Duchess of Sussex: Future Duties, Roles and Responsibilities

[Empress Merel]

One cause I hope Meghan will involve herself in is menstrual health and reproductive health of women and girls. There is still so much work to do. I see no reason why they'll take a couple of years to build a family first before really involving themselves. They don't strike me as the type of people who would want that not to mention it's completely unnecessary. People work and raise families all the damn time.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by Chloep

Yes, 'young people' is one of the several areas that the Royal Foundation aims to cover(together with conservation & armed forces). However, I do strongly feel that we are lacking proper and dedicated youth focus across the board. One that has its emphasis on youth education, youth health(from mental health initiatives to healthy lunch programs) and even recreation. I do agree that her previous work makes her a very valuable and authentic proponent for women's issues - and it will definitely be her main focus from the get-go. However, I am hopeful they could take on something like that together - maybe once they have had kids.

Based on the interview, it sounds as if 'young people' not just in the UK but all over the commonwealth might become a shared focus of Harry and Meghan (as that was what they talked about on their second date) - so your wish might come true

[PetticoatLane]

No one could do more for British 'youth' than the Prince of Wales whose Prince's Trust has helped well over half a million young people into work, education or training. There's also the Duke of Edinburgh's scheme which has impacted young people across the world for decades. Not to mention the work that the Royal Foundation has done so far.

Let's not forget what other members of the RF do just because Meghan is new and shiny.

Just saw the interview so acting is clearly out forever now.

[French Toast]

Originally Posted by loonytick

I suspect we'll see Meghan jump into royal duties fairly quickly. The palace was very wise to let Kate have time to ease into the role, given that she had no experience dealing with the public beyond being swarmed by paparazzi. Meghan doesn't need as much hand-holding and quite likely doesn't want that, given the amount of experience she has giving speeches, being photographed by the press and going out on humanitarian visits for World Vision.

My gut says we'll have to wait a little bit to know for sure which causes she's going to make her own in this role, though. I'm guessing there will first be a phase of her tagging along to all of Harry's events, but even after she starts doing things solo the first order of business will be getting her to as many different corners of the nation as possible so that she can get to know it first hand. There are always ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, etc. that can help KP send her all over the realm. A specific charitable agenda will take a little more planning and discussion, especially if they want to craft a focus that ties into the other work being done by William, Kate and Harry's trust.

I think so too. Meghan is great.

[Anna Catherine]

Pretty much every royal bride takes several months to announce their patronages. If I’m not mistaken, it’s usually around 7 months to a year before patronages are announced. Usually it’s about 4-5 patronages at the start which gradually increases. They do a lot of research and private visits. I can see her continuing the work she’s doing but she’s not just going to start as a royal patron and doing engagements like she’s been a royal for years. She’s new and has a lot to get used to and learn. I don’t think it’s good to have too high of expectations. That’s what happened for some with the Duchess of Cambridge. No need for a repeat. Not only that but other members of the royal family are involved in the areas previously mentioned.

Harry and Meghan talked a lot about being a part of the team that is the royal family and the institution. That takes a little time. Beyond all of that, they want to have children and it’s seems relatively soon.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by PetticoatLane

No one could do more for British 'youth' than the Prince of Wales whose Prince's Trust has helped well over half a million young people into work, education or training. There's also the Duke of Edinburgh's scheme which has impacted young people across the world for decades. Not to mention the work that the Royal Foundation has done so far.

Let's not forget what other members of the RF do just because Meghan is new and shiny.

Just saw the interview so acting is clearly out forever now.

It will be interesting to see how the role of The Prince's Trust will evolve when Charles becomes King one day. The work of the Duke of Edinburgh's Scheme has been taken on by the Earl (and Countess) of Wessex, so that at least is secured for the future - and reaches young people all over the world (but at least in developing countries mostly those that already have lots of opportunities - doing IBs etc.).

I don't think people expect Meghan to cover all. The main discussion was actually how she could contribute to all the good work that is already done by the BRF. What area might fit her profile and is in need of (even) more attention of the BRF?

[Andy T]

With HM clearly increasingly restricting her schedule both in terms of number of engagements and their geographical scope, Charles & Camilla are going to be increasingly on duties representing the Queen. Charles is, however, nearly 70 himself. The next generation are going to be called upon to step up to the plate and as the BRF has evolved into a slick operation, I think that the new couple will be put to work in areas where they can make most impact.

The interview hinted at a prominent role in the Commonwealth and I have a hunch that, geographically, Harry & Meghan are likely to be very active in Africa and North America/the Caribbean, with William & Kate having a more prominent association with the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition to their current interests, including the Invicta Games (him) and UN activities (her) their focus on young people, will I think continue, perhaps now with an added emphasis on issues related to 'minorities'.

Almost certainly the BRF will be called upon to conduct a major global charm offensive in the "Brexit" aftermath, both patching up damaged relationships within Europe and courting potential trading partners elsewhere.

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by PetticoatLane

No one could do more for British 'youth' than the Prince of Wales whose Prince's Trust has helped well over half a million young people into work, education or training. There's also the Duke of Edinburgh's scheme which has impacted young people across the world for decades. Not to mention the work that the Royal Foundation has done so far.

Let's not forget what other members of the RF do just because Meghan is new and shiny.

Just saw the interview so acting is clearly out forever now.

I was afraid that Meghan Markle could try to fly solo or keep a private life outside the RF, maybe even have her own private projects and initiatives. However, after that interview, I was reassured that she seems to understand she will be working for the Firm from now on and will have to tow the line as the Palace and Clarence House tell her. I imagine that must have been clearly explained to her in a rather blunt way, even by Harry himself.

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

I was afraid that Meghan Markle could try to fly solo or keep a private life outside the RF, maybe even have her own private projects and initiatives. However, after that interview, I was reassured that she seems to understand she will be working for the Firm from now on and will have to tow the line as the Palace and Clarence House tell her. I imagine that must have been clearly explained to her in a rather blunt way, even by Harry himself.

I had no doubts that Meghan went into this knowing her life would change and she'd be joining a team. I never thought she'd want to continue acting or do her own thing.

In the interview Harry said they needed to have frank conversations about how being with him would impact her life.

[CyrilVladisla]

Originally Posted by Nico

She will have to find her place , visible and active enough to avoid to be seen as a freeloader, and discreet enough to avoid to upstage the other members of the BRF.
Tricky situation . Hope she'll get some help and tips from the other royal women.

Would Princess Anne be one of the royal women to give royal advice to Meghan?

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by CyrilVladisla

Would Princess Anne be one of the royal women to give royal advice to Meghan?

Maybe for a few things, but Anne never had to fit in and find her way. She has been The Queen's daughter since she was 18 months old.

I think Kate and Sophie would be able to help from the aspect of joining the BRF.

[TLLK]

Originally Posted by Osipi

I agree with you, Mbruno. I think their first priority after the wedding will be to settle in and start their family. They will be given the space to do this much like William and Kate were. I would expect that eventually (sooner rather than later), there will come an announcement of maybe 4-5 charities and organizations that Meghan has chosen to focus on.

The family though will probably be the first priority.

Good points Osipi. Yes I agree that starting a family will be one of their first priorities as a couple.

[Westfield Bakery]

Originally Posted by O-H Anglophile

Maybe for a few things, but Anne never had to fit in and find her way. She has been The Queen's daughter since she was 18 months old.

I think Kate and Sophie would be able to help from the aspect of joining the BRF.

The Royal Family will miss Margaret now more than ever. Margaret was the princess spare. The spare. She would have taught Meghan what it is to be a princess in the modern era (1945-present).

I hope that Princess Michael, Princess Alexandra, and Princesses William, Charles and Edward teach Meghan what must be done to be a 21st century royal.

[Osipi]

Originally Posted by Westfield Bakery

The Royal Family will miss Margaret now more than ever. Margaret was the princess spare. The spare. She would have taught Meghan what it is to be a princess in the modern era (1945-present).

I hope that Princess Michael, Princess Alexandra, and Princesses William, Charles and Edward teach Meghan what must be done to be a 21st century royal.

I don't see any of the above people really having that much of an impact in "preparing" Meghan. If anyone is going to be close to Meghan and show her the "ropes", so to speak, I think it'll be Kate. The most important factor is that she is joining a family and becoming part of the family. With Harry and William and Kate around, I don't think she can be steered wrong.

[Al_bina]

Originally Posted by Westfield Bakery

... I hope that Princess Michael, Princess Alexandra, ...

The above ladies are members of the extended family. It is not their job to train Prince Henry's future spouse. Prince Charles is wealthy enough to address the issue.

[Westfield Bakery]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

The above ladies are members of the extended family. It is not their job to train Prince Henry's future spouse. Prince Charles is wealthy enough to address the issue.

They should. They're family members now. They need to modernize a bit.

[Pranter]

I'd say Harry will be instrumental in guiding Meghan as well.


LaRae

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by Westfield Bakery

The Royal Family will miss Margaret now more than ever. Margaret was the princess spare. The spare. She would have taught Meghan what it is to be a princess in the modern era (1945-present).

I hope that Princess Michael, Princess Alexandra, and Princesses William, Charles and Edward teach Meghan what must be done to be a 21st century royal.

Margaret was not a princess in the modern era-1945 was nothing like 2017. What an odd notion.
And Margaret has been dead for over 15 years, lots has changed.

I don't think Princess Michael or Princess Alexandra will be her mentors either.

Harry, Kate, William and yes Charles, perhaps the Queen-even Sophie, I can see mentoring Meghan

edited to add--No one but you calls Kate Princess William, Camilla is not known as Princess Charles nor is Sophie addressed as Princess Edward. Half the people don't know what the heck you are talking about when you use those names.

[Somebody]

Princess Michael is not even a senior royal according to most standards and the queen never calls upon her to represent her. So, no I don't think she has much to teach Catherine. Princess Alexandra is a princess by birth of a very different generation. Other than Henry, William and Catherine, the only other one that I could see as a mentor is Sophie (Camilla as a step-mom might be ok but a little more complicated).

[Osipi]

I can definitely see Camilla steering Meghan in the direction of supporting women's causes and rescue animals though. That is one area that these two women are going to be kindred souls. It seems to be that there are areas that Meghan will have in common with a lot of the members of the royal family.

I can even see Meghan pulling a "Camilla" and walking away from a rescue shelter with her own, new "Bluebell".