Duchess of Sussex: Future Duties, Roles and Responsibilities

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by 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".

I don't think she needs 'steering' in the direction of supporting women's causes as she already works in that area. Rescue animals would also be close to her interests, so I do agree that there are possibilities to work together - just didn't think of her in a more general mentor role.

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by 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".

Good points Osipi-those are common interests they may bond over.

[EllieCat]

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

How about her own, new "Felix"? We cat lovers are missing out here! I want to see Royal Cats.

I think Meghan will take on board any advice she is given if she thinks it suits the occasion. She seems a very sensible and intelligent person. I expect Kate will help her the most (of the wives, I mean). They will be sisters-in-law after all, and are much the same age.

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by EllieCat

How about her own, new "Felix"? We cat lovers are missing out here! I want to see Royal Cats.

100% agree from another cat person.

[Sunnystar]

Originally Posted by O-H Anglophile

100% agree from another cat person.

Cat lover checking in - I have two rescue kitties of my own and they are just as wonderful as pets as dogs. We need some Royal Cats - though I was thoroughly charmed at Harry sharing that The Queen's corgis took to Meghan right away and plopped down at her feet.

I would love to see Meghan helping to promote the performing arts as well when she begins taking on patronages. She is a natural fit for that as much as she is for women's issues, animal rescue, and the U.N.. I think she will compliment and fit right in on the new Team WKH&M.

[Westfield Bakery]

Originally Posted by EllieCat

How about her own, new "Felix"? We cat lovers are missing out here! I want to see Royal Cats.

I think Meghan will take on board any advice she is given if she thinks it suits the occasion. She seems a very sensible and intelligent person. I expect Kate will help her the most (of the wives, I mean). They will be sisters-in-law after all, and are much the same age.

True. I could see Kate and Meghan getting along as sisters-in-law, both princesses by marriage.

[HRHHermione]

Originally Posted by Westfield Bakery

True. I could see Kate and Meghan getting along as sisters-in-law, both princesses by marriage.

They also have some common interests- they're both very into cooking/foodie culture and fitness. I could see them, especially as neighbors at Kensington, doing things like yoga and gardening together.

I am also very much hoping Serena Williams is back at Wimbledon this year- she's a close friend of Meghan's and that's Kate's patronage so it seems like a natural "girl's day" kind of occasion for them to attend together.

[FashionMaven]

Meghan gave a shout out to Kate in her interview about how great she'd been - so I imagine Kate has already taken Meghan under her wing for how things work. And maybe Meghan can help Kate with her public speaking since Meghan is so experienced in that area.

[Rudolph]

Meghan is to give up all her current charity patronages but expects to continue with similar interests. Kensington Palace says she is keen to visit as much of the UK as she can. Via Royal Reporter

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by Cocoasneeze

Meghan is going to give up all her current patronages, but will take similar patronages soon.

Why would that be? I don't like it that they don't evaluate them on an individual basis and let her keep as much as possible. She is an ambassador for a Canadian NGO - sounds great; UN-work for women - wonderful; why does she need to give everything up?

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Somebody

Why would that be? I don't like it that they don't evaluate them on an individual basis and let her keep as much as possible. She is an ambassador for a Canadian NGO - sounds great; UN-work for women - wonderful; why does she need to give everything up?

It'll likely be more UK focused as she is getting to know her new country.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by jacqui24

It'll likely be more UK focused as she is getting to know her new country.

She could easily add that instead of replace that. And Canada is part of the commonwealth, that is also one of the realms of her future in-laws.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Somebody

She could easily add that instead of replace that. And Canada is part of the commonwealth, that is also one of the realms of her future in-laws.

The key here is that she needs to become part of Britain. It doesn't help when she has foreign charities. Especially her UN was advocate for women's political participation. It might rub some the wrong way as the royals are expected to stay out of the political sphere.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by Rudolph

Meghan is to give up all her current charity patronages but expects to continue with similar interests. Kensington Palace says she is keen to visit as much of the UK as she can. Via Royal Reporter

She hasn't been able to do so since the news of their relationship broke, so I am sure they are happy that they are able to leave the house once in awhile after locking themselves in for about a year.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by jacqui24

The key here is that she needs to become part of Britain. It doesn't help when she has foreign charities. Especially her UN was advocate for women's political participation. It might rub some the wrong way as the royals are expected to stay out of the political sphere.

Well, I guess that's how the court sees it. I would say that she of course should focus on getting to know Britain at this point in time but given that the Queen has 15 other realms it is actually refreshing to have someone who is not as narrow-minded in her focus; she will also a princess of the Royal House of Canada, of Australia, of New Zealand, etc. As was clear from the engagement interview.

She could even retain certain honorary roles and not be very active in it for a little while (the Duke of Edinburgh certainly didn't have a yearly active involvement with all of his charities, he just had too many of them). To me, it would be very different if she created her own charity and wanted to incorporate that into her royal work - that is something I have doubts about. But as these are existing organizations that asked her to represent her and that she carefully researched and committed to; I don't think marrying Harry should force her to give that up as that representing these types of organizations is exactly what she is supposed to be doing.

And yes, staying out of politics is important but advocating for women to have a role in politics should be fine. It would be different if there was a huge movement in the UK that only men could be represented in politics but I don't think that is the case, so this actually is a very political-neutral issue that she could continue advocating and that is relevant in especially some of the smaller realms.

So yes, if she was only to become a princess of Britain, I could see how being involved with a Canadian charity could de discouraged (although not all royal families would agree), however, not in this case. Unless the family truly wants to send the message that all the other realms should become republics as the head of state and her family doesn't care at all about them...

(See also the discussion about the monarchy in Australia where William's active involved pro-England against-Australia wasn't appreciated; and rightly so)

[Anna Catherine]

While the royal family does represent the Commonwealth, I think, of I understand correctly, that role fall predominantly on the monarch. I think it’s important for Meghan to focus on getting to know The United Kingdom first as that is what she will be a princess of. Is he should focus her activity there and then branch out. I don’t see a problem. It might also have to do with the fact that her representation was in her professional capacity not her capacity as a princess. I’m thinking there’s a difference.

[Skippy]

Meghan will not be a Princess and certainly not a Princess of the United Kingdom. The only Princess title she would receive is Princess Henry of Wales if he would not receive a title.

[FashionMaven]

Originally Posted by Skippy

Meghan will not be a Princess and certainly not a Princess of the United Kingdom. The only Princess title she would receive is Princess Henry of Wales if he would not receive a title.

Quick question - is the only reason Kate listed her occupation on George and Charlotte's birth certificates as "princess of the UK" because she's the wife of a future King?

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Skippy

Meghan will not be a Princess and certainly not a Princess of the United Kingdom. The only Princess title she would receive is Princess Henry of Wales if he would not receive a title.

She will be a Princess of United Kingdom through marriage. Although not a princess in her own right as Princess Charlotte is.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by FashionMaven

Quick question - is the only reason Kate listed her occupation on George and Charlotte's birth certificates as "princess of the UK" because she's the wife of a future King?

No. She is technically a Princess of United Kingdom by marriage. Just not Princess Kate or Princess Catherine, just like Meghan will not be Princess Meghan, as she is not a princess by birth.