Whoever you are, whatever your opinion on the divide between Harry, Meghan and the rest of the royal family, one thing is certain.
Everyone, no matter where they stand, which side they’re on, thinks it’s a real shame.
A very sorry state of affairs for any family to be in, regardless of royalty.
Of course there’s no such thing as a perfect, happy family, they all have their issues, struggles, disagreements – but the Windsors being this fractured, with seemingly not much possibility of ever repairing their relationships, is desperately sad.
Everybody involved must be in a significant amount of pain, with no apparent end in sight.
But now, after months of turmoil and heartache, finally a light at the end of the tunnel.
A beacon of hope, a symbol of a fresh beginning in the form of a newborn child. Could Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor be the band aid baby who heals the royal rift?
Unlikely as it seems, this three day old is currently the person who stands the best chance of putting this broken family back together again.
Naming their daughter after The Queen makes Harry and Meghan’s feelings and regard for her crystal clear.
It could be seen as setting their intention, offering an olive branch in black and white on the birth certificate.
Even the most cynical, surliest misery-guts cannot fail to be cheered by news of a new baby.
Her arrival gives the perfect excuse to get back in touch with each other – whatever has gone on in the past, and more recently, put to the side for a moment – to give warm congratulations, share the excitement, wish the new little one well.
It’s a rare opportunity for some no strings attached communication, focussed purely on joy.
A no questions asked ceasefire in whatever else may be going on. This trumps everything else.
It also reminds all the main players that they are a family, and although on the surface they are currently far apart, the bonds that tie them fundamentally remain strong.
When it comes to matters of life and death, everything else is irrelevant, even if only briefly.
The family came together for the funeral of Prince Phillip, and now they do again (albeit via technology rather than face to face) for a much happier reason.
Little Lili’s arrival will obviously not be a magic cure that erases the past and instantly makes everyone close again.
It could well be the start of something though, the first few steps on the path towards reconciliation.
There was a time when it seemed like that would never, ever happen. That the situation was utterly hopeless. Now there’s a chance – let’s hope everyone grabs it with both hands.
