…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Perez Hilton, a prominent gossip columnist in the US, has stated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should return to the UK as they are “boring” without the drama surrounding the royal family.
Hilton argues that in America, they are only seen as celebrities rather than royals, and that their use of royal titles despite their criticisms of the institution is hypocritical.
Although the couple have had some success in America, with Prince Harry’s book becoming a best-seller and their Netflix show generating headlines, Hilton believes that their return to the UK is “inevitable” as they are not interesting on their own.
Analysis and commentary
The ongoing drama surrounding Harry and Meghan continues to generate headlines and opinions from all over the world.
Perez Hilton’s comments reflect the idea that the couple’s fame in America is largely due to their status as former members of the British royal family, rather than their individual achievements.
However, it is worth noting that the couple’s criticisms of the royal institution are not unfounded, and that their decision to step back from their roles as senior royals was likely driven by genuine concerns about their mental health and privacy.
Regardless of one’s opinion of Harry and Meghan, it is clear that they are still able to attract a great deal of media attention, and their every move continues to be closely watched by the public.
It remains to be seen whether they will return to the UK, but if they do, it is likely that they will once again become a focus of media attention in the country.
Pledge of allegiance has popular history
The King’s offer for the public to pledge allegiance to him at the Coronation has been criticized as outdated. However, it is not a new idea.
Before the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953, a group of Labour MPs led by Clement Attlee proposed a similar oath for both the common man and the aristocracy, which was considered too progressive at the time.
Analysis and commentary
The criticism of the King’s offer to the public to pledge allegiance highlights the changing attitudes towards the monarchy in the UK.
While the royal family continues to enjoy a great deal of public support, there are also many who view the institution as outdated and irrelevant.
The suggestion by Labour MPs in 1953 to include the common man in the pledge of allegiance reflects a more egalitarian approach to the monarchy, which may be more in line with contemporary attitudes.
Could City Hall return to central London?
Samuel Kasumu, a leading Tory hopeful to be the candidate for Mayor, has suggested that City Hall could return to central London.
The Mayor’s office moved to the Docklands in 2021 due to high rent costs, but Kasumu is reportedly looking to bring it back to central London.
He is also calling for a referendum on the controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion.
Analysis and commentary
The idea of bringing City Hall back to central London is interesting, as it could potentially make the Mayor’s office more accessible and visible to the public.
However, the issue of rent costs will need to be addressed in order for this to be a viable option.
Kasumu’s call for a referendum on the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion also reflects the growing concern around air pollution in London, and the need for measures to reduce emissions.