Duchess of Sussex: Future Duties, Roles and Responsibilities

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by Juliette2

She wants to "hit the ground running" (except she doesn't know toward what apparently...)

I think Meghan and the Family know exactly what she wants to take on--but nothing official will be announced until after the wedding. Just because we don't know anything yet does not mean it is not already moving forward.

[soapstar]

Posts discussing Meghan's past political comments have been deleted, as have other off-topic posts. This thread is not about William, Kate, Camilla or any other royal and their charities. Nor is it about politics, the MeToo movement or the BAFTA's. It's for discussing the duties, responsiblities and roles that Meghan will have in the future.

Also, the discussion about which causes are political is going in circles, so let's please move on from it.

Please stay on-topic. Any further off-topic posts will be deleted.

[burbankstorylady]

I wonder if a visit to Lesotho is in the works, to meet Prince Seeiso and tour the Mamo'hato Centre and other works relating to Sentebale -- though of course it will be the second public meeting with Prince Seeiso because of course he will be at the wedding.

[Osipi]

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if it came out that Harry and Meghan both visited Sentebale together during their courtship and it just was never made public knowledge.

With Harry's profound involvement in Sentebale and Meghan's previous work in Rwanda, I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't a major "me too" moment for the both of them when getting to know each other.

[Dman]

I can’t wait to see the patronages Meghan will take on as a senior member of the Royal Family. I’m sure some things will be passed down to her from The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh as well.

[jacqui24]

I'm excited to see which causes he and Meghan take on from this point. Ms. Gordon stated that she spoke with Meghan during the engagement and had discussed what Meghan has been working on behind scenes. There is apparently a big project coming our way.

[Rudolph]

You’d think she’d announce some patronages before any ‘big projects’. She doesn’t even have any staff. First thing to do is probably hire a full time private secretary.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by jacqui24

I'm excited to see which causes he and Meghan take on from this point. Ms. Gordon stated that she spoke with Meghan during the engagement and had discussed what Meghan has been working on behind scenes. There is apparently a big project coming our way.

Yes Bryony Gordon wrote how she met with Meghan privately months ago and talked shop. Meghan will unveil some special project she has been working on in a few months. Bryony seemed excited after the conversation. They also talked about Heads Together, so I am guessing it is likely in connection to that?

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Rudolph

You’d think she’d announce some patronage’s before any ‘big projects’. She doesn’t even have any staff. First thing to do is probably hire a full time private secretary.

Amy Pickerill has been working with her since very early on in the engagement even though she was listed as assistant private secretary for Harry’s private office. She was sequestered from the press office when it became clear Meghan needed more help with all the arrangements. And Samantha Cohen is taking over during summer, but all reporting has been that she’ll advise both Meghan and Harry. I’m sure staff changes will happen as necessary, I wouldn’t worry about that. As for patronage’s, she’s also been taking meetings with various charity representatives and working behind the scene during engagement. There is no reason why she can’t support charities and have other projects. Sometimes they are actually more powerful together.

As Meghan said, she can multitask. It’s a good skill to have.

And can someone explain to me what exactly do patrons do?

[Rudolph]

Samantha Cohen is filling in for both of them during the summer. But Meghan will need her own private secretary plus I’d imagine an assistant private secretary.

I maybe wrong but I thought a reporter said they’re be no announcements for at least 6 months. I’ll have to look who said it.

The royals basically shutdown for the summer. The Queen goes to Balmoral and that’s usually it.

Interviewing people for private secretary, planning for the visit to Australia and NZ, announcing a ‘big project’ in addition to patronages is a pretty ambitious schedule for the short term.

[ACO]

FYI, Bryony called it a "small project" not big. This is why I wonder if it is in connection to Heads Together. Here is the quote.

"A small project she has been working on will hopefully launch in the next few months, and in the meantime she plans to tour around the country meeting small organisations and working closely with the charities that she could potentially become a patron."

Another section related to her BTS work.

The former Ms Markle has been in close contact with representatives of The Royal Foundation, and has had endless private meetings with people who work for the charities that it supports - including, a couple of months ago, myself. The woman I met in February was a captivating combination of sassy, smart and sweet - we discussed yoga, mental health, the work of Heads Together, and her passion for encouraging women and young girls (the website of the royal family was updated yesterday with an entry that noted the Duchess is “proud to be a woman and a feminist”, and it would not surprise me if much of her work going forward was female-focused). Like most people who have met the Duchess, I left her feeling ever-so slightly spellbound - not to mention impressed with the genuine strength of her convictions and commitment to good causes.

“One of the first things she did in the New Year was to come and get under the skin of The Royal Foundation”, said David Wiseman, who is Head of Armed Forces Programmes. “She wanted to find out what we do there because in the not-too-distant future we’re going to be working for her as well. One of the first things she did was to come in to the office and get a good briefing. She very kindly offered to help with judging for The Endeavour Fund Awards [which celebrates the achievements of servicemen and women who have been wounded, injured or sick]. When she came in she really wanted to understand what we do and how she can get involved. Straight after that briefing she got stuck right in. She is a huge part of Harry’s life obviously, and has an impact on his work, but now she can do her own things too.”


Full article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/li...-things-right/

So it seems Meghan will be quite busy in the upcoming months which I'm sure includes building her permanent staff before they start their official tours.

[Dman]

Originally Posted by Rudolph

The royals basically shutdown for the summer. The Queen goes to Balmoral and that’s usually it.

Interviewing people for private secretary, planning for the visit to Australia and NZ, announcing a ‘big project’ in addition to patronages is a pretty ambitious schedule for the short term.

They shutdown in the late summer. June and July are busy months.

I’m looking forward to seeing what’s ahead for the Sussex’s.

[Lady Gudgeon]

Originally Posted by Rudolph

Samantha Cohen is filling in for both of them during the summer. But Meghan will need her own private secretary plus I’d imagine an assistant private secretary.

I maybe wrong but I thought a reporter said they’re be no announcements for at least 6 months. I’ll have to look who said it.

From what I can find, that timeline (6 months) is on par with Kate, who announced her first 4 charities by January 2012.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by ACO

FYI, Bryony called it a "small project" not big. This is why I wonder if it is in connection to Heads Together. Here is the quote.

"A small project she has been working on will hopefully launch in the next few months, and in the meantime she plans to tour around the country meeting small organisations and working closely with the charities that she could potentially become a patron."

Oops, my bad. It’s been information overload, must have misremembered it. Regardless, I expect a full latter part of the year for the couple. Omid Scobie did an interview with Elle and it was talked about that Meghan has worked her entire life and used to a demanding schedule. So it’s unlikely she’ll be staying home and eat bonbons. I’m sure the couple will sneak away to get some alone time here and there, but I suspect there will still be a lot of work.

As for Samantha Cohen, from everything I’ve read, the post is at least for six months. That plenty of time to interview for a private secretary. It’s not going to take up all six months. She’ll still be working during that time. And Amy Pickerill will likely have an official position on her team, so there is someone already there. Like Meghan said, she can multitask.

I highly doubt that anyone at KP would commitment to no announcement for six months. That’s just quite silly and unrealistic.

[MaiaMia_53]

Originally Posted by Rudolph

There’s a number of different things that contribute to Meghan ‘hitting the ground running’

Harry is a full time royal and his wife, no matter who she was, would be expected to be full time also.

KP is a fully functioning court with staff and PR people, it’s own social media etc. None of that existed 7 years ago

Being based in London also helps with the logistics of royal engagements.

So there’s an expectation that Harry and Meghan need to shoulder some of the work right from the start.

From the Duke & Duchess of Sussex General News thread -- bringing the conversation here as advised:

Quite true as you itemize. But it's also true that Meghan is exceptionally well prepared to 'hit the ground running' as a working royal due to her academic training in international relations as well as her professional career in the public eye, and her previous humanitarian work with UN Women and World Vision Canada.

Plus, KP has mentioned Meghan's hands-on input in researching and preparing for the future projects she will take on. As well, it was announced after the engagement that Meghan fully embraced the opportunities to learn all she can about her new country in the months leading up to her nuptials (at the same time that she and Harry were also involved in logistical planning for their wedding). Not everyone is capable of taking all of this on with the ease thus far demonstrated by HRH Meghan Duchess of Sussex.

[Royal Suitor]

I'm really hoping that Meghan will have a role with the Platform for Girls' Education that Boris Johnson announced at CHOGM. It seemed like a good fit given her previous World Vision projects in Rwanda and India were both inherently about removing impediments to education. It also aligns well with H&M's Commonwealth focus.

On a slightly separate note, I was glad to see that Meghan's affiliation with Myna Mahilia remains strong despite cutting ties with World Vision. I remember all the speculation that she wouldn't even go on the trip once her relationship with Harry was outed. Will be interesting to see whether she continues to be an unofficial mentor or whether a more formal relationship is established.

[Fem]

Originally Posted by Royal Suitor

It also aligns well with H&M's Commonwealth focus.

What Commonwealth focus? Because for now the only thing I can find were flowers on her veil. Just because it's speculated doesn't mean it's true.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by MaiaMia_53

From the Duke & Duchess of Sussex General News thread -- bringing the conversation here as advised:

Quite true as you itemize. But it's also true that Meghan is exceptionally well prepared to 'hit the ground running' as a working royal due to her academic training in international relations as well as her professional career in the public eye, and her previous humanitarian work with UN Women and World Vision Canada.

Plus, KP has mentioned Meghan's hands-on input in researching and preparing for the future projects she will take on. As well, it was announced after the engagement that Meghan fully embraced the opportunities to learn all she can about her new country in the months leading up to her nuptials (at the same time that she and Harry were also involved in logistical planning for their wedding). Not everyone is capable of taking all of this on with the ease thus far demonstrated by HRH Meghan Duchess of Sussex.

Just want to point out that a lot of people wouldn't know where to start if they haven't had the track record she previously had. There likely would be much more background work to figure out which issues she wants to start with. Aides can throw out ideas, but it is ultimately the royal that decides which issue to take on to an extent. Meghan, having done a lot of work similar to this in the past, has prepared her to begin her royal life much further down the line than someone who perhaps haven't done as much humanitarian work in the past.

On top of that, it also helps that this woman is used to the workplace. Some might scoff at this, but being used to working long hours and knowing how to take initiatives, rather than waiting to be given something to do, are important skills that not everyone naturally possesses.

Originally Posted by Fem

What Commonwealth focus? Because for now the only thing I can find were flowers on her veil. Just because it's speculated doesn't mean it's true.

Harry has been appointed as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and he is the President of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. He made it very clear that this is something Meghan will undertake with him in his speech. And that's why a lot of us weren't shocked when her veil had flowers representing all of the Commonwealth countries.

[Fem]

Originally Posted by jacqui24

Harry has been appointed as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and he is the President of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. He made it very clear that this is something Meghan will undertake with him in his speech. And that's why a lot of us weren't shocked when her veil had flowers representing all of the Commonwealth countries.

As I said, speculation.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Fem

As I said, speculation.

How is it speculation when Harry has been appointed by the Queen and he has said it out of his mouth that his wife will take this on with him?