Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's plan to step
back from their royal roles, aka Megxit, has
sparked strong reactions in Britain and is
now causing a stir across the pond in Canada,
where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend
to move as they split their time between the
U.K. and North America.
But according to an op-ed in one of Canada's
largest newspapers, Harry and Meghan aren't
welcome.
An op-ed in The Globe and Mail read:
"The Canadian monarchy is virtual; it neither
rules nor resides.
Our royals don't live here.
They reign from a distance.
And that is why, in response to the sudden
announcement of a vague and evolving plan
for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince
Harry and Meghan, to move to Canada while
remaining part of the Royal Family, the...government's
response should be simple and succinct: No."
While that sounds dire, the editorial adds,
quote, "You are welcome to visit, but so long
as you are senior royals...this country cannot
become your home."
Will the duke and duchess still be considered
"senior" royals as their roles evolve?
That's one of many questions that apparently
has some Canucks concerned.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said they will,
quote, "work to become financially independent"
from royal funds, but they also said they
will continue to, quote, "fully support Her
Majesty, The Queen."
How will that translate when the couple resides
in Canada, a location Queen Elizabeth confirmed
is part of the plan?
Those logistics are TBD, but one thing is
clear: it seems as though some Canadians aren't
having it.
Who knew they could be so feisty?
And to the royals, no less!
"This never happened.
Back to your hockey matches and raging rivers!"
The Globe and Mail op-ed continued, admitting
that, if the Duke and Duchess, quote, "were
ordinary private citizens, plain old Harry
and Meghan from Sussex, they would be welcome."
It went on:
"But this country's unique monarchy, and its
delicate yet essential place in [Canada's]
constitutional system, means that a royal
resident, the Prince is sixth in the line
of succession, is not something that Canada
can allow.
It breaks an unspoken constitutional taboo."
In other words, Canada's relationship with
the crown is cordial but complicated.
Here's your 60-second history lesson about
the U.K. and Canada.
"Here comes a Canada story…"
The British helped establish Canada back in
the day, which is why the North American nation
has maintained ties to the monarchy post-independence.
The op-ed explained:
"The concept of the Crown is at the centre
of the Canadian system of government.
Bills aren't law until they receive royal
assent; crimes are prosecuted in the name
of Her Majesty by lawyers known as crowns;
[a Canadian] passport asks foreign states
for protection in the name of the Queen.
All of that comes out of a constitutional
order, more than a century-and-a-half old,
based on the British model.
But though Canada borrowed from Britain, it
isn't Britain and never was.
And this country long ago took steps to make
that unmistakably clear."
There are reportedly rules and regulations
to stipulate what is, and perhaps more importantly,
what isn't, allowed when it comes to the royals'
actions when they're in Canada, and that may
include whether or not they're allowed to
live there at all.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made it
clear that they want to put roots down in
Canada, but blurring the lines between Canucks
and Brits is clearly ruffling some feathers.
And yet, that hasn't stopped many in the country
from supporting the duke and duchess' decision.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have to
jump through a few hoops if they want to settle
down in Canada, but it may be worth the work.
Not only will the couple be able to escape
the notoriously relentless British press and
enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle, but they'll
also be welcomed by many Canadians who are
supportive of their decision.
Another Globe and Mail piece called Harry
and Meghan's presence, along with their baby
boy, Archie, quote, "the fairy tale ending
[Canadians] all deserve."
When the Duchess of Sussex visited a women's
center in Vancouver on January 14, 2020, there
were plenty of fans rolling out the welcome
mat.
Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
is on board.
He tweeted:
"Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archie, we're all
wishing you a quiet and blessed stay in Canada.
You're among friends, and always welcome here."
It's still not clear what Harry and Meghan
will do while living in Canada.
Clearly, they have countless fans, but The
Globe and Mail held fast to its warning in
a dire op-ed.
The stinger?
"Canada is not a halfway house for anyone
looking to get out of Britain while remaining
a royal."
Ouch.
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