Modern Family

Meghan and Harry’s favoured causes mirror the concerns and values of other people their age. Similarly, there’s Harry, William and Kate’s work with mental health organisations. Last year, Harry famously appeared on journalist Bryony Gordon’s Mad World podcast to discuss his experience of poor mental health after his mother’s death, and the work he’s doing to shape public understanding.

“Afterwards, we saw a 38% increase in calls to our Infoline,” says Paul Farmer, CEO of mental health charity Mind. “The profile and reach they have supports the work we’re already doing to tackle stigma at a national level.”

By taking on issues too taboo for older royals, the trio, now joined by Markle, are rebranding the monarchy from a cold, antiquated institution to an approachable force for good.

“They’re humanising the royal family,” adds Johnson. The two couples are also increasing the appeal of the royal family among people unlikely to buy a souvenir tea towel: nearly 25% of 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK say the upcoming wedding has inspired them to find out more about the royals, according to Mintel.

Changing the royal family’s image is a slow process. Markle is marrying into an institution with centuries of tradition behind it. Queen Elizabeth II has seen more change during her reign than nearly any other monarch. She is Britain’s longest-serving monarch (previously Queen Victoria, who reigned for 64 years) and, having sat on the throne since 1952, has reigned during a period of unprecedented social change.

Remember how, too, the Queen came to power. In a melodrama played out on hit Netflix show The Crown, her uncle, Edward VIII abdicated suddenly to marry the divorced American Wallis Simpson, leaving a young Elizabeth’s father – George VI – to step in.

“When you think that the Queen’s grandson can now marry an American divorcee with everyone’s blessing, it shows how times have changed,” says Gristwood.

The Queen agrees. Addressing parliament on her Golden Jubilee in 2002, she said, “Change is a constant: managing it has become an expanding discipline. The way we embrace it defines our future.”

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