Whether it is the fairytale wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton or the tragic death of Princess Diana, the British royal family always draws the attention of millions. The recent engagement of Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle has had the same effect. Yet the family’s acceptance of the differences between Markle and the rest of Buckingham Palace represents a progressive step for this high-profile family.
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Markle and Prince Harry got engaged in early November, yet the news didn’t hit the stands until Nov. 27. Since then, people have taken notice of what Markle’s presence in the royal family means for a modern society.

As a biracial actress from Los Angeles, Markle’s entrance into this famous family is a step in the right direction for the royals, who serve as role models for the whole world. At a time when white nationalists and KKK rallies are abundant, Markle shows a more positive side to race relations. Because of their respected position, the royal family’s acceptance of Markle may help repair this racially divided world.

Markle also comes into this family after a previous marriage that ended in divorce. In the past, this would have been unheard of for British royalty. Queen Elizabeth’s uncle, Edward VIII, was forced to abdicate the throne in 1936 when he wanted to marry a previously divorced American woman. Yet Markle’s inclusion into the family proves that the royal family is trying to advance with modern society.

That said, there are still ways in which the royal family has failed to develop with modern culture. A defining feature of British royalty has always been religion—most notably, the king’s status as the head of the Anglican church. Markle is Protestant who was not baptized as a child, but it has been announced that she will be baptized and confirmed into the Church of England, just as Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was confirmed before her wedding. The royal family is still unwilling to accept someone of a different religion.

Despite this, Markle’s entrance into the royal family seem to prove that a new chapter of acceptance is here for them. We can only hope the same progression will take place for the rest of the world.
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