One reason people seem obsessed with Harry and Meghan is that they represent an important economic trend that resonates well beyond the British royal family: the rising tension between individual brands and the power and prestige of being part of an institution. And it’s not just an issue for royal houses.
In the past, if money and security and status were what you craved, your path was clear: You got a job at the most prestigious institution you could and became a valuable team player. For this, you gave up some part of your identity. You wouldn’t be well-known to people outside your field or even within the company. To a large extent, this was a relic of industrialization. In its final phase, stars were for cinema, while office work meant heads down in dedication to the institution. In exchange for fealty, you received a slice of its success and prestige.
This has reversed. We have fewer movie stars but more high-profile people in other…
