Relationships between Members of the British Royal Family


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I think it's time the family have a big private meeting pronto. Figure out a way to handle all this.

It would do wonders if there could be some joint appearances (other than family holiday settings). Doesn't have to be all of them at one time....Meghan and Camilla, Sophie and Meghan, Anne and Meghan, Beatrice and Meghan, Sophie and Camilla etc. They all stay in their own 'boxes' too much IMO. It just lends to the idea of family disharmony.


LaRae

I don't know if that would help much.
When Meghan attended Wimbledon with Kate and Pippa, there were lots of sneers about how staged it was.

And at this point, it would probably be too little too late, as someone said.
 
Have Kings really brothers?

In a trailer for the upcoming movie "King Henry" Falstaff says: King have not friends - only vasalls and foes.

But have they brothers? As kids perhaps. But later on one will become King and the other step by step the no longer needed Spare-Part-Prince, not much more than a mere noble man (but much poorer than some).

Is this a good basis for a brotherly relationship? Only if they accept, that it is what it is!
 
In the past Royal 'younger brothers' were very often a serious threat... but these days they cannot 'bump off' their elder brother to gain power.. sibling rivalry in inevitable in almost every such relationship.. Royal Families are no exception,,
 
I have no doubt Harry knows his place in the family.

I have absolutely no doubt that at one time Harry both knew and understood very well the place he occupies in the hierarchy. However, I also think that for some reason, be it the influence of his wife, a change in his mental health, a sudden realization of time passing and mortality and the inevitable fact that in the not so distant future all of their places will change, or maybe a combination of all of those things and more, he decided he was no longer content to live and work and function within that spot. I really think there's a pretty drastic shake up occurring at the moment on the Sussex front and I find myself more and more sure that the rest of the family is simply trying to figure out what to make of it and how (or even whether) they should step in in some way. It happens, I've been there. I've watched a family member or two seemingly spiral with no real clear indication of what precipitated it or what might be the cause and we all had to watch for a bit to figure out if and when to step in and how to do that. I do think, though, that this documentary might very well be the straw the broke the camel's back or the final catalyst that will induce some sort of action by the family and that six week break might be that first step in a series of actions yet to come. I'm not even really sure that we, the public, might see or know about all of the steps or actions but we might see some of it play out in public.
 
Some interesting things in this article--

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-f...single-handedly-modernising-monarchy-despite/

here is one of them--

"Another told the Evening Standard that the Duchess, who told the programme “not many people ask me if I’m ok”, had been offered support by senior members of the Royal Family including the Queen and Prince of Wales who had "gone out of their way" to help".
 
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The thread is now re-opened. Please be sure to keep your comments about family relationships and not turn this into a discussion about the media. There is a separate thread to discuss Meghan and Harry’s future, so please don’t bring that discussion over here.

Since none of us truly know the relationships between members of the BRF, there is of course going to be a bit of speculation that comes with discussing this topic. But let’s try to stick with factual based information and steer clear of the more fanciful and wild types of rumor and gossip.
 
Has Andrew fallen out with his siblings? None of them are going to Andrew's 60th, even the Queen isnt going- Edward's skiing with his family and the rest all have engagements. I know there was no longer to be a public celebration but it strikes me odd that none of them are going as they are all 'busy'...afterall you only turn 60 once.

https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/...hday-celebrations-stripped-back-a4365006.html
 
I believe Andrew addressed this himself in Robert Hardman's book, "Our Queen". I'm writing here from memory but he does talk about how hard it is for the family to get together. Its one of the down sides of being part of the British Royal Family. Everybody has full calendars and busy lives.

I don't think family not being on hand to celebrate Andrew's 60th is a reflection on how they feel about him but rather adhering to their own duties and commitments and things put into their day planners quite a bit ahead of time.

With Andrew living at Royal Lodge and the Queen being in residence at Windsor Castle on the weekends and Edward and Sophie and their family living in the neighborhood also, they very well could see each other from time to time that just isn't made public. I know we've seen Andrew out riding with his mother on the Windsor estate.

I think the next time we will see the family gather en masse will be at Trooping the Color in June.
 
William and Charles are closer than ever since Harry left...I know they’ve had a complicated relationship, so I’m truly happy to see this. Complicated doesn’t mean unloving, but still and all, it’s lovely to see, especially with all that’s happened recently ..

Charles has been incredibly supportive of William in recent weeks because he has such a lot going on,' the royal watcher said.

She added that Harry's withdrawal from royal life would also motivate Prince Charles to focus his attention on his firstborn.

Charles tends to jam-pack his diary but he's now making a real effort to pencil in time for William,' she explained, adding he would also try to make more time for his grand-children George, six, Charlotte, four and Prince Louis, one.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/...t-Charles-William-says-royal-commentator.html

And this from a few days ago...

There’s a sense of the family pulling together and presenting a united front and being busier than ever. There has definitely been a shift in William’s relationship with his father,” a family friend said. “They are very much a team. With Harry and Meghan overseas, a lot rests on William and the word that keeps coming up is ‘sovereign.’ Charles is passionate about sovereignty and how he and his son will be the embodiment of that. I would say it is what drives him and what he is most committed to.”

....

“There was a time when Charles was hurt when William turned down the chance to take over the Prince’s Trust and I think he worried about the future, but not now. He has every faith in William and respects and admires the work he and Catherine do with the Royal Foundation,” the family friend added.


https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/02/prince-william-prince-charles-joint-engagements
 
Has Andrew fallen out with his siblings? None of them are going to Andrew's 60th, even the Queen isnt going- Edward's skiing with his family and the rest all have engagements. I know there was no longer to be a public celebration but it strikes me odd that none of them are going as they are all 'busy'...afterall you only turn 60 once.

https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/...hday-celebrations-stripped-back-a4365006.html

Possibly apart from the queen, the others are not too happy with him right now and may feel that while they are not turning him out of their houses, its a bit much to expect them to rejoice at a party when he has created such a scandal....
 
Has Andrew fallen out with his siblings? None of them are going to Andrew's 60th, even the Queen isnt going- Edward's skiing with his family and the rest all have engagements. I know there was no longer to be a public celebration but it strikes me odd that none of them are going as they are all 'busy'...afterall you only turn 60 once.

https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/...hday-celebrations-stripped-back-a4365006.html



I see a couple of things wrong with this;

1: It’s a weekday, a Wednesday to be precise, a big celebration/party is not going to be taking place tonight. It’ll probably if any occur be a weekend.
2: There was never going to be a public celebration, in regards to the flag debacle it has never been a pre-requisite that local councils/buildings fly the flag. They are allowed to do so, should they wish.


If it truly is, displeasure on behalf of the siblings, it’s odd considering what we’ve had for appearances sake from the royal household is one of solidarity.
 
So it took Harry to walk away Charles and William to get close? Is it sincere or for the sake of optics? I would guess a little from column A and B. But that is what the family does. They all need to look unified and I am glad they do.
 
So it took Harry to walk away Charles and William to get close? Is it sincere or for the sake of optics? I would guess a little from column A and B. But that is what the family does. They all need to look unified and I am glad they do.

I don’t see any reason to be skeptical. I’m sure William has always loved his father, but like many children, it feels like he possibly has never understood him..(hence thinking he and Harry thinking he’s an odd fuddy duddy). Maybe they just had different POVs in life, and I’ve always read that both boys resented that Charles didn’t spend as much time with them as they’d have liked when they were young (sounds like Charles re: his parents.

They’re working together more closely than ever, thanks to the Harry situation and, of course, the fact that Charles is mentoring his son. So, it seems they understand each other more. I’m sure there’s a concerted effort by the BRF to appear unified, but you can’t fake genuine closeness.

This is just my view. I can’t speak for anyone else.
 
I felt they were putting on a show for the cameras the other day at their engagement but it was understandable. I probably would have as well.
 
I don’t see any reason to be skeptical. I’m sure William has always loved his father, but like many children, it feels like he possibly has never understood him..(hence thinking he and Harry thinking he’s an odd fuddy duddy). Maybe they just had different POVs in life, and I’ve always read that both boys resented that Charles didn’t spend as much time with them as they’d have liked when they were young (sounds like Charles re: his parents.

They’re working together more closely than ever, thanks to the Harry situation and, of course, the fact that Charles is mentoring his son. So, it seems they understand each other more. I’m sure there’s a concerted effort by the BRF to appear unified, but you can’t fake genuine closeness.

This is just my view. I can’t speak for anyone else.

I think Charles has been working on his relationship with William and the grandkids the last couple years. Look at his interaction with young Louis both at his 70 birthday photoshoot and Trooping last year. There was a genuine warmth and closeness there. And you can't just dismiss that as Louis' personality because he wasn't acting like that towards any other member of the BRF with the exception of his parents.

So that foundation and effort was already there. Harry's defection just likely reinforced how much they need each other, and how they are one of the few people the other can trust (even amongst family!). Nobody understands what's on Charles shoulders like William does (and soon George).
 
I think Charles has been working on his relationship with William and the grandkids the last couple years. Look at his interaction with young Louis both at his 70 birthday photoshoot and Trooping last year. There was a genuine warmth and closeness there. And you can't just dismiss that as Louis' personality because he wasn't acting like that towards any other member of the BRF with the exception of his parents.

So that foundation and effort was already there. Harry's defection just likely reinforced how much they need each other, and how they are one of the few people the other can trust (even amongst family!). Nobody understands what's on Charles shoulders like William does (and soon George).

Those 70th photos are my favorites - George on Charles’ lap and Louis grabbing his face are so precious. William said in the Charles at 70 special that they wish de could slow down now and relax, spend more time with the grandchildren as he’s “brilliant” with them. I doubt relaxation is in the cards anytime soon, but spending more time with George, Charlotte and Louis is...

Your last point is spot on. I think as Charles understood the magnitude of his mother’s responsibilities, he likely started to realize that it’s hard to be a parent and monarch/heir to be at the same time. Obviously at some point he’s gotten closer to the Queen - Philip as well - and that realization has to be part of it. I’m sure it’s much the same with William - though between his parents’ divorce and mother’s death, it was much more complicated. Now William is, in a way, in his father’s shoes...
 
I see a couple of things wrong with this;

1: It’s a weekday, a Wednesday to be precise, a big celebration/party is not going to be taking place tonight. It’ll probably if any occur be a weekend.
2: There was never going to be a public celebration, in regards to the flag debacle it has never been a pre-requisite that local councils/buildings fly the flag. They are allowed to do so, should they wish.


If it truly is, displeasure on behalf of the siblings, it’s odd considering what we’ve had for appearances sake from the royal household is one of solidarity.

I guess you could be right but it does seem to be a bit convenient as especially (well according to reports) that Fergie was desperate to make up the numbers.

Also I remember reading when Charles was in his tour of NZ (when he had to stand Andrew down) that he became really angry and also really frustrated given the whole Andrew debacle had overshadowed his tour.

Whether that is true and Charles does still feel that way is probably still subject to debate.
 
It's only my humble opinion, but I would think Prince Andrew's feeling quite hurt that none of them were there, weekday or no. He really is being seen as persona non grata in the court of public opinion at the moment: there's been a lot of moaning about the fact that the Royal Family Twitter site even mentioned his birthday.
 
I thought it was a bit odd that they mentioned his birthday on social media given he has pretty much gone to ground and all the controversy surrounding his birthday in the media.

Yeah am sure Andrew would be hurt, especially as his own mother was not there. I know Edward goes skiing every February (assuming its school hols over there) so that is understandable but looking at the Court Circular Charles did not even have an engagement on the 19th and surely Anne and the Queen could not have scheduled one on that date.

it is a bid sad when your ex wife is begging for people to come
 
I thought it was a bit odd that they mentioned his birthday on social media given he has pretty much gone to ground and all the controversy surrounding his birthday in the media.

Yeah am sure Andrew would be hurt, especially as his own mother was not there. I know Edward goes skiing every February (assuming its school hols over there) so that is understandable but looking at the Court Circular Charles did not even have an engagement on the 19th and surely Anne and the Queen could not have scheduled one on that date.

it is a bid sad when your ex wife is begging for people to come

what does he expect? Even if some of the RF don't believe he did anything very wrong, or the queen is still being seen with him at times, he cannot expect that most of his family wotn be angry and upset that his behaviour has caused such a scandal and left them short of another worker. I think tat Charles was indeed angry at his behaviour itself and at how it impacted on the RF and no doubt felt angry that his elderly mother was having to face all this embarrassment at her age. A quiet few drinks might be appropriate for his birthday in the circumstances but a party seems ridiculous.
 
I thought it was a bit odd that they mentioned his birthday on social media given he has pretty much gone to ground and all the controversy surrounding his birthday in the media.

Yeah am sure Andrew would be hurt, especially as his own mother was not there. I know Edward goes skiing every February (assuming its school hols over there) so that is understandable but looking at the Court Circular Charles did not even have an engagement on the 19th and surely Anne and the Queen could not have scheduled one on that date.

it is a bid sad when your ex wife is begging for people to come

You haven't read the CC for the 19th February:

The Queen had four engagements - one away from BP, a Privy Council meeting and two audiences (Rees-Mogg and Boris)

Charles had 3

Camilla had 2

Anne had 4


Buckingham Palace

The Queen this morning opened the Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat and Eastman Dental Hospitals, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 47-49 Huntley Street, London WC1, and was received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London (Sir Kenneth Olisa), the Chairman of the Trust (the Baroness Neuberger), Professor Marcel Levi (Chief Executive) and the Mayor of the London Borough of Camden (Councillor Maryam Eslamdoust).

Her Majesty, escorted by the Chief Executive, visited the Auditory Implant Centre, viewing a timeline display of the history of the Hospitals and demonstrations of a cochlear implant and a rotatory chair, and meeting clinicians and patients.

The Queen viewed the Dental Bay and a demonstration of equipment on the Adult Dental Treatment Floor, and met patients and members of staff.

Her Majesty subsequently visited the Paediatric Dental and Ear, Nose and Throat Floor, viewing the treatment area and meeting groups of patients who have benefited from the Hospitals’ care and their families.

The Queen held a Council at 5.30pm.

There were present: the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP (Lord President), the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP, the Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP, the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP and the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP.

Mrs Sue-Ellen Braverman MP, Mr George Eustice MP, Ms Amanda Milling MP and Mrs Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP were sworn in as members of Her Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council.

The following took the Oath of Office or made affirmation, kissed hands upon appointment and received the Seals of Office: the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP (as Chancellor of the Exchequer), the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP (as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy), the Rt Hon George Eustice MP (as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), the Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP (as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland), the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP (as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) and the Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP (as Secretary of State for International Development).

Mr Richard Tilbrook was in attendance as Clerk of the Council.

The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP had an audience of Her Majesty before the Council.

The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP (Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury) had an audience of The Queen this evening.

Clarence House

The Prince of Wales, Colonel, Welsh Guards, this morning held a Regimental Council Meeting at Clarence House.

His Royal Highness this afternoon held a Sustainable Markets Council Meeting.

The Prince of Wales afterwards received Mr Brian Moynihan (Chief Executive Officer, Bank of America).

The Duchess of Cornwall this afternoon visited Granville Youth and Community Centre, 140 Carlton Vale, London NW6, to celebrate Brent “Borough of Culture 2020”, and was received by Miss Mei Sim Lai (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London).

Her Royal Highness afterwards visited Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6.

Buckingham Palace

Today is the Anniversary of the Birthday of The Duke of York.

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal this morning received His Excellency Mr George Brandis (High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Australia) and Commodore Guy Holthouse, Royal Australian Navy (Head Australian Defence Staff London).

Her Royal Highness, Honorary Air Commodore, University of London Air Squadron, received Squadron Leader Kenneth McCann, Royal Air Force, upon relinquishing his appointment as Officer Commanding and Squadron Leader Christopher Pearson, Royal Air Force upon assuming the appointment.

The Princess Royal, Patron, Sense International, received the Lord Levy upon assuming his appointment of President.

Mr Richard Kramer (Chief Executive Officer) was present.

Her Royal Highness, Patron, Livability, this afternoon visited Livability Brookside House, Ash Close, Edgware, Middlesex, and was received by Mr Martin Russell (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London).

The Princess Royal, Master, the Corporation of Trinity House, this evening attended a Younger Brethren’s Dinner at Trinity House, Tower Hill, London EC3.

Kensington Palace

The Duchess of Gloucester, Patron, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, today received Professor John Wallwork (Chairman of the Board of Directors) and Mr Stephen Posey (Chief Executive).

St James’s Palace

The Duke of Kent, Chancellor, University of Surrey, this afternoon gave a Lunch at Buckingham Palace to mark the Fifth Anniversary of the 5G Innovation Centre.

His Royal Highness, President, King Edward VII’s Hospital (Sister Agnes), later attended a Tea for longstanding supporters at Agnes Keyser House, 55-56 Beaumont Street, London W1, to mark the One Hundred and Twentieth Anniversary of the first patient admission.


It was one of the busiest days of the year.

The Cambridge's and Wessex's are having this week off and the only other working royals who didn't do engagements were the Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra.
 
^cheers for that, I must have got the dates totally mixed up. I still feel a bit sorry for Andrew though.
 
^cheers for that, I must have got the dates totally mixed up. I still feel a bit sorry for Andrew though.

Why? If he had any sense eh would go away and take a long holiday till things calm down.. I can't see how a party would be very enjoyable, anyway in the circumtances….
 
I know this could easily go in the Relationships thread, but I’m posting it here because it’s so very tied in to Charles having tested positive for the virus.

I’m glad that Charles and William have grown closer (which I knew) and that Harry is setting aside his anger at both. Rifts and such seem so silly now - all any of us have is family. I’m sure Charles is happy that the brotherly bond is healing - so am I. One day, hopefully in the distant future, their father and grandparents won’t be here, and all they will truly have is each other.


"Charles and William have grown closer in the past year, especially during the contentious negotiations with Harry over his exit from royal life. Harry had been very angry with both of them," said the Palace insider. "None of that seems important in light of what's going on now."

The insider continued: "Charles has been talking to both his sons and reassuring them that he's feeling well enough to carry on from Birkhall and is taking precautions. The prince wants his sons to look after their own families. Everyone was together at Commonwealth Day services so there is some anxiety, but the princes have been staying in touch to make sure everyone is all right."


https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle...nce-charles-coronavirus-diagnosis/ar-BB11HigX
 
I know this could easily go in the Relationships thread, but I’m posting it here because it’s so very tied in to Charles having tested positive for the virus.

I’m glad that Charles and William have grown closer (which I knew) and that Harry is setting aside his anger at both. Rifts and such seem so silly now - all any of us have is family. I’m sure Charles is happy that the brotherly bond is healing - so am I. One day, hopefully in the distant future, their father and grandparents won’t be here, and all they will truly have is each other.





https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle...nce-charles-coronavirus-diagnosis/ar-BB11HigX

both of tehm have their own partners and children...
 
both of tehm have their own partners and children...

Come on, really? Sometimes I think you disagree just to disagree. Obviously I know they have their own families, but after Charles dies, they won’t have any parents left - their immediate family will be down to two of them. It would be a terrible thing for them to remain estranged, especially after being so close as boys and young men. The fact that they have families doesn’t detract from this very basic point.
 
Come on, really? Sometimes I think you disagree just to disagree. Obviously I know they have their own families, but after Charles dies, they won’t have any parents left - their immediate family will be down to two of them. It would be a terrible thing for them to remain estranged, especially after being so close as boys and young men. The fact that they have families doesn’t detract from this very basic point.

I don't know if they are estranged at all... though I think there was a chill at Westminster Abbey... but I suspect that was more to do with their wives being present. And Harry seems to be the one saying that his "little family" is his primary responsibility.. now so possibly he has detached from the RF as a whole.... For the record, I think that while they love each other, after a certain age they were not all THAT close, as they were young men, living different lives.
 
I don't know if they are estranged at all... though I think there was a chill at Westminster Abbey... but I suspect that was more to do with their wives being present. And Harry seems to be the one saying that his "little family" is his primary responsibility.. now so possibly he has detached from the RF as a whole.... For the record, I think that while they love each other, after a certain age they were not all THAT close, as they were young men, living different lives.

By all accounts, there was a rift........and, I think you're missing my overall point. Even as young men, living different lives, they could still be emotionally close even if not physically. Based on everything I've read, they WERE close....until the rift. I really don't wish to debate this.. I really didn't think there was anything controversial in what I said, lol
 
I don't know if they are estranged at all... though I think there was a chill at Westminster Abbey... but I suspect that was more to do with their wives being present. And Harry seems to be the one saying that his "little family" is his primary responsibility.. now so possibly he has detached from the RF as a whole.... For the record, I think that while they love each other, after a certain age they were not all THAT close, as they were young men, living different lives.

I actually agree with you. I don't think Harry and William have been all that close in a long time. They are brothers and they did what they had to do for optics. But that is the entire family in general, IMO.

These very sweet and timely "everyone is great" reports add on to that. I take everything, positive and negative, with a grain of salt. Right now the PR is a spinning from all angles and understandably so.
 
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