Lucy Vickery

Spectator competition winners: Laureates past on the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

The latest challenge asked for a poem written by a poet laureate present or past on the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The role of laureate is not for everyone. Craig Raine once said to Ted Hughes, during a discussion of the then-vacant post, ‘Of course, no one in their right mind would really want it.’ (‘You’d get some terrific fishing,’ Hughes responded.) And Andrew Motion — who was in the hot seat for ten years and was much mocked for the rap he wrote to mark Prince William’s 21st birthday — was candid about its pitfalls: ‘How was I to steer an appropriate course between familiarity (which would seem presumptuous) and sycophancy (which would seem absurd)?’ You strode into the minefield with gusto, and there was much to admire in a largish and vigorous entry. Frank Osen and A.H. Harker both took inspiration from Tennyson’s ‘The May Queen’, and I much enjoyed George Simmers’s waspish twist on Masefield’s ‘Cargoes’. The winners take £25 each.

Chris O’Carroll/William Wordsworth Bliss is it in this dawn to be alive, When love so touching in its majesty And common truth can brighten every eye That every downcast spirit might revive. This couple shows how two true hearts contrive To transcend caste, tribe and geography. We feel a brave tomorrow drawing nigh As unity and difference gladly thrive. Dull would he be of soul who felt no joy When gazing on this new iconic pair, This much applauded girl and highborn boy Whose romance is a gift all souls may share. When elements diverse as these alloy, Earth has not anything to show more fair.

Brian Murdoch/John Betjeman Meghan Markle, Meghan Markle, What a welcome royal mate! You’ve given us a rhyme for ‘sparkle’, A joy for any Laureate!

Better still, the prince you marry Will provide another rhyme When you tie the knot with Harry, Ah, what poetry sublime!

I’m sure Her Maj.,

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