The Princess of Wales’ private affairs are public news as she lays down her right to privacy simply by being a member of the Royal Family. Woman Alive’s deputy editor, Jemimah Wright asks what we can learn from this as Christians.
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Last week Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital for planned abdominal surgery.
Kensington Palace released an update saying: ‘The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery.
‘Based on current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter. The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible, and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible, and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
‘Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share. The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.’
Previously Kate has enjoyed good health, despite being admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum – severe morning sickness.
But that we all know her medical history, and that the Palace sent out the communication, must be a downside of being a Princess. Who wants the whole world discussing the medical treatment you are having, making guesses on what it might be? Not me.
But maybe there is a plus side to this lack of privacy? There will be many well-wishers sending prayers and encouragement her way, and that has to be a good thing. Or maybe it becomes overwhelming when it is tens of thousands of strangers saying they are thinking of you? I don’t know.
Being a member of the Royal Family, means your life is not your own, and how similar that is to the Christian life. 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us ‘You are not your own; you were bought at a price.’
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Kate has laid down her rights to privacy by becoming a Princess. She is now, in many ways, a servant of the people. But we too, as Christian women lay down our rights when we give her life to Jesus. Rights are anything we hold onto instead of holding onto Jesus.
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow him. (Luke 9:23) This is the path of surrendered rights. In fact, Jesus led us down this pathway. He let go of his “right” to stay in heaven with his Father. (Phil. 2:6)
So as we pray for Kate, for swift healing of her body, let her lack of privacy remind us of what it means to lay down our rights. In doing so we are allowing Jesus to be Lord of our life, and that is the best decision anyone can make.
