Imagine, if you will, that there existed a television interview with Henry VIII. Sprawled in one of his Royal palaces with the interviewer nervously perched amongst the discarded chicken bones and giant dogs, what would he say? Would he be repentant about the beheadings, the adultery, the abject violence? Would he make us believe that his quest for an heir lay rooted in a deep and fervent respect for his bloodline? Definitely not. For the Tudors were monarchy proper; mysterious and shadowy, sheathed in transcendence. Monarchy before the mystery was replaced by the dull sheen of celebrity and its Instagram accounts, television interviews, zoom appearances and podcasts.
News that Harry and Meghan will be interviewed by their close friend and California neighbour, Oprah Winfrey, invites several questions. The first of which must surely be why, when they have begged us, nay implored, us to stop looking at them are they once again inviting our attention? If you’re confused, don’t be.
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