The popularity of the British monarchy has constantly fluctuated with the successes and scandals brought about every year regarding specific members of the family. More recently, we can look at Prince Andrew, for example, and his involvement in the Epstein scandal, though he is yet to be held accountable. Despite him arguably not being a fair representation of the family, the damage made to the public image was significant and it shifted the narrative around the family. We’ve seen this far more prominently in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, who have provided the biggest source of interest and speculation for royalists and abolitionists alike. However, their sudden move from their traditional, intimate home in London to the celebrity-ridden, flashy Los Angeles has reignited a debate of whether the royal family is a toxic, corrupted and scandal-drenched household or whether it is conversely a structure that maintains dignity, and simply had a pivotal discussion with the couple about their duties and desire in the family.
Top Stories: 5th March
Have a flick through this week’s top stories, curated by Caroline Young
Black History Month panel
Our wise and wondrous WHS history department have been sitting down to discuss black history in the past few weeks, in recognition that February is the USA’s Black History month. The first instalment of these panels was sent out to you all in podcast format before half term. If that has slipped your mind, here is a transcript of the whole podcast. Hopefully you find it informative and enjoyable, and it whets your appetite for the next instalment, where we’ll hear the takes of several of our A-level historians.
3% – the Brazilian Netflix show subtly working against the lack of diversity in Brazilian TV
Having just finished 3%, a Netflix show consisting of four seasons, the latest being released in August of 2020, I have to applaud it not only for its captivating dystopian plotline and developed characters but its beautiful diversity. Although it is saddening that seeing media with a diverse cast is surprising, I am glad that it is starting to emerge.
One Night in Miami
On February 25th, 1964, 22-year-old Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali) defeated Sonny Liston in the world heavyweight boxing championship. Instead of champagne and parties, he spent the night in a small room at the Hampton House Motel with 3 other African-American titans: NFL star Jim Brown, Legendary soul singer/producer Sam Cooke and spearhead of the civil rights movement Malcom X. All four men were at a pivotal moment in their careers and the conversations had would be life changing.




