Surprising evolution of Royal princesses: Then vs. now

Things have always been more interesting to the public as compared to the responsibilities that have come with the position of a Princess in Royal family. But, over time those have also changed.

A princess’s life in the past was defined as duty-bound with marriages needed to preserve the traditions. Anna Whitelock, the historian describes these royal women with very little freedom in earlier centuries as dynastic power symbols with scarce autonomy.

For the sake of political relationships built to strengthen the Empires, marriages were made. Documentation from the 19th and 20th centuries showcase pretty princesses as the almost graceful and elegant, figuratively and literally hidden behind the kings and princes and gracefully slated to progenate. Speaking in public was unheard of and strictly reserved for royal protocol.

In the modern time, there have been enormous social changes including changes to the roles a princess plays today. They have expanded to including but nor limited to global social influencers, philanthropist, culture icons, and far more.

The Telegraph sees modern princesses participating in several social causes while incorporating some individuality to the traditional roles of a princess. Princess Diana, for instance, redefined the princesses in the modern age by interacting with the public on a personal and professional level while passionately supporting landmine removal and HIV awareness.

According to BBC News, there have been a number of modern royals such as Catherine, Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, who, in Diana’s legacy, have taken it upon themselves to advocate for the modern social issues of women empowerment, mental health, and much more.

The difference is more than clear: the public perception of a princess used to be dominantly professional and mute, but now, it is vibrant and interactive. Above all, the difference is colossal.

The only constant, as The Guardian puts it, is the attention from the media which has made it difficult for many to find clarity between the utmost personal rights, and the responsibilities that come with being a royal.

As time has gone by, a princess was seen as a mere figure in dynastic politics but a leader in philanthropic and cultural discussions, closing the gap towards the contemporary and technologically driven century.