A trip to the lake. Garden preparation. Yard work. Or perhaps sitting with noses pressed against the window because the weather is keeping us indoors—all represent the dreams and reality often associated with the weekend colloquially known as May long, but is a holiday in honor of Queen Victoria; the British monarch who was Queen at the time of Canada's founding.
Although fifth in line to the throne at the time of her birth, she became Queen less than a month after turning 18. She gave birth to nine children, outlived three of them, survived six assassination attempts and reigned as Queen for more than 63 years. In a BBC poll in the early 2000's she was named the 18th greatest Briton of all time.
Our support for, fascination with, or indifference towards the British monarchy tends to fluctuate over time and with events like royal visits, weddings and yes…the birth of babies…as we saw last week. No matter what level of coverage is given some observers can't get enough while others express annoyance.
I readily admit I enjoy reading about the British royal family and have amassed a bit of a collection of books and odds and ends. As a history enthusiast and social science buff it is interesting to note the political shaping and impact of early monarchs, as well as tracing the way society has viewed their changing roles. From rulers to activists to tabloid sensations, royalty walk a path that has required being in the public eye.
Two Canadian entertainment hosts praised Prince Harry and Meghan for how the public learned of the arrival of their already-famous baby. "Major points for the roll-out," they commented. "Just little bits of information trickling out all week. Done like a pro. Celebrity style."
Whether it was a well-managed roll-out or new parents seeking to retain privacy at a pivotal moment, it is interesting to note that what some royals seek is the very thing many others are working hard to give away.
Academic and consumer studies done over the last number of years indicate how desperate some people are to become famous. They expressed a willingness to forgo education and marriage, and even disown their own families if it meant they would become famous.
A study by a science magazine found that "a desire for fame solely for the sake of being famous was the most popular future goal amongst a group of 10-12 year olds, overshadowing hopes for financial success, achievement, and a sense of community."
The number of young people working summer jobs, pursuing a driver's license, or wanting to move out of their parent's home is on the decline. Psychologists caution they are instead looking to be popular, rich, loved by millions, happy and beautiful. Although fame-seeking is nothing new it certainly has become far easier, and is shaping the culture we are all trying to navigate.
Pictures of the British royal family were taken as early as 1842 but it was in 1860 that the first portraits were published and made available to the public. A collecting craze began which was embraced by Queen Victoria and it marked the start of a photographed celebrity culture. She couldn't have known how voracious it would become for subsequent members of the royal family, or the irony that while they go to great lengths to preserve privacy, many others would gladly forego most anything to get their piece of the fame pie.
But it can come at a cost. Difficulty knowing who to trust, lack of accountability, destructive decisions, feeling used for the dollars made for others, abuse of drugs and alcohol, loneliness, isolation, and suicidal thoughts are just some of what can come with fame. Quite a different picture than the one people perceive is waiting for them on the other side of popularity and prominence.
As we head into the weekend in honor of the formidable woman who was the first public face of the monarchy, I will be especially thankful for a private space, like my backyard, and a life free from global comment and criticism. A place where friends and family rank higher than fame and fortune. That's my outlook.
