IT was interesting to witness the global outpouring of grief at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8. Royal watchers collectively held their breath waiting for some (more) family drama to unfold, as runaway royal Prince Harry and his wife Megan Markle continued to make headlines in the weeks leading up to this sad event.
The prince plunged the monarchy into crisis after he and the duchess sensationally quit royal duties and left the UK for California two years ago. He then made a series of stunning allegations against The Firm (a nickname for the royal institution). The Queen's death forced an unexpected reunion between Harry and the rest of the Royal Family.
In the days leading up to the Queen's funeral on September 19, so much media attention was given to every small thing Harry and Megan did or did not do. Many royal watchers may have forgotten that he was still a grandson who had just lost a beloved grandmother. While dealing with the turmoil of fraught relations between his father and brother, he experienced several heavy emotions.
Among those emotions is grief over losing Gan Gan. Perhaps he regretted not coming to see her when his father King Charles III invited him just a week before she died. He may have felt shame for airing family laundry in media interviews. The prince could be angry at himself and family members for the fallout in family relations.
And there might be resentment – perhaps even at his own wife, who may have instigated a rift in the family. And lastly, he may experience sadness that his own children may not ever get to know their own cousins and their royal heritage. This may lead to the dismal realisation that his relationship with them will not be the same again.
Is the moment of grief the right time to heal relationships within a family?
How would one’s personal decision for reconciliation or continued alienation be impacted under the close glare of media and public scrutiny?
Can a mediator help bridge a rift so vast?
Dr Joel and Shazmin discuss what it would take for healing, forgiveness and forward momentum in a family ruptured by issues like these. – The Vibes, September 27, 2022
Dr Joel Low is a Clinical Psychologist and Director at The Mind Psychological Services & Training, and an exco member of the MSCP. He specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and works with a wide range of clients to help them reach their goals.
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Produced by Shazmin Shamsuddin and sound engineered by Ethan Phoon.
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