Unconventional Advice: Prince William’s Wisdom for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

As hereditary members of the British monarchy, it is no secret that the lives of the royal family members often come with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. One particularly notable piece of advice that Prince William offered to his brother, Prince Harry, and his future wife, Meghan Markle, highlights the importance of preparation and understanding within a royal relationship.

Mind the Step: Pre-Building Code Staircases and Royal Life

Many of the residences occupied by the royal family, such as those owned by Prince William and Kate, are older homes with pre-building code staircases. Steps that were once the norm might now seem higher, making a simple slip a very real possibility. This is a metaphorical reference to the high standards and the often unexpected changes that come with royal life. Life in the royal family often includes a significant shift from a normal lifestyle to one filled with public duties, scrutiny, and protocol.

Get to Know Her and Her Family

Prince William’s advice to his younger brother, Prince Harry, was genuinely heartfelt and reflective of his own experiences. He had met his future wife, Catherine, at university and developed a deep friendship before their marriage. William was keenly aware of the pressure and stress that could come from a royal relationship, having observed it firsthand with his brother’s previous serious girlfriends. His advice to Harry can be summarized as:

Get to know her first Get to know her family Introduce her to the pressures being a royal entails If she understands, help her with re-transition

This advice can be seen as both a helpful guide and a concern from a well-intentioned older brother who had already navigated similar challenges. Harry, on the other hand, took the advice as an interference in his personal life and a delay to his happiness.

Brutal Words of Warning

Prince William’s warning to Harry regarding Meghan Markle’s background and the potential for unexpected changes was both blunt and prescient. The quote, “She’s an American actress after all, Harold. Anything might happen,” demonstrates William’s pragmatic approach to the situation. The use of “Harold” as a nickname signifies a familial relationship but also potentially anonymizes Harry’s experiences, making the warning more general and less personal.

New Beginnings and Reflections

Prince Harry’s recent book, “Spare,” provides insight into his perspective on his brother’s advice. Harry recalls being “a bit hurt” by his brother’s words. However, the strength of their sibling bond is evident in the fact that Harry chose to hug both his brother and his sister-in-law, Catherine. This moment signifies a reconciliation and underscores the underlying support and understanding within the family.

Conclusion

Prince William’s advice to his brother and to Harry and Meghan Markle serves as a valuable lesson for all those entering into significant relationships, especially those with additional layers of tradition and public expectations. His words remind us that change, especially sudden and profound, can be challenging but also that preparation and open communication are key to navigating such transitions successfully.