In a seemingly mundane setting, Catherine, Princess of Wales, engaged in conversations about household chores with her husband and rode the subway with her daughter. These instances offered a glimpse into their daily lives while also addressing a significant challenge faced by the monarchy – the need to connect with the public beyond the palace walls.
Royal historian Justin Vovk emphasized that the monarchy’s aim is not to portray Prince William and Catherine as ordinary individuals but to show that despite their unique circumstances, they share common human experiences with everyone else. This effort to establish relatability has been a longstanding focus for European monarchies since the 19th century upheavals that emphasized the importance of being relatable to the general public.
According to social scholar Judith Rowbotham, modern monarchies view relatability as a crucial aspect, especially during times of economic uncertainty and public scrutiny of government actions. The intention is to convey that although royals live in luxurious surroundings, they also lead regular lives within their lavish homes without constant help from staff, thus bridging the perceived gap between the monarchy and the public.
Despite efforts to appear relatable, there remains a natural distance between the monarchy and the people, as noted by Vovk. However, the ongoing emphasis on relatability is essential for the monarchy’s relevance and public acceptance, ensuring that they are seen as accessible and relatable figures rather than distant and isolated.
The recent public appearances of Prince Harry and Meghan, although no longer official working members of the Royal Family, raise questions about the monarchy’s image and the distinction between public and private engagements. This shift in their roles underscores a delicate balance between maintaining the monarchy’s allure while adapting to evolving societal expectations.
The monarchy’s focus on relatability reflects a broader strategy to engage with the public and secure its continued relevance and support. Building connections with various segments of society, including through charity work and community engagements, remains a key aspect of modern royal duties.