The birth on Monday of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first child is wonderful news for the British royal family. The multiracial baby boy brings fresh genes to a family that needs it.
But while the as-yet-unnamed boy will have a fun life full of opportunity, comfort, and good parents, it won’t be a simple one. Although the boy is unlikely ever to become king, he will face intense media attention. As Harry learned during his formative years, this media coverage is unavoidable, but also stressful. He’ll also likely be a focus for fanatical interests that do not like the idea of a mixed race child at the highest levels of the Royal Family.
This is not to say the boy won’t be safe. As with other senior members of the royal family, he’ll have a protection detail from the Metropolitan Police’s Protection Command. But he may become a focus point for racist trolls and neo-nazi agitators. These concerns are closely monitored by British authorities, but are unpleasant nonetheless.
Ultimately, however, the affection of most Britons will mean the boy has a fun, albeit complicated upbringing.
