Unless you are living under a rock, you are well of aware that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided that they would like to step back as senior members of the Royal Family. Did you even know there were senior royals? After the bombshell announcement, through negotiations with the Queen, they are giving up their HRH status which means just in case you were wondering is that people do not have to bow or address them as “Your Royal Highness” along with repaying for renovations to their Frogmore Cottage.
Much has been made of this horror of horrors decision but do not forget that Harry’s mother the late Princess Diana was stripped of her HRC status when she divorced Prince Charles.
Last night, Prince Harry made a statement at an event organized for the supporters of his Sentebale charity (Sentebale supports the mental health and wellbeing of children afflicted with HIV.) Again remember Princess Diana famously destigmatized HIV by hugging those who were afflicted by the disease.
There were many statements he made that stood for me given all the “sources” from the Royals.
- “The UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change.”
- “The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always got it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.” Key words, there decision and negotiations have been going on for months.
- “What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you. Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.” In no way is his intention not to support his service to the Queen.
But this is quote that really stuck with me the most because this is all of us at one time in our lives.
“We are taking a leap of faith – thank you for giving me the courage to take this next step.”
Taking a leap of faith
Life is not static or linear, there are ups and downs, good times and bad times and there are moments that we Take a leap of Faith.
I think back through my life about all my Leap of Faiths and while they were big decisions and scary decisions, some worked out and some didn’t.
- I remember quite distinctly deciding to go to college thousands of miles away from family while my friends went instate. I could have done that but I wanted to go away. It was scary because I did not know anyone and I am not an openly gregarious person. I And trust me in the first few months, all I wanted to do was transfer and come home but I stuck it out. t took me many months but I finally found friends that are still my friends today.
- Accepting a job in New York City without a place to live. This dilemma is not a big deal in other cities or towns because it’s easy to find apartments. That is not the case in New York City so I found, imagine having a job and your parents having to co-sign for your apartment or have enough in savings to pay first and last month’s rent. Luckily it worked out for me but it was pretty scary.
- And living in New York City with no friends. That was extremely scary but I muddled through.
- Moving to Japan and taking a job after my mother’s tragic death. My sister and I decided to teach English and become closer to my mother’s family. Imagine living and working in a town of 800 people and barely speaking the language. I cherish my year not only teaching elementary school kids but of course spending time with my mother’s family.
- Stepping back from working and living in Florence for a year. I knew I was going to business school but wanted to have one big hurrah before taking that step.
- Deciding to adopt my daughter on my own. I really wanted to be a mother and frankly was at an age that waiting for Mr. Right was not an option. Talk about the ultimate leap of faith becoming a mother with no financial or family support near me. And here we are 16 years later.
So I applaud Prince Harry and his wife the Duchess of Sussex for taking a leap of faith. Because I have said often, Prince Harry is 6th in line to be King and when Prince Charles becomes King and Prince William moves up, Harry will start to secede from view just like Prince Charles’ siblings.
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at tonight’s dinner for supporters of Sentebale in London Video © SussexRoyal
