm off ensive
around Europe in a bid to keep the continent (and the rest of
the world, for that matter) on the "right" side in post-Brexit
period.
There’s so much uncertainty about Brexit, about
international relations, about UK’s relationship with the
United States, about economy, about the future of the United
Kingdom as a State and about people relationship with each
other. The Royal Family is bound to succeed if it were to
shwowcase the aspect of Cosmopolitan roots of the family-
German, Russian, Greek, Amerindian, etc.
Let us bear in mind that even though Brexit has not yet
happened, Britain is already perceived as somewhat much
"narrower", much less tolerant land. There is no denial that the
main driver behind the Brexit always has been anti-immigrant
rhetoric- bogeyman. The reality is that although Prince Harry
is the most popular member of the royal family, with an
approval rating higher than the Queen’s, he is sixth in line to
the throne, so his wedding had no constitutional signifi cance
whatsoever (that is why it was "allowed" to happen, in the fi rst
place). But, paradoxically, this makes "Harry and Meghan"
narrative so much more acceptable.
It is no coincidence that Prince Harry said this in latest
Invictus Games opening speech: "....We have learned to reject
pessimism and cynicism. We have allowed ourselves to be
inspired. And we have shared in moments of hope, joy, and
triumph that have served as an antidote to the narrative of
division and despair we too often allow to defi ne our era. So
when all of you compete over the next week, remember that
you do so, not just for yourselves; not just for your families;
not just for your nations.
You are competing with diff erent fl ags on your chest, but
you are competing together for one Invictus generation....".
Maybe, The Royal Family Narrative can drive the UK,
once Great country, to the future that can be Imagined by the
British People, the future where this nation will rediscover
itself. Maybe the British People can write a new story about
who they are in the XXI century. And Believe in it.
* The author is a Civil Servant at Her Majesty's
Government Revenue and Customs (HMRC). He created and
ran the Competitive Intelligence/Counterintelligence cycle
for Qatar2022 bid for hosting Football World Cup Finals.
He was a "ghost writer" for few political fi gures in the UK
and established digital entities worldwide.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 10 • Oct-Nov 2018, Noida • 27