The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Step Back as Senior Royals: January 2020

[ACO]

Originally Posted by poppy7

Sorry tyou will have to explain this to me?

I mean we hear all the time Meghan needs to know her place. People insinuate she didn't belong. She seemed to claim no one cared about her well being. Harry was insanely protective and we had all sorts of "sources" that the family didn't even want him with her. How true that is? Who knows but I don't think it was a coincidence they were emphasizing the heirs heavily these past few weeks. And I don't buy the family was completely blindsided by this news.

Maybe the statement? I can see that likely but the fact they wanted out? Probably not as they said they spoke to the family. Maybe they didn't take them seriously or thought it would blow over with some time off but clearly not.

The Sussexes clearly felt some kind of way and probably the rest of the royals did too. We have no idea except something prompted this drastic decision. And at the end of the day Harry and Meghan knew they would be attacked for it. They are anyways so nothing new there.

They might be stripped of everything but again I get the feeling they are also prepared for that. Likely why they didn't want Archie to have anything in the first place.

[Lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by suztav

I guess Charles got his slimmed down monarchy much faster than any of us thought would happen.

The one he never actually verbalised or confirmed he wanted, that’s completely made up by the press.

[King of the Jungle]

I am disappointed if this means that Harry will leave his responsibilities for which he has been very well trained. People are loyal to him and his role and he has been loyal to the Queen and his charities.

I am waiting to see how Buckingham Palace will describe the move.
Harry and Meghan say 'within this institution' and 'duty to the Queen and the Commonwealth. What does living part time in North America mean? Who will provide their protection?
I am surprised the announcement was not made officially by the Queen.
Is Harry standing down from the line of succession?
Is it that he doesn't like Buckingham Palace making some decisions for his family?

I am sad for the BRF.
William only has one sibling and to shoulder his duties alone will be less colourful.
The UK is so beautiful and so embracing of the BRF.
It seems like Harry has spurned his countryfolk. To wish to live in North America is odd, particularly when Meghan has only one relative to whom she confides near there.

Long live the Queen, all her cousins and her children.

[Susan999]

If they had consulted with the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge before coming to this decision, I might have some respect left for them. But to announce it without even informing them is just disrespectful. And they had enough time between making the decision and announcing it to produce a long webpage, but still didn't inform the Queen, so that was clearly deliberate.

[suztav]

Originally Posted by poppy7

I think Meghan is about to discover what Harry should have always known. The House of Windsor survives at any cost. This will blow up. And who knows who the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in a weeks time. You have every right to make the decisions you want but are powerless to control other people's reactions to it.

I hope this marriage works for Harry now as he will be isolated I feel in many ways from his family. But to be honest I have always felt tbe marriage was shaky. I am also really pleased that William has an alternative family in the Middletons.

Exactly!

I agree that Meghan faced a great deal of racism upon assuming her new role. But this? A step too far that, I fear, they will both regret.

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by ACO

I mean we hear all the time Meghan needs to know her place. People insinuate she didn't belong. She seemed to claim no one cared about her well being. Harry was insanely protective and we had all sorts of "sources" that the family didn't even want him with her. How true that is? Who knows but I don't think it was a coincidence they were emphasizing the heirs heavily these past few weeks. And I don't buy the family was completely blindsided by this news.

Maybe the statement? I can see that likely but the fact they wanted out? Probably not as they said they spoke to the family. Maybe they didn't take them seriously or thought it would blow over with some time off but clearly not.

The Sussexes clearly felt some kind of way and probably the rest of the royals did too. We have no idea except something prompted this drastic decision. And at the end of the day Harry and Meghan knew they would be attacked for it. They are anyways so nothing new there.

They might be stripped of everything but again I get the feeling they are also prepared for that. Likely why they didn't want Archie to have anything in the first place.

Except a photo-op at the Grand Hall of Windsor Castle and a picture with granny ? Sorry, but that is not entirely accurate and more in line with having it my way as opposed to having nothing.

[Madame Verseau]

Originally Posted by BaiSoSo

Well, I'm sure that Harry and Meghan were "hurt" by the lack of support form the family when Meghan was harassed/bullied/abused throughout her entire pregnancy and postpartum stage with lies and half-truths. All while both were working on projects/tours to help the BRF & the UK.



My heart is breaking for Harry, Meghan & Archie...they are ones who endured all negative attitudes I described above with little support from "Harry's closest family", especially after all the times Harry publicly supported Catherine when the media was trying to dump on her. Harry is doing what he feels is best to protect his wife & child....his true closest family.

100%. It may not have come to this if the BRF did more to protect Meghan from the vicious press. What galls me is that some royal reporters cackled on SM they were getting some of their gossip from palace walls.

[carlota]

William only has one sibling and to shoulder his duties alone will be less colourful.

as tough as this will be for william, his dad will be in the throne first whilst his kids are growing up, so when william is heir he will have the support of his kids who will surely become active royal members when charles is king.

[Mirabel]

Originally Posted by Lumutqueen

According to that funding page, they will retain their titles, they will continue to work on behalf of The Queen and during that work they will receive taxpayer funded security. No answer as to who will pay for their security when they undoubtedly fly to the USA and promote The Sussex Foundation on Oprah...


They really are, attempting badly, to have the best of both worlds. It's absolutely ridiculous, and embarrassing.

If they want "that" life, then give up this one. To keep their titles, the security, the benefits and still want the peace, quiet and the life that Vancouver Island offered them, it's just not going to happen. What was the point of handing over patronages, applying for British Citizenship, marrying a british royal, for you to turn around and want none of it? I've said this since they married, I know Henry has spoken of his lack of desire to be a part of the British Royal Family before Meghan so it's simple. Leave.


I would be absolutely fine with this announcement, if they'd given up their titles at the same time.

Very well put.
It does seem as if they want the perks and privileges, but not the mundane
tasks that make up the lion's share of royal duties.

Also- I don't believe the public will agree to pay security costs, etc. under these circumstances.

It wouldn't surprise me if they end like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

[Curbside]

I think it's great H and M are going their own way. Meghan has been relentlessly attacked in the UK media, and there is only so much she should have to take.

It's worth remembering that Harry is sixth in line. Pretty far down the line of succession. He's a married man, and his first obligation is to his wife and children period.

[Nico]

Originally Posted by BaiSoSo

Well, I'm sure that Harry and Meghan were "hurt" by the lack of support form the family when Meghan was harassed/bullied/abused throughout her entire pregnancy and postpartum stage with lies and half-truths. All while both were working on projects/tours to help the BRF & the UK.

Because you were there ? Because you know privately the BRF ? Because you have some tape recordings of the private phone calls ?
Once for all i want to know where this "lack of support"comes from ?
Oh i pretty know this little music will find a broad audience in the US. I mean, It's so easy, the sterling princess vs the wicked in laws. Almost ready fot the Hallmark channel. Already heard that before and its never gets old.

So that is. Meghan didn't get a full public show of support from BP so now it's take that the Old Queen and your outdated institution.

I admire very much your sense of respect.

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by Susan999

If they had consulted with the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge before coming to this decision, I might have some respect left for them. But to announce it without even informing them is just disrespectful. And they had enough time between making the decision and announcing it to produce a long webpage, but still didn't inform the Queen, so that was clearly deliberate.

And I regret they dragged Canada into this by making it look like that was engineered during their Canadian break guided by Canadian advisers as the Toronto firm who designed the website ? The nail in the coffin was their visit yesterday to Canada House where their announced Canadian projects are now in hindsight to be seen as part the new “ independent progressive role” they are carving out for themselves without consulting the Queen or the PoW. Seriously, what an embarrassment for Her Majesty’s government in Canada who was unknowingly giving a seal of approval to all of that.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

Except a photo-op at the Grand Hall of Windsor Castle and a picture with granny ? Sorry, but that is not entirely accurate and more in line with having it my way as opposed to having nothing.

I mean one can also argue that was just some good press. I am not saying otherwise but a moment to celebrate a baby doesn't mean other drama wasn't going down.

I am not even saying I believe it all which I thought I made clear but also was especially obviously things were not well in the House of Windsor. We had that whole thing from Palmer who flat out said *no one* in the family supported the Sussexes and repeated it many times.

Well they have their slimmed monarchy and with three less "senior" royals around things should be interesting.

Either way it seems Harry and Meghan are gone -- whatever that means.

[Lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by Curbside

It's worth remembering that Harry is sixth in line. Pretty far down the line of succession.

Succession position has literally got nothing to do with it. It’s all about the engagements a Senior Royal takes part in, which now Henry and Meghan won’t be. Or might be but not as much. Rather confusing frankly.

[King of the Jungle]

Originally Posted by carlota

as tough as this will be for william, his dad will be in the throne first whilst his kids are growing up, so when william is heir he will have the support of his kids who will surely become active royal members when charles is king.

The children of the monarch do a power of real work. They are seen on the ground, at grass roots familiarising the people with the work of the British Royal Family and availing themselves to people in need who are not always the flavour of the month. They fight for habitats, the elderly and they keep the traditions at times like Trooping the Colour.
The Queen has immense support from her family. Her children travel and share her load and always have.

So, for Charles and William to lose the loyal support of Harry is huge.
The UK is used to getting value for money with a family not just a monarch.
The characters of the Queen's extended family are colourful and reflect variety to the public.
The Palaces are lived in. The Queen is not alone in her job.

Personally, I think that Meghan is very used to being independent while in the limelight. She might never be happy as a Senior Royal. Harry is listening and making concessions. Who knows how it will all turn out?

I am sad that the trust (between the people and the BRF) built up over many generations might weaken. Harry can never look trustworthy if he is seen to be abandoning his family.

[crm2317]

Part of me wants to give them the benefit of the doubt and sit back to observe how they carve out this new role in the immediate future. Only then to give an opinion on this move.

The other part of me feels so sad for the Queen. She has led from the front, the image of duty and dedication to her country. I find it so hard to accept that Harry would make this move so publicly without detailed discussions with her first! How could he do this, it comes across (to me) as so selfish. Like a child who isn’t getting his way and so decides to stomp off and refuse to join in.

I’m not sure that the British taxpayers (myself included) will be happy to read that they will only be giving up the 5% crown grant and still be taking money from the Duchy of Cornwall. They were happy to take the taxpayer money to refurb their property, to part fund their dream wedding! They are happy to keep said property that was a made a gift to them by the Queen.

What exactly will this mean in terms of family events such as Trooping the Colour?

[Somebody]

I am really curious to see what, if anything, will happen to their styles and/or titles. Several people seem to assume they will loose it. So far, that doesn't seem to have been practiced to any born member of the royal family. The duke of Windsor was 'technically dead' after his abdication; so, they created a new title for him and he was a royal highness although his wife wasn't. Diana and Sarah lost their style of royal highness after divorce.

Here we are talking about a born prince who announced his desire to move from 'senior' to a different (more minor?) role within the family. While it seems all was handled badly; I am not so sure that they will be stripped of their titles (not even sure how that would work - could the queen just announce that she removed his peerage or is there a process in place?). The main caveat might be whether they intend to keep using 'Sussex Royal' as their brand (especially if they used it in any way commercially); in that case, the BRF might have little option than to put an end to that.

[An Ard Ri]

Originally Posted by HRHHermione

Apparently Buckingham Palace was unprepared for this and that’s really not a good sign that this was well considered


https://twitter.com/RoyalReporter/st...954339328?s=20

Buckingham Palace is said to be 'disappointed' I didn't realize that the Queen and hadn't been consulted.

[Alison H]

I'm very disappointed in them, especially after they were happy to accept public money to do up Frogmore. There are a large number of small charities to which royal patronage is important. The Duke of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester all do their bit at the moment, but none of them are getting any younger. Charles, Camilla, Anne, Edward, Sophie, William and Kate can only do so much between them, especially when they'll have overseas tours to do, and they'll also be needed for visits by overseas dignitaries to the UK - it's all very well Prince Charles talking about a slimmed-down monarchy, but it's not that practical.


From what Sky News is saying, the other royals hadn't been consulted or even told. I don't know if that means that the Queen had to hear about it on the TV or the internet like everybody else - I hope not! She must be very hurt if so.

[amaryllus]

They lost 3. Now They can really use the York sisters. Very dutiful, dedicated, talented and been doing Work unofficially for years.



Harry regretting it in a year or two and crawling back? Hah. I hope the door Hits him where the sun don’t shine!