Nearly 250 years in the making

Truth be told, I'm not really into British monarchy (though I was intrigued by the hoopla surrounding Chuck & Di's nuptials when I was 12). However, this particular story caught my eye.

Prince Harry, a grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and fifth in line to the throne, is engaged to Meghan Markle, his American girlfriend, the royal family said on Monday.

The prince, 33, and Ms. Markle, 36, will marry in the spring, a statement from Clarence House added.

Prince Harry and Ms. Markle’s engagement underscores recent shifts in the British monarchy. They are part of a new generation of royals eager to project themselves as modern, inclusive and down-to-earth. This latest set of royals, who include the duke and duchess of Cambridge — Prince Harry’s elder brother, William, and his sister-in-law, Catherine — have in recent years tried to connect better with the public.

Perhaps my favorite theory as to why the the royals are evolving came via Twitter.

Prince Harry's kids will be Americans. What if one grows up to be president and is in line for the throne at the same time? Brits are playing long-ball here, but it's a smart move. They want America back and this is how they'll do it.

— Greg Pollowitz (@GPollowitz) November 27, 2017

I imagine I'll be dead and buried by the time any offspring of Harry's would be of age to command both posts. Good thing too, because I wouldn't wanna live in a country where donuts would be scrapped in favor of crumpets.

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