As we’re sure you’re well aware, the entire world is currently united by anxiety about the coronavirus, particularly with regard to what effects the outbreak might have on our most vulnerable citizens, as well as the global economy.
And it seems the soon-to-be-retiring royals are no exception.
Yes, prior to the global pandemic, there were few stories that the entire world was following more closely than #Megxit — a term coined by the British press to refer to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step down from their roles as senior members of the royal family.
The decision won’t fully take effect until April 1, at which time the couple will be officially relieved of all their royal duties (though Harry will remain sixth in line for the throne).
In the meantime, Harry and Meghan have taken up residence in Canada, which means that for the first time in his adult life, the prince is not in a position to offer assistance to the British people in a time of crisis.
And not surprisingly, the new living arrangement — combined with the fact that the Sussexes are parents to a 10-month-old baby — has made for some very tense times at the couple’s Vancouver Island home.
Insiders tell Page Six that Harry and Meghan feel “a bit helpless and isolated out in the middle of nowhere” and are practicing an abundance of caution in an effort to keep themselves and their little one safe.
“Everyone on their team, the people who buy groceries and run errands, wear latex gloves at all times and are to follow a strict hygiene protocol,” a source tells the outlet.
And it seems Meghan is being very selective with regard to which staffers she personally interacts with.
“Only a select few will be able to interact with her, Harry and Archie,” says the insider.
“She said she’s keeping it to a bare minimum.”
Of course, the most responsible thing to do in this situation would be to send the staff home until the outbreak begins to subside, but we guess there are some aspects of royal life that Harry and Meghan are not so keen to part with.
Apparently, both of Archie’s parents are frustrated by being stuck at home, but it seems Meghan has devised a strategy for assisting with the global crisis without violating social distancing protocol.
“Meghan said just because they are isolating themselves, it doesn’t mean they can’t help,” says the insider.
“They aren’t just sitting around at home doing nothing.”
Meghan has apparently opted to focus on the effect that the coronavirus might be having upon those who are vulnerable to mental health issues.
“Meghan told her inner circle that what’s happening in the world right now is a mental health crisis,” says the source.
“She said they are working with a mental health nonprofit to create some sort of online support system for those most vulnerable, like new mothers suffering from postpartum depression,” the insider adds.
“People who lack support systems need reassurance that they are not alone.”
Well, that’s certainly the truth.
We’re in unprecedented territory here, and no one knows what sort of lasting effect this crisis might have on people who are already living in the margins of society.
Of course, it’s worth reiterating that this seems like a situation in which Meghan and Harry could lead by example.
And hey, sending their staff home (with full pay, of course), might also ease some of those contamination fears and eliminate the need for wearing latex gloves around the house.
It’s a win-win!
