The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Family, News and Events 6: Aug. 2021- Oct. 2022

[MARG]

I think it is a belief than was proved true in that both Harry and Meghan were able to negotiate a meeting with Charles, Camilla and HM without it appearing in all the rags pontificating that HM must or must not do this or should or should not allow that.

We know that all those that aspire to be the one and only arbiter of what is right according to their personal views and misuse their position to control family access to HM (princes Charles and Andrew were stymied by this a couple of years ago) and it must have burned that she still talks to family members both by phone or Zoom.

Seeing the visits noted in an unbiased way in the mainstream newspapers was proof positive that things at the top are routinely managed by those exceeding their authority and the result has exacerbated discord in HM's family.

There is no way this is a good thing for the Queen's health or happiness as when the visit became public all the Royal Arbiters of supposedly "correct" Royal behaviour have been shaking their poison pen at her and warning of the PR disaster that would be unleashed if they were at any celebrations.

Despite the best (worst) efforts, Harry is still talking to his father and granny as indeed is Andrew.

[US Royal Watcher]

Originally Posted by HighGoalHighDreams

Indeed, I am sure that Harry, who last year revealed that "the people around The Queen" intervened to stop him confronting her at the last minute during his exit from public life, has since then done his utmost to control who- I mean, um, place the right people around her, for her own protection.

I'm glad that Harry was able to see his grandmother and he really didn't reveal any details of the meeting - just that they were glad to see each other. However, I find it strange that Harry, who is living in California, is claiming that he has been "protecting" the Queen and determining who should be around her. I guess we'll see when the full interview is broadcast.

[TLLK]

Originally Posted by US Royal Watcher

I'm glad that Harry was able to see his grandmother and he really didn't reveal any details of the meeting - just that they were glad to see each other. However, I find it strange that Harry, who is living in California, is claiming that he has been "protecting" the Queen and determining who should be around her. I guess we'll see when the full interview is broadcast.

I agree that it will be best to view the interview so we can understand the context of his remarks.

[Duc_et_Pair]

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, receives protection from the Dutch authorities. He was seen visiting locations of the Invictus Games whilst driving in a colonne of armoured cars. The Duke himself is transported in a grey Audi from the DKDB (the Dutch Royal- and Diplomatic Protection Service): picture.

One of the official duties of the DKDB, vested in law, is to protect members of the Royal House and their guests. But -apart from being a guest of the Royal House- (which is unlikely in the framework of the Games) also on instigation of the National Coordinator for Security and Counter-Terrorism any individual or any organization in the Netherlands can be provided protection service.

[muriel]

Originally Posted by TLLK

Here's a sneak preview of the Duke of Sussex's interview with Hoda Kotb.


https://www.today.com/news/news/prin...ople-rcna25037

The good thing is that Harry can always be relied upon to make you laugh. In thsi case, his concern about the Queen being looked after by the right people did just that. Bless him!

Originally Posted by US Royal Watcher

I'm glad that Harry was able to see his grandmother and he really didn't reveal any details of the meeting - just that they were glad to see each other.

We haven't quite seen the whoile interview, so not quite sure what else he may have said in the interview, or what else he may choose to say at a subsequent interview or in his book.

Originally Posted by US Royal Watcher

However, I find it strange that Harry, who is living in California, is claiming that he has been "protecting" the Queen and determining who should be around her. I guess we'll see when the full interview is broadcast.

I guess he may argue that his actions over the last two years have been designed to protect the Queen, perhaps from the generational pain that he has referred to previous;ly.

[HighGoalHighDreams]

Originally Posted by US Royal Watcher

I'm glad that Harry was able to see his grandmother and he really didn't reveal any details of the meeting - just that they were glad to see each other. However, I find it strange that Harry, who is living in California, is claiming that he has been "protecting" the Queen and determining who should be around her. I guess we'll see when the full interview is broadcast.

I think Harry's comments will have struck a chord with families the world over who have cared for an aging relative. I know they did for me.

Granny, who is aging and has lived her whole life in Middletown, requires increasing care from her children and grandchildren. Her two sons and their children all live in Middletown and chip in, basing their decisions on their frequent interactions with Granny and those small differences they see in the day to day.

Sue, who was Granny's favorite child, moved to Seattle, married and raised her family there. She talks to Granny every Sunday and FaceTimes to show the kids. She visits alternate Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Her children are the apple of Granny's eyes.

But every time her brothers go to make a decision about Granny, there is Sue on the phone. "Is that decision best for Mom? Should those people be caring for Mom? I talked to Mom last Sunday on the phone and..." Sue has lost touch with the fact that as much as she cares and everyone loves her, she simply isn't there and isn't best placed to make decisions any more. And when the home health aide that Sue sent over everyone's objections shows up at Granny's door, the brothers quietly turn her away.

That's immediately what I thought of when I heard Harry's comments about him placing people around The Queen to protect her. It's the same situation playing out today in millions of families around the globe. It may bring Harry some comfort or sense of being involved to think he is pulling the strings in these decisions, as it does for people the world over.

As people in our lives age, it can be very, very hard to accept the trade-offs we made in life for what they are. This is true no matter how much we love the spouse we moved to a new continent for, the career that caused us to move 3,000 miles from our nearest family, the college that meant we relocated to a new state and never came back, the dream that we chased to a new country. In Harry's comments (released so far), I hear a hint of: I love my life and wouldn't change a thing, but it is hard to accept the other things I am missing (such as influence around my beloved grandmother).

[suztav]

Originally Posted by muriel

The good thing is that Harry can always be relied upon to make you laugh. In thsi case, his concern about the Queen being looked after by the right people did just that. Bless him!

Exactly! His view of his value to ANYTHING is so exaggerated .... I can't even! He shouldn't have trashed the entire monarchial system during his Oprah Winfrey interview if he was so worried about the Queen.

[FigTree]

Originally Posted by HighGoalHighDreams

I think Harry's comments will have struck a chord with families the world over who have cared for an aging relative. I know they did for me.

Granny, who is aging and has lived her whole life in Middletown, requires increasing care from her children and grandchildren. Her two sons and their children all live in Middletown and chip in, basing their decisions on their frequent interactions with Granny and those small differences they see in the day to day.

Sue, who was Granny's favorite child, moved to Seattle, married and raised her family there. She talks to Granny every Sunday and FaceTimes to show the kids. She visits alternate Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Her children are the apple of Granny's eyes.

But every time her brothers go to make a decision about Granny, there is Sue on the phone. "Is that decision best for Mom? Should those people be caring for Mom? I talked to Mom last Sunday on the phone and..." Sue has lost touch with the fact that as much as she cares and everyone loves her, she simply isn't there and isn't best placed to make decisions any more. And when the home health aide that Sue sent over everyone's objections shows up at Granny's door, the brothers quietly turn her away.

That's immediately what I thought of when I heard Harry's comments about him placing people around The Queen to protect her. It's the same situation playing out today in millions of families around the globe. It may bring Harry some comfort or sense of being involved to think he is pulling the strings in these decisions, as it does for people the world over.

As people in our lives age, it can be very, very hard to accept the trade-offs we made in life for what they are. This is true no matter how much we love the spouse we moved to a new continent for, the career that caused us to move 3,000 miles from our nearest family, the college that meant we relocated to a new state and never came back, the dream that we chased to a new country. In Harry's comments (released so far), I hear a hint of: I love my life and wouldn't change a thing, but it is hard to accept the other things I am missing (such as influence around my beloved grandmother).

Well exactly. Did you ever hear about the cousins from America who come back every 10 years... families the world over.

One side does it to gain some.self esteem. The other bites their lip (mostly) and feels awful about it.

Not every family are like that though. Some are accurate for seeing the situation the way it is. Which brings its own problems.

The Queen has a family and staff who have been there while the Sussexes are away. Humbly I would acknowledge it would be better for Harry to acknowledge that. He isn't there...it happens. In the last years of her life he isn't there. It happens but he is on a bent of having an extraordinary relationship with his grandmother. Just doesn't make him look so good.

I would also suggest it shows his continuing anger. The 'right' people are the ones who do what he thinks is right. Harry has barely seen his family in 2 and a half years. He has had no time to process his anger and what has happened with his family...and they have moved on. Of course he has too but he won't see that. That he would have been: they will miss me, they will see how great I am. How dare they. I am indispensable; is normal and part of the acceptance journey but he may be stuck there.

Also he gets pummelled continuously for everything he says and does in the media. Not easy either. He isn't the golden boy anymore. I mean none of it must be easy for him. His family moved on. He isn't really missed (professionally), the press has continued to be bad and he is struggling to find a place.

I mean the Invictus games has been a slick brilliantly done PR machine. Whatever personal feelings.The recent royal PR less so. So really he is doing fine...even if Invictus is all he has it is a lot more than many people do.

[OwlBranch]

Originally Posted by suztav

Exactly! His view of his value to ANYTHING is so exaggerated .... I can't even! He shouldn't have trashed the entire monarchial system during his Oprah Winfrey interview if he was so worried about the Queen.

The Monarchical system is not perfect and should be subject to critic and analysis. It must evolve to stay relevant to the public it serves.

Harry never criticised the Queen, he criticised the system.

Years ago, Prince Charles was not allowed to marry the woman he loved because of silly rules. We all know how much unhappiness that caused.
Later on, Prince William was allowed to marry the girl he loved even though she is a commoner and is not a virgin. As a result, they have a much happier marriage and family. So the system can change to be more humane.

Harry does not want to participate in the Royal Rota system. He doesn't want to share pictures of his children and want them grow up privately. The only way to do that was for him to leave.

The tabloids are getting themselves into hysterics over whether he will be on the balcony. Does he even want to be on the balcony?

To be clear, the royal family will benefit from him showing up not the other way around.

[suztav]

Originally Posted by OwlBranch

The Monarchical system is not perfect and should be subject to critic and analysis. It must evolve to stay relevant to the public it serves.

Harry never criticised the Queen, he criticised the system.

Years ago, Prince Charles was not allowed to marry the woman he loved because of silly rules. We all know how much unhappiness that caused.
Later on, Prince William was allowed to marry the girl he loved even though she is a commoner and is not a virgin. As a result, they have a much happier marriage and family. So the system can change to be more humane.

Harry does not want to participate in the Royal Rota system. He doesn't want to share pictures of his children and want them grow up privately. The only way to do that was for him to leave.

The tabloids are getting themselves into hysterics over whether he will be on the balcony. Does he even want to be on the balcony?

To be clear, the royal family will benefit from him showing up not the other way around.

Thank you for sharing your opinion. I specifically stated "the entire system" ... yes, while I agree that there are parts of the system which would benefit from modernizing/updating ... both H&M were vicious in that interview. Remember ... H said "... my father and brother ... trapped ..." JMHO, but that's a pretty damning remark.

JMHO.

[HighGoalHighDreams]

The more of Harry's interview we see, the more it tracks with the (very relatable) relative that moved away described above.

"Granny shares things with me she doesn't share with anything else." Well, of course she does. Because you aren't there to see Granny leave the stove on and the front door unlocked, so you never have to have the hard conversations. All that's left is the light and the fluffy. So yes, Granny is in a great humor when she sees you. You make Granny laugh. Because you didn't have to take the keys from Granny after that incident last month; you haven't had to tell her it's best to let you do the shopping.

It creates the illusion that you, always the favorite child, may have moved away, but look how close you still are; look how she still relies on you; look how those Sunday FaceTimes and the Amazon Prime gifts have kept things so intimate; look how you still know what's best. What is really happening is that others are stepping up to do the hard, the day-to-day, the nitty-gritty. That is exactly what Harry is describing.

And there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. He had every right to move away, to start a new life for himself, to create a life he fell in love with away from it all. But he is deluding himself to think that he is somehow pulling the strings back in the UK, that's he still in the thick of it all. And it is insulting to do those who are doing the day-to-day. He is still loved and adored by his grandmother. But others are stepping in the real roles of intimacy that accompany the twilight years of life. And others will step into the roles of intimacy that surround his niece and nephews' growing up; and they too will tell him "things they don't tell anyone else," because he will be just the fun guy, not responsible for the day-to-day hard stuff, and he will make them laugh, always creating the illusion that he is still there in the middle.

He needs to come to terms with the fact that this intimacy is something he traded away.

[iceflower]

The Duke of Sussex at the Invictus Games today, April 20:


** gtresnews gallery ** gettyimages gallery ** rex gallery **

[suztav]

Originally Posted by HighGoalHighDreams

The more of Harry's interview we see, the more it tracks with the (very relatable) relative that moved away described above.

"Granny shares things with me she doesn't share with anything else." Well, of course she does. Because you aren't there to see Granny leave the stove on and the front door unlocked, so you never have to have the hard conversations. All that's left is the light and the fluffy. So yes, Granny is in a great humor when she sees you. You make Granny laugh. Because you didn't have to take the keys from Granny after that incident last month; you haven't had to tell her it's best to let you do the shopping.

It creates the illusion that you, always the favorite child, may have moved away, but look how close you still are; look how she still relies on you; look how those Sunday FaceTimes and the Amazon Prime gifts have kept things so intimate; look how you still know what's best. What is really happening is that others are stepping up to do the hard, the day-to-day, the nitty-gritty. That is exactly what Harry is describing.

And there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. He had every right to move away, to start a new life for himself, to create a life he fell in love with away from it all. But he is deluding himself to think that he is somehow pulling the strings back in the UK, that's he still in the thick of it all. And it is insulting to do those who are doing the day-to-day. He is still loved and adored by his grandmother. But others are stepping in the real roles of intimacy that accompany the twilight years of life. And others will step into the roles of intimacy that surround his niece and nephews' growing up; and they too will tell him "things they don't tell anyone else," because he will be just the fun guy, not responsible for the day-to-day hard stuff, and he will make them laugh, always creating the illusion that he is still there in the middle.

He needs to come to terms with the fact that this intimacy is something he traded away.

BINGO! He threw away the keys ... but, still wants access to the house!

[Granada]

Wow, I think this interview, although short, was a very interesting peek into Harry's mindset.
He for some reason, wants the World to believe that he is a top, if not the top confidant, in Queen Elizabeth's life. Actually bragging that.... "We have a special relationship, We talk about things SHE CAN'T TALK ABOUT WITH ANYONE ELSE". Color me skeptical about that little gem ! And why did he feel the need to say that ?
On top of saying He is " making sure his Grandmother is protected, with the RIGHT PEOPLE around her". Ummmm, how's that working Harry ? Do tell.
.
I found it particularly sad that when asked a question he surely must OR should have anticipated, about whether he missed his Charles and William, he deflected back to Invictus. It would have been nice to be a *little* conciliatory. Saying a simple "of course, I was lucky enough to just see my Father" and then change the subject.

BUT he couldn't or wouldn't. I think that was hurtful to Charles. I doubt William is surprised though. Supposedly Harry and Megan did meet Charles and Camilla briefly before the Queen, wonder how that went ?

Makes me even MORE nervous about the coming Book Harry is releasing in a few months.

Little Edit....
Just my opinion, I don't think Harry, Megan and the Kids will be back for Jubilee Events. Harry again mentioned "security issues". Oh well, after this interview His Family is probably relieved........

[TLLK]

The full transcript of the Duke of Sussex's interview with Hoda Kotb can be found in this article.


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...BCs-Today.html

Hoda: 'There was one woman who came up to me yesterday and she said something that totally struck me in my soul. She said the Invictus Games saved my life. How does that land for you?'
Harry: 'It feels amazing. But every single Games that I go to I hear the same thing from so many of them. And that... it feels amazing that we have managed to play a part in their recovery, but it also makes me incredibly sad to know that that's how dark it was for them.'

The best reflection of how the Invictus Athletes seem to feel about this opportunity. I'm very happy for them that the IG were able to be held this year.

"Granny shares things with me she doesn't share with anything else." Well, of course she does. Because you aren't there to see Granny leave the stove on and the front door unlocked, so you never have to have the hard conversations. All that's left is the light and the fluffy. So yes, Granny is in a great humor when she sees you. You make Granny laugh. Because you didn't have to take the keys from Granny after that incident last month; you haven't had to tell her it's best to let you do the shopping.

It creates the illusion that you, always the favorite child, may have moved away, but look how close you still are; look how she still relies on you; look how those Sunday FaceTimes and the Amazon Prime gifts have kept things so intimate; look how you still know what's best. What is really happening is that others are stepping up to do the hard, the day-to-day, the nitty-gritty. That is exactly what Harry is describing.

And there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. He had every right to move away, to start a new life for himself, to create a life he fell in love with away from it all. But he is deluding himself to think that he is somehow pulling the strings back in the UK, that's he still in the thick of it all. And it is insulting to do those who are doing the day-to-day. He is still loved and adored by his grandmother. But others are stepping in the real roles of intimacy that accompany the twilight years of life. And others will step into the roles of intimacy that surround his niece and nephews' growing up; and they too will tell him "things they don't tell anyone else," because he will be just the fun guy, not responsible for the day-to-day hard stuff, and he will make them laugh, always creating the illusion that he is still there in the middle.

He needs to come to terms with the fact that this intimacy is something he traded away.

I agree with your summary HighGoalHighDreams. The staff and family members who are there for HM day in and day out will simply get on with the business at hand and likely will not comment upon Prince Harry's remarks.

[JoanHarry]

“Right People”
There is another scenario that could account for Harry’s remarks regarding his making sure she has the “right people” around her: The Queen wanted to see Harry in person to discuss his role as Counsellor of State and explain that he and Andrew will both be removed from that role for not being working royals. (I see Anne and Edward being substituted, which yes, will require some legal effort). I have no idea if this is true, but it fits his strange remarks.

In this scenario, I see Sunshine Sachs setting up some spin to lay the groundwork that Harry wanted this, so his grandmother would have the “right people” to help her and to be able to step in for her at the end of her reign. But Harry didn’t artfully convey the spin.

“Protection”
With regard to Harry’s “protection” vibe toward The Queen, let’s remember that he may feel deep down that he did not protect his mother (not true, of course, but a reasonable trauma response). Then Meghan rang the same bell and needed protection from the Monarchy (his view, not mine). It’s not a stretch that he may subconsciously feel that any Windsor woman that he loves is at risk and therefore he needs to protect them. Again, I could absolutely be wrong, but this also fits with the odd remark.

[soapstar]

The bit about William and Charles was very telling. He had a lot to say about the Queen and their relationship, but when specifically asked about his brother and dad, he couldn’t even say that he missed them. It shows that the relationships are still fractured. I would imagine those two are bracing themselves for Harry’s book.

Hoda: 'Your family at home. Do you miss them?'

Harry: 'Yes. I think especially over the last two years, for most people, have they not missed their family? The ability to even get home and see them? Of course. That's -- you know, that's a huge part of it.'

Hoda: 'But do you miss your brother, your dad?

Harry: 'Look I mean, for me at the moment, I'm here focused on these guys and these families and giving everything that I can, 120 per cent to them to make sure they have the experience of a lifetime. That's my focus here. And when I leave here, I get back and my focus is on my family who I miss massively.'

Hoda: 'You do. I bet.'

Harry: 'Of course I do, they are two little people.'

[muriel]

Originally Posted by soapstar

The bit about William and Charles was very telling. He had a lot to say about the Queen and their relationship, but when specifically asked about his brother and dad, he couldn’t even say that he missed them. It shows that the relationships are still fractured. I would imagine those two are bracing themselves for Harry’s book.

That is correct. And if the reationship is fractured, I just do not see the point of sharing that with the public through this sort of answer.

[Alison H]

I know a lot of people who have moved abroad, due to work, a partner, or other reasons. It's been a tough couple of years, especially as many people in the UK have relatives in Australia and New Zealand, which closed their borders for such a long time. It's the way it goes. But most of those people have limited annual leave and limited funds, so they haven't got the option to come over and bring the kids to see great-granny regularly. Harry has. I very much hope that the Queen will get to see Archie and Lilibet very soon.

[FigTree]

Watched the whole interview. I am not going to question the motives behind what Harry said about the Queen. I am just going to extend empathy to him. I mean there really is nothing else to say. By extension I also extend it to the others too.