The royal wedding was the hallmark of this past weekend and as Duchess Meghan Markle's dream came true, I began to think of my own wish to become a princess. As many other pre-schoolers, I was one who begged to be a princess similar to the ones I watched on Disney. I understand that Disney may have portrayed princesses as obscenely skinny, fragile women that must be saved by a Prince Charming, however, this isn't the only characteristics of a princess.
Yes, a princess is one that should be taken care of. Yes, a princess can be viewed as weak or in need of help. Yes, in Disney films and other media platforms, princesses are the gorgeous creatures in distress that fall at their savior's feet.
However, this doesn't mean one should refuse to attain the title of a princess.
I want to be a princess—a gorgeous woman of power.
I want a prince to sweep me off my feet. Not because I need it and can't be independent without him, but because I want to be appreciated, respected, and loved by someone who acknowledges my accomplishments.
I obviously understand that the title of a princess comes with a plethora of duties that may not all be as appealing as getting drowned under Versace dresses and diamonds, waving to crowds as children gawk at you, and aiding a plethora of charities - however, I'm a young woman who is determined to conquer it all. I'm pretty ambitious and I always have a game plan. A oyalr family is bound to be pressuring and judgemental - only strong girls can handle it. So, who said a princess was weak?
A modern, strong, independent woman that holds authority and has a head on her shoulders.
This is what a princess means to me, and, no, it doesn't seem so bad. I have enough (polite) sass to deal with pompous individuals. I have the rolled back shoulders and balance to walk with a book on my head. I have enough confidence to deal with in-your-face paparazzi.
As Duchess Meghan Markle shockingly walked the aisle by herself, I was reminded of how strong and influential women were and will continue to be as I look forward to seeing how Markle's strong mind refuses to conform to the royal protocol.