What's the deal with Princess Angela of Liechtenstein?

At the risk of sounding as though I'm missing something, I don't understand the issue with Princess Angela of Liechtenstein.

I recently wrote an article Changing Face of Royalty where I mentioned her and how she, along with other women of various nationalities and backgrounds, have changed the way we look at royalty. That article was inspired by an email that I received about the fact that she doesn't receive much, if any, media coverage. In response to that article, one person commented: "Shame on the press for not covering them more".

Well, shame on the official site. They make no mention of her either!

Princess Angela may be the only black princess in a reigning European dynasty. She may be accomplished in many areas of her life. But I reiterate, marrying into the royal family is not an accomplishment. That alone does not make her newsworthy. I'd like to know what else she has done other than marry a Prince? Is that the way she should be defined? By who she's married to?

Judging by royal and non-royal forum threads, people are very interested in her. Deploring the lack of media coverage some go as far as to accuse it of being a race issue. The media can't accept a black woman marrying into royalty. Could it be that she and the family that she's married into have such a low profile as to not warrant coverage? Could it be that she and her husband prefer it that way? What exactly would you like the media to report on? In the absence any scandal, how about what she wears? Maybe her appearance at some meaningless party? A spread in Hello magazine? Or would that coverage be too superficial for you? Do you think this bothers Princess Angela as much as it bothers you?

In comparison to the wives of the Crown Prince's of Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and Spain, you'd think Princess Angela doesn't exist. But there's a difference. She didn't marry a Crown Prince. Like it or not, that's crucial. She may have married well but she didn't marry someone high enough on the royal food chain.

There are many members of royal houses who are not reported on either. I'm sure that there are many fascinating distant royal relations who we will never hear about. Does that make it some sort of royal reporting agenda? Or could it be they're not newsworthy enough either? I guarantee that if Prince William marries a black woman that will make up for any lack of coverage of Princess Angela. But then will the enormous amount of coverage become a race issue too?

There are many black women who are very accomplished, who have achieved great things and broken barriers. These are women who are noteworthy. Marrying royalty is not in the same league. And there were never any barriers to begin with. Princess Angela just happened to marry the right person.

So for those of you who complain of her not receiving coverage and recognition. Here's what you can do:

1) You can start a blog or a website devoted to her.

2) You can track her down, interview her yourself and submit it somewhere.

3) You can do nothing and continue to complain.

I've done my part. Now you do yours.

© Marilyn Braun 2008