Royal Watching

Historian Carolyn Harris on Prince Harry’s wedding, the Queen on TV and the family’s changing attitudes

- Courtney Sheaa

Between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding on May 19, a new baby for Prince William and Kate Middleton and the success of The Crown, is the intrigue with royalty at an all-time high?

There’s definitely been a revival of interest among younger people, particularly here in Canada. That actually started in 2010 when the Queen visited to celebrate Canada Day. And then, a year later, William and Kate chose our country as their first overseas tour after marriage.

What do you make of Marklemania? Why is the newest future royal so popular?

We’re definitely seeing her interact with the public in a way reminiscent of Princess Diana. Just as Diana received a lot of attention for crouching down to speak with children and those who are ill, Meghan has been hugging people and making human connections.