Royalty Over Career? Meghan Markle's Surprising Choice

The world is overjoyed at the prospect of a half Black woman joining the UK Royal Family. But news of Meghan Markle's engagement with Prince Harry along with the announcement that she is leaving her job is evoking surprise. She has resigned from her role in the US legal-drama 'Suits', which she has been a part of for seven years.

Markle now looks forward to focusing on charity projects and working alongside Prince Harry to bring positive change. She says she doesn’t see it as giving up anything, but sees it "just as a change" and that she has ticked off acting from her to-do list after seven years on 'Suits'.

Prince Harry added: “She’s capable of anything and together there’s a hell of a lot of stuff and work that needs doing. At the moment for us it’s going to be making sure that our relationship is put first, but both of us have passions for wanting to make change for good.”

Of course, it is completely Markle's choice to leave her job, but there is an implicit message in her actions: That it is ok to give up a hard earned career, be entirely dependent on her husband, move countries for him, and even convert to the Church of England for him

Markle has described herself as a feminist. She even once said that she never wanted to be a lady who lunches. “I’ve always wanted to be a woman who works,” she had written on her blog.

Though Markle is quitting to work with Prince Harry on causes they care about, it is still disappointing to see her leave her job as soon as her engagement was announced. Of course, it is completely her choice to leave her job, but there is an implicit message in her actions: That it is ok to give up a career, be entirely dependent on her husband, move countries for him, and even convert to the Church of England for him.

All over the media, Markle is being described as a woman who is 'fiercely independent,' and indeed she used to be. She has spoken many times about being a bi-racial woman in America and about feminism. 

Markle seems to be breaking boundaries even with the Royal Family -- she is biracial, American and older than the prince. But it seems like she is just playing out a fantasy -- that is of falling in love and marrying an actual prince. By doing so, she is acquiescing to the rules of a very patriarchal institution

The Royal Family is against any of its members expressing their political opinions. It expects its female members to have children, smile for the cameras and dress modestly. Case in point: Kate Middleton.

Let’s hope that Markle lives up to her fiercely independent tagline and changes tradition. Instead of merely smiling and waving at the cameras, we hope she continues speaking out loud about issues she cares about.

Also Read: Prince Harry Condemns Media Coverage of Girlfriend Meghan Markle

Picture Credit: Peeker Finance