The notion that the British Royal Family is just like the rest of us quickly evaporates when you dive into the bizarre tales and rituals that surround them. Their immense wealth and status set them apart, but it’s their unusual experiences and perspectives that really highlight the chasm between their world and ours.
Prince Harry’s memoir Spare provides a particularly surreal glimpse into royal life, especially when recounting how he and Meghan Markle conceived their first child, Archie. The story unfolds during a family vacation in Scotland with King Charles and Queen Camilla, where the king shares an odd legend about selkies—mythical creatures that can transform from seals to humans. His advice? If you see a seal, sing to it. This whimsical suggestion might seem innocent, but it quickly spirals into an adventure that highlights how detached the royals can be from reality.
Inspired by Charles’ enchanting tale, Harry and Meghan venture to the beach to sing to the seals, believing in their supposed magic. The prince’s enthusiasm leads him to take a dip in the sea, blissfully unaware of the lurking killer whales. It’s a wild juxtaposition: while many parents face the stress of pregnancy through typical means, Harry’s journey includes mythological creatures and a near-death experience with marine predators.
This narrative not only underscores the eccentricity of royal life but also emphasizes a certain disconnect from everyday experiences. Most people don’t consult folklore or swim with seals when trying to conceive; they rely on science and practicality. In contrast, Harry’s reliance on these fantastical elements is a vivid reminder of the fairy tale-like aspects of royalty.
Moreover, this story reveals a deeper theme: the royals, despite their titles and privileges, often engage in practices and beliefs that seem straight out of a storybook. Their lives, filled with rituals and traditions, can seem as far removed from the average person’s reality as any fairy tale.
While they may put their coronation robes on one leg at a time, the experiences that shape their lives are anything but ordinary. The royals embody a blend of privilege, tradition, and surrealism that consistently blurs the line between reality and fantasy. So, while they may be human, their experiences and perspectives often exist in a realm that feels alien to most of us.