The Lessons of Princess Kate’s Mystery for UK and US Democracies
There is ongoing talk from unelected pundits about the threat to democracy.
However, as voters brace themselves for a potential rematch between Biden and Trump, some may begin to question the value of democracy itself.
Was it a mistake to abandon George III for the system we have now?
In the United Kingdom, there are free elections much like our own.
However, when a prime minister like Rishi Sunak is facing low popularity, there is no concern about the country being in a cultural conflict.
While prime ministers come and go, the head of state – the monarch, like Queen Elizabeth II – can remain consistent for decades and be widely loved.
Americans are only slightly less captivated by the royal family than the British themselves.
The recent concern over the missing princess has certainly grabbed the attention of Americans.
Formerly known as Kate Middleton and now Catherine, Princess of Wales, she has not been seen much since Christmas.
In January, she underwent planned abdominal surgery and was expected to return to public duties by Easter.
Despite this, concerns persisted due to vague information regarding her health.
These concerns heightened when her husband, Prince William, the heir to the throne, suddenly backed out of his godfather’s funeral due to a personal matter.
Efforts were made by Kensington Palace, Kate, and William to address these worries by releasing a photo of the princess alongside her children for Mothering Sunday on March 10.
However, the photo was discovered to be digitally altered, leading media agencies to retract it.
The attempt to quell rumors ultimately backfired and raised more suspicions.
Despite this, the monarchy continues to receive genuine sympathy from many Britons, who perceive the royal family as a national family unit.
This sentiment contrasts with American views on elected leaders and emphasizes the unique place of the monarchy in British society.
While royal families have their flaws, public awareness of royal scandals can make them more relatable and incite emotional investment from the public.
This dynamic has a parallel in American politics, where figures like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump have engaged the public in their personal dramas.
However, the stakes are higher for American leaders, who face scrutiny for the political decisions they make.
America lacks a unifying figurehead like the British monarchy, with the Constitution serving as its closest equivalent – a detached entity above politics.
Yet, the drama and intrigue in American democracy come from the human leaders who make critical decisions, contrasting with the stability and continuity of the British monarchy.
Daniel McCarthy is the editor of Modern Age: A Conservative Review.
Twitter: @ToryAnarchist
