THE REAL LIFE OF A PRINCESS

The Woman's Own columnist has her say on princesses, babies and mansplaining

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We're all fascinated, but is it all it's cracked up to be?

For some reason, little girls have always been encouraged to be princesses.

Even now, when they could be nuclear physicists, it's still frothy frocks and Prince Charming. Fairy stories, Disney and the bridal business feed us this ditzy dream while we're still in nappies.

But why? Because when you look at the experiences of real-life princesses, it's not all it's cracked up to be. They may not have to worry about paying the bills, but Prince Charming often turns out to be a frog, there's often a wicked stepmother (or other evil relative) and ballgowns aren't conducive to practical stuff like, er, breathing.

Plus there's always someone desperate to document your every move on TV or the movie screen, in books and newspapers, and in the Wild West of social media.

Take Princesses Diana and Catherine, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. This year has seen Netflix series, mainstream telly and books galore featuring the trio.

It may be 28 years since we lost Diana, but her ghost still looms over the monarchy, her sons William and Harry, and especially her daughters-in-law.