It has got me thinking a lot about the Royal Family and it's feminist values. Meghan has already infiltrated Royal traditions in what I see to be a positive way for feminism. She has worn trousers to events where traditionally this would not have been done, which may seem like a teeny-tiny little step, but actually is fairly prominent when you realise that Kate has not done anything of the sort. Meghan has already also used her voice as an advocate of the #metoo campaign, which is a commendable thing for any "influencer" to do.
But in reality, how much of a voice and a presence will she be allowed in her new life? Having found myself in the middle of many a conversation regarding her intentions around the Royal Family and what she hopes to "gain" from the marriage, I can't help but disagree with the argument that she's acting her way into a position of power, prestige and money.
As an actress she would have earned more money than most people could hope for in a lifetime. Don't get me wrong, I know that it wouldn't touch the wealth of the Royals, but the key word for me here is that she earned it. Of course, she will put in her fair share of work in her new Royal position, but she won't have the satisfaction of being a self-made woman ever again. Her money will forever be controlled by someone else. That has to be a bitter pill to swallow for any feminist.
Aside from which, she won't have the freedom to use her voice for whatever cause she wishes; it would have to be pre-approved. She has had to move into a house she didn't choose or furnish herself, in an area that has been chosen for her, away from all her family and friends. It's hardly a difficult life, but it's also not one of freedom. She's had to delete all her social media accounts and she will no longer be able to dedicate her time to any charity she chooses. These are just a few examples of what she has had to give up.
As a woman who has also lived on her own as Meghan has, the idea of a Royal life is extremely claustrophobic. Why would anyone give up all their freedom like that? The only reason I could possibly think that she would give it all up is for true love; which dispels the belief that she is acting her way to a Royal life, because simply, who would? It must be real love.
But in that lies my issue: is it ever acceptable to give up your entire life, finances, freedom and voice for a man? Does that not go against the core values of feminism? As a self-labelled feminist, is she not living a complete contradiction? For me, I couldn't put it better than Meat Loaf himself, "I would do anything for love, but I won't do that"
