Duchess of Sussex: Future Duties, Roles and Responsibilities

[Pranter]

Hard telling how much stuff they are juggling behind the scenes.



LaRae

[Countessmeout]

Currently Harry's assistant private secretary seems to be aiding Meghan. She was with them in Nottingham yesterday. Identified by Rebecca English as the woman seen helping Meghan with flowers. Her name is Heather Wong.

https://twitter.com/RE_DailyMail/sta...65281946152961

Rebecca Deacon, Kate's first private secretary, had actually worked for the royal household for several years before she was appointed to work for Kate.

But all senior royals seem to have one, Sophie seems to share with her husband. Meghan will likely need someone to accompany like Kate has. I am sure they will soon have someone.

But yes I am sure Kate will be a fantastic source of information.

[jacqui24]

Another issue Meghan can potentially get involved in is self-esteem issues in young people. I know her work with UN Women, One Young World, and World Vision are most well known, but she was also involved with Dove Confident Me. She has also written about self-esteem issues she's had in the past and encourage others to believe in themselves and how to deal with self-doubt. In her goodbye message for The Tig, she specifically reminded people that they are enough.

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by jacqui24

Another issue Meghan can potentially get involved in is self-esteem issues in young people. I know her work with UN Women, One Young World, and World Vision are most well known, but she was also involved with Dove Confident Me. She has also written about self-esteem issues she's had in the past and encourage others to believe in themselves and how to deal with self-doubt. In her goodbye message for The Tig, she specifically reminded people that they are enough.

I would love to see her do that. I had hoped Kate would, as she had spoken about bullying issues as a kid, but she never really did take it up. William a bit in cyber bullying. It would be fantastic to see Meghan take on the issue of girls self-esteem which is a big issue in the growing population. And it definitely goes along the lines of her interest in women and their health.

[CyrilVladisla]

What type of ribbon cutting ceremonies might Meghan be a participant of?

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by CyrilVladisla

What type of ribbon cutting ceremonies might Meghan be a participant of?

Depends on what kind of patronages she is involved in. They usually only do ribbon events if it is related to one of their patronages. Like opening a new wing of a hospital they are a patron of.

Ribbon cutting has just become a synonym for a type of event. The kind we see them frequently do where they show up, do tour, shake hands. On rare occasion they do a speech. Not a lot of hands on actual planning or actual work into the event. The reason they get criticized by many for being lazy, as some people think that is all the young royals do, and don't understand what they do with the other 200 days of the year. As the prep work is never discussed.

[King of the Jungle]

I like that the British royals give support to such a variety of groups in Britain wanting royal involvement - whether popular, in need, traditional or barely known. Meghan could find herself cutting ribbons in remote country halls and city hospitals alike. Much of the Queen's work is not glamorous and, apart from her Commonwealth committment, does not involve International travel. Meghan might participate in engagements similar to those carried out by Anne, Sophie, Edward, etc. I wonder what interests her most that she can focus on in Britain? I expect Meghan will attend church services now that she has embraced the Church of England. Perhaps she will support some of their wonderful charities and programs. Without an injection of vitality I fear that many of Britain's churches will crumble and be turned into coffee shops.

[Zaira]

I think all the young royals need to work more, and I think it would be a wrong move for Meghan to not be seen doing multiple events around the UK before the wedding. I understand her wanting to spend time with friends and family before her life totally changes, but at the same time she is under such a massive microscope and folks will hold her to different expectations than recent royal brides. I hope we see her a great deal more doing engagements with Harry in the new year.

I still stand amazed she has so effectively ghosted the media. Her mother has been photographed several times even. I wonder if she is really in LA or if she is on a girlfriend trip somewhere else?

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Zaira

I think all the young royals need to work more, and I think it would be a wrong move for Meghan to not be seen doing multiple events around the UK before the wedding. I understand her wanting to spend time with friends and family before her life totally changes, but at the same time she is under such a massive microscope and folks will hold her to different expectations than recent royal brides. I hope we see her a great deal more doing engagements with Harry in the new year.

I still stand amazed she has so effectively ghosted the media. Her mother has been photographed several times even. I wonder if she is really in LA or if she is on a girlfriend trip somewhere else?

I think some people are probably surprised that they would be going around to different parts of UK as she's not marrying the prince that will one day be king. I think it was briefly discussed here before the engagement was announced. Even though she needs some exposure for the people of UK to get used to the idea of her, they also have to be careful of overexposure. Especially the media attention on it. Yes, she blew her first walk about out of water, but at times, the amount of coverage was exhausting at times. I, obviously, don't mind since I like her, but I can see how it can be too much for an average person.

It won't be full speed ahead for her until after the wedding. She should enjoy it, this is the last bit for her private citizen life.

[Countessmeout]

How is it too much??? Its not like they are having a 'Meghan tour' and they are parading her around just for her. She is accompanying Harry to some of his already scheduled engagements.

Even if Meghan spends the next six months hiding in KP the talk wont die. The talk will just be different. Why is she hiding? Are there troubles in the union? Is she pregnant and hiding it? And so on and so on and so on.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Countessmeout

How is it too much??? Its not like they are having a 'Meghan tour' and they are parading her around just for her. She is accompanying Harry to some of his already scheduled engagements.

Even if Meghan spends the next six months hiding in KP the talk wont die. The talk will just be different. Why is she hiding? Are there troubles in the union? Is she pregnant and hiding it? And so on and so on and so on.

I was in no way suggesting she hide. There are worries about overexposure as with anyone that's in the media. Especially since she doesn't necessarily have the goodwill with the people of UK quite yet.

[Leopoldine]

Originally Posted by Osipi

Although we will see Meghan from time to time as its been stated that she will be going places in the UK in the run up to the wedding, I don't think we're going to see a lot of her. I think she'll pretty much stay in the background except for when she may be out with Harry.

Too much focus on Meghan and Harry as a couple right now would kind of undermine and totally take focus away from everything else the royal family is doing in the way of engagements and duties. For the "Firm", its business as usual. That's how it should be.

I agree with this.

I just hope that Meghan has been given a clear picture of ...court expectations.

[Lady Nimue]

Originally Posted by Leopoldine

I just hope that Meghan has been given a clear picture of ...court expectations.

Is it 'court' expectations or rather royal watchers' expectations. I have come to realize that there is a difference.

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by jacqui24

I was in no way suggesting she hide. There are worries about overexposure as with anyone that's in the media. Especially since she doesn't necessarily have the goodwill with the people of UK quite yet.

The exposure now is about Building the good will. The problem people seem to have is they don't know, don't see her. The people of the UK are never going to get to know her if she doesn't get exposure.

There is no need to 'ease her in'.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Countessmeout

The exposure now is about Building the good will. The problem people seem to have is they don't know, don't see her. The people of the UK are never going to get to know her if she doesn't get exposure.

There is no need to 'ease her in'.

[...] She obviously won't have as many patronages right off the bat, but that's up to her to find her areas as she takes on more and adapts to her new role. [...] I'm not sure how the palace protocol works regarding that issue though. [...] I'm not sure what the palace feels they need to do to correct that image once Meghan comes into the picture. Is it possible they would keep Meghan back a little bit before the other three take on more? Possibly. They do all work as a team and the overall image is greater than any one individual. I do believe that. I think it'd be a shame if that causes Meghan to be held back from achieving her fullest potential, but it happens in life.

And we don't know if Meghan wants to spend more time at home once she has children. We do know that royal children aren't just handed off to nannies this day and age. I do think that's a balance her and Harry will have to find. I have no doubt they would be able to prioritize both. And if that means they don't do as many engagements as the older royals, then so be it. Many women have to chose between a full time job and being a stay at home mom. That won't b e the choice Meghan has to face. She can tweak it as she goes. I know she's used to long hours at work, but that's when she didn't have a family of her own. We'll have to see how this plays out as it gets.

However, I do think easing her in and having her take a little bit of time and take on patronages she wants to focus on is good. That seems to be the new approach for the younger royals. More in depth focus on fewer areas. And it does fit with Meghan's personality. She likes to know what she's getting involved with. She'll do background work in addition to showing up. And sometimes that might mean not showing up as soon to as many things. They'll eventually have to expand once the older generations retire or, god forbid, passes on, but until then, the youngins have some leeway. It's not a bad thing for the monarchy or for them.

[Anna Catherine]

Originally Posted by Countessmeout

The exposure now is about Building the good will. The problem people seem to have is they don't know, don't see her. The people of the UK are never going to get to know her if she doesn't get exposure.

There is no need to 'ease her in'.

I do agree that Meghan will probably be at more events post-wedding because Harry is full-time but I think you’re underestimating how much there is for her to learn and become comfortable with. Not only that but it takes time to research patronages so it will be a while before she has her own. Being a royal is very different from living a private working life so I think it is important for all new members to be eased in. What that looks like will be tailored to each situation and person, but it would do Meghan no favors to dive in at full speed.

[TLLK]

Being a royal is very different from living a private working life so I think it is important for all new members to be eased in. What that looks like will be tailored to each situation and person, but it would do Meghan no favors to dive in at full speed.

I so agree.

It didn't do Diana or Sarah any favors to "dive in at full speed." The Windsors appear to have learned that lesson very well. Meghan will be adjusting to a new way of life as well as her new country.

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by Anna Catherine

I do agree that Meghan will probably be at more events post-wedding because Harry is full-time but I think you’re underestimating how much there is for her to learn and become comfortable with. Not only that but it takes time to research patronages so it will be a while before she has her own. Being a royal is very different from living a private working life so I think it is important for all new members to be eased in. What that looks like will be tailored to each situation and person, but it would do Meghan no favors to dive in at full speed.

Fortunately Meghan has time. Surely she wont be sitting around for the next six months only thinking wedding plans. And she will already have a sense of the kind of patronages she is interested in working with. Having been involved in charity work for a number of years.

[MaiaMia_53]

I think it might be helpful to take our cues from what the Palace has already said re the immediate future for M&H, and to recall some of the things that Meghan and Harry said in their interview. Right now, they are taking some time out for the Christmas holidays. Then they will be vacationing in an undisclosed location. When they return sometime in late January or early February, they will probably do a bit of traveling around the U.K. Surely their U.K. travel plans have been worked out, or are in the process of being worked out. Meghan is going to play an important role in determining what new charities she will take on under the Royal Foundation umbrella. And apparently she plans to take her time learning more about her adopted country first, which makes a lot of sense.

Another thing to keep in mind is that they have a wedding to plan, which is going to take up a certain amount of their time in the coming months. In addition, over the past year, I think we can be assured that Meghan has already been learning about the ins-and-outs of royal protocol and life inside the royal firm. Of course, that learning process will continue apace now that Meghan is finally residing full time at KP and not distracted by her former Suits obligations.

I would agree with @Osipi that Harry & Meghan are not going to cater to our individual wishes and preferences. The fact we don't see Meghan at airports and in the public eye on a daily basis is on purpose. I think it's chiefly to protect Meghan's safety, but also to send the message to the paps and tabloids to calm down and back off. There will be no repeat of what happened to Diana. I think both William and Harry have made that abundantly clear in regard to their respective partners and their private family lives, which they will continue to diligently safeguard.

[Jacknch]

A number of posts have been edited or deleted as we wish to discourage comparisons between Harry & Meghan and William & Catherine.

Harry's current and future role and responsibilities are the only guage we need to be aware of in order to determine Meghan's (plus additional charities, patronages and interests she might have). So lets stay on the topic of Meghan's future roles and responsibilities.

Please note that posts relating to how Meghan will get on with other members of the Royal Family have been moved to the http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums...ily-15549.html thread. Once again, let us not bring subjects into the discussion that do not relate to the topic of the thread. Thank you.