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

[Florestane]

Originally Posted by DeeT

Shameful behaviour by members of the palaces. How awful that Harry & Meghan are continuously put in a position where they cannot trust those who should be supportive. They were told to put their proposal down on a paper & as soon as they did the information was leaked. There needs to be massive firing of staff who have no sense of professionalism!

Tom Bradby said the palaces were definitely not blindsided, Harry & Meghan were cooperative & doing as asked. Unfortunately there are others who would rather sell out to tabloid press, the same corrupt media that are currently being sued by the Sussexes & others. The BRF and or their staff, supporting dishonest, unethical media organizations is truly disgusting!

Because Tom Bradby is totally neutral in all this.

Pretty awful that a 93 year woman who has sacrificed a lot for this institution is treated like this by her own grandson. I think it's unfair to blame the BRF.

They've had a very tough time and I absolutely support their right to take a different path. But I don't think they are totally innocent and the manner of this announcement is ungracious to say the least.

[CyrilVladisla]

Do you think that Prince Harry and Meghan might buy a house and property in the United States?

[Hallo girl]

Originally Posted by Somebody

The important part would be 'they said'. From the BP statements (and the subsequent reports) it is clear nothing has been arranged so far. H&M have expressed their wish but have not explained yet how things will work out and how they think to make things work.


BP was very clear that they knew about 'the desire' but that all was in 'an early stage'. Nonetheless, H&M had spent considerable time designing a website and preparing lots of questions about what they would like and had the guts to release it instead of first reaching an agreement with the Firm. In addition, anyone with some knowledge of how British royal life works, would know that their plan - which was in some ways very detailed (what they want) and in others not clear at all (how they are going to support themselves and how they can assure that their various intended roles would be compatible) - was not a feasible option.



Apparently they told the PoW and the DoC 10 minutes before publishing it online. The statement itself was premature but their website publicly showing their 'demands' made things much worse.

They want to earn their own money but still have some of the perks of royal life, like the rent free cottage, the police protection, then they will do royal duties when they feel like it. They have mistaken how popular they are.
This has been well thought out by not taking the sovereign grant they think they do not need to answer to the royal family.

Over the last few months I have been critical of this couple, to be honest lots of little things that were not going to change the world but the underlying thread was they will do things their way, they have shown absolutely no respect to the queen. They were allowed to get away with too much, they now think they can dictate what happens next.
This is a pivotal moment for the monarchy.

Every event they tried to control ended up a bigger drama than required, I am not going to re hash them, we all know the events.

[suztav]

The Sussex Royal website was designed by a Toronto-based firm called "Article" Here is their website and they are already cashing-in on the royal connections by using the Megan and Harry monogram on their site of "clients" … Clearly this is what they spent their time in Canada doing!

https://madebyarticle.com/

[Ista]

Originally Posted by LibrarianDaisy

Latest YouGov poll has 46% of the population supporting H&M’s decision and 26% against according to Channel 4 news tonight.

A different picture emerges with the rest of the poll:

https://twitter.com/RoyalReporter/st...27653605117952

63% think that H and M should no longer receive any money from the Duchy of Cornwall. The data in that poll indicates to me that almost half of the public are fine with Harry and Meghan stepping back from royal duties, which is not at all the same as thinking they should get everything they want.

[Hallo girl]

Originally Posted by CyrilVladisla

Do you think that Prince Harry and Meghan might buy a house and property in the United States?

That has been rumoured for months, but of course it was put down to nasty tabloids telling lies about them.

[Nico]

Originally Posted by Claricecolin

Back to the issue. The racism has been there since day 1. Remember Harry's statement when they started dating? Remember when more people had to be hired to police the social media accounts? At that time someone official (senior staff of senior family member) needed to speak out officially and publicly. That done and the current situation is probably not here.

Of course racism was there from the start, of course classism, anti americanism were also there from the start.
But, and i'm sorry to say that, knowing, alas, the human nature : it was expected ! And Meghan from her interesting, very public and social media fuelled background knew exactly what to expect, the best and the worse, by entering into the BRF !
I don't understand, we were repeated again and again that Meghan was a very strong woman Michelle Obama style, that she would overcome hands down all the difficulties, that she was an activist with strong views etc ... And you know what i would have adored a strong figure like that in the BRF. But then something was off. The strong woman morphed into a fragile, self -pitying girl apparently terribly unhappy with the restrictions of her status, merely 2 years after her wedding.
I can hear it was difficult, i can hear that racism fuelled by social medias is unbearable but again wat did you expect by entering into the BRF ? Is it naivety? unpreparation ? A wake up call that the fairy tale was not as idyllic as it seemed ? But clearly some priorities have suddendly changed ...

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by ACO

Well based on the new reports it appears Harry spoke briefly to The Queen and Charles over this break to talk about this transition. It seems he was a bit brushed off over it and I would guess grew frustrated? That seems to be the angle we are getting now.

Originally Posted by Sunnystar

Interesting points in the Jobson article - sounds like basically H&M told the immediate family "we want out" as they neared the end of their 6-week break in Canada, and the response was "well, come up with a plan as to how this is going to work and we'll talk when you get home." What they have come up with is not, as many here have pointed out, a plan but rather a wishlist. So, they were, again, told "no meetings with Pa or Granny until you can show us how this is going to work, how are all of these issues addressed." And they were specifically told that HM would not discuss the Sussex plans until they had worked out most of the details with the POW. Yesterday's bombshell announcement and website reveal was basically H&M having a very public temper tantrum that they weren't being given their way automatically but instead being asked to really think about all those details and figure out exactly how it would work within the confines of the monarchy and continuing to support HM and their Commonwealth roles. None of what HM or the POW were asking for was unreasonable. What is unreasonable is just how petulantly H&M have handled all of this.

Given that the DoSs apparently only arrived back in the UK this weekend, it seems rather unreasonable that suddenly everyone had to abolish all what they planned to do this week to discuss a very immature plan within days. So yes, to me it also seemed a very reasonable request to work things out a little further, take the time to discuss it thoroughly to make sure everything is done in the best interest of both the couple and the firm. However, that ship has sailed. Now drastic decisions will have to be made within days; while there seems to be no urgency when we are talking about changing the course of a duty that expected to last a life time. A few more weeks or months seems reasonable to make sure all works out for the best. However, days is what they got...

It's also interesting to see that the queen clearly sees this is something that will mainly impact the future reign, so has Charles handle this before she is willing to sign off on anything. Regarding Andrew, reports were also that Charles was clearly very much involved in the decision-making and I can see how the queen is happy to let him resolve these complicated issues and then discuss it with her.

I don't know that I think Meghan is driving all of this. Harry has expressed the desire to just "run away from it all" many times in the past. At best, one could characterize Meghan as enabling all of this, simply by asking Harry "why do we have to do this again?" She's a smart, capable woman who has made her own way in the world for much of her life, and lived quite fearlessly and confidently. She strikes me as the type of person who is a change agent - she refuses to be miserable and takes action to change her circumstances. I can see her influencing Harry to be more proactive rather than reactive.

I do think the tabloid press' mistreatment of Meghan is a factor but it's not the only one. It was pretty clear, last year, when their press team was moved from KP to BP and the rumors about them wanting and being denied their own household on the same level as BP, CH, and KP, that they didn't understand/recognize they were simply a younger version of HM's younger children and their destiny was to be along the lines of the Wessexes. They simply believed their star would always shine as brightly as the Cambridge star, which isn't the way the BRF works.

In that vein, I can believe that the latest portrait of the direct line of succession might very well have been "the final straw" as reported by Wooton in The Sun yesterday. They might very well have felt that this was a very passive-aggressive slap in the face to them, that the rest of the family simply do not understand their star power and that Harry & family will always be extra-special, because he is one of Diana's boys, and how dare BP, CH, and KP disregard this in favor of highlighting the direct line of succession, especially while continuing to rely upon H&M to carry on as "senior royals"? It might seem illogical to those of us observing all this as it plays out but emotions aren't always logical.

I sincerely hope someone has been able to explain in the last couple of years how a monarchy works. Their is the main line of direct heirs; and the support cast of those closely related to that direct line. They get a lot of the perks and less of the burden of the royal life; and can to some extend carve their own destiny unlike the direct line. Of course, that also means they are not supposed to take central stage but can focus on bringing about good in the areas they care about and supporting the institution to the best of their abilities in addition to that.

Over the last 2 years a clear specific role had been created for H&M to be able to take on lots of responsibilities related to the Commonwealth and they were able to start lots of projects in areas they care about. All because Harry is the queen's grandson and the PoW's son. However, there are indeed also some restrictions and one of them is that you are not supposed to blatantly profit financially from your position (other than all the financial benefits you already have and all the perks you receive because you are treated differently because of your position etc). Something that apparently was important to them; next to being able to do as they please both in terms of work and media approach.

[Alison H]

I hope some sort of solution can be found. Prince Philip was looking very frail at Christmas. It always used to feel as if the Queen Mother would live for ever, but nobody does, and a split in the family is the last thing that the Queen and Prince Philip need. It was very unwise and thoughtless of Harry and Meghan to go public with this before coming to some sort of agreement. Could they not have waited a few weeks, or even a few months?

[Betsypaige]

Originally Posted by Ista

Yes. It looks very much to me as though they couldn't be bothered to do the work to come up with an actual, viable, well-thought out plan, and that their post was an attempt to force the Queen and the PoW to knuckle under and give them what they want. They think they are in the right, that no other considerations are to be taken seriously, and that they are entitled to everything they have demanded. I also suspect that the swift timing on this is because they already have contracts, appearances or project roll outs that are upcoming shortly.

I can't begin to express how disillusioned I am with this pair right now, although I'm inclined to put a large share of the blame on Harry. I'd be thrilled beyond belief to be wrong, but when I think about how many people, myself included, have expressed concerns about the way H and M were handling things over the last three years, and how often we were proven to be correct, I'm not hopeful.

I think that Meghan and Harry are playing on the sympathies of the public - they likely expected full support, maybe with the Queen, Charles and the BRF in general as “bad” guys, especially Charles as the public is iffy on him. I’m still pissed off at Meaghan for whining that no one asks if she’s ok - that was a broadside directed at the BRF, and considering how much the Queen and Charles have done for her, incredibly nervy.

[_Heather_]

Originally Posted by victor1319

I am not saying, Harry is the loser here, but he will live now in Meghan's world...

If we're being totally honest I'm pretty sure Harry has lived in Meghan's world since the day they met. Given the timelines of the registration of this new website, the planning that's gone into it, the messages they've sent with their words and conduct and decisions...I think it's pretty clear that this has been the plan all along, at least in her mind. She had global ambitions for her "initiatives" and needed a bigger platform than being a B-list television actress on a cable channel was providing. Now, don't get me wrong, Harry shares in much of the blame here, but I really believe that Meghan never had any intention of fitting in, playing by the royal rules, etc. She very much had plans for "Brand Sussex" right from the start and Harry not only gave her the access and the means, he followed right along and participated. I hope that in the years to come he won't regret all of this and his treatment of his family but I suspect that in time he will regret it bitterly.

[soapstar]

Originally Posted by LibrarianDaisy

Latest YouGov poll has 46% of the population supporting H&M’s decision and 26% against according to Channel 4 news tonight.

More from that poll.

@RoyalReporter

A YouGov poll finds Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal life is supported by 45 per cent of Brits; 26 per cent oppose. But 63 per cent think the couple should no longer receive the Duchy of Cornwall income; only 13 per cent do.

Almost half the British public (49 per cent) think the monarchy won’t be damaged by the Sussexes’ decision; a third do (32 per cent).

[Claricecolin]

Originally Posted by Nico

Of course racism was there from the start, of course classism, anti americanism were also there from the start.
But, and i'm sorry to say that, knowing, alas, the human nature : it was expected ! And Meghan from her interesting, very public and social media fuelled background knew exactly what to expect, the best and the worse, by entering into the BRF !
I don't understand, we were repeated again and again that Meghan was a very strong woman Michelle Obama style, that she would overcome hands down all the difficulties, that she was an activist with strong views etc ... And you know what i would have adored a strong figure like that in the BRF. But then something was off. The strong woman morphed into a fragile, self -pitying girl apparently terribly unhappy with the restrictions of her status, merely 2 years after her wedding.
I can hear it was difficult, i can hear that racism fuelled by social medias is unbearable but again wat did you expect by entering into the BRF ? Is it naivety? unpreparation ? A wake up call that the fairy tale was not as idyllic as it seemed ? But clearly some priorities have suddendly changed ...

All true, but as Michelle wrote in her autobiography there came a point she basically laid down the law and told everyone what she needed to be thrilled in her life. She found the support she needed to then become fully supportive of Barack's ambitions.

I really don't see how it is acceptable to have an expectation of racism being bearable. Frankly that is very disappointing. Again going back to not expecting it to be easy but fair. There is only so much one can take. I wouldn't want to live my life thinking I have to simply accept what is thrown at me.

[Somebody]

Originally Posted by evolvingdoors

Two years later: Meghan is estranged from her family (except rumored only her mom) Harry is now estranged from his family (if that doesn’t make the bells in your head ring to the point of a migraine, with his problematic this is!)

It's a rather sad line of events; especially as only two years ago they were beaming at the BRF christmas with Meghan being the first fiancée allowed to attend and Harry being proud that this was the family that Meghan never had... Two years later they seem to have completely given up on having any family at all (other than friends whom Meghan calls family who seem to encourage them in their disastrous ways).

Originally Posted by _Heather_

People Magazine is reporting that Archie has remained in Canada while Harry and Meghan have been in London to drop their bombshell. If that's true then it lends a whole other element to their plans and says quiet clearly that they're planning to bolt within a matter of days.
https://people.com/royals/prince-har...alace-shakeup/

Not sure what to make of it; if this would turn out to be true (which seems rather illogical but this whole blow-up is rather illogical) that would explain how they are manipulating everyone and everything to get things done 'quickly' probably expecting that will favor them - but they may have found it by now; it's not that easy.

Originally Posted by _Heather_

I think this is key...who exactly is it a good sign for? Harry and Meghan? Have they really backed the RF into a corner and now stand to get everything they want after they've forced everyone to once again bend over backwards for them? I suspect that if the reports of the Queen trying to find a "workable solution" are true then yes, it might be a good sign for Harry and Meghan but it might be a sign that the RF are not taking into account or reading the public mood and may not be a good sign for anyone BUT Harry and Meghan.

A good sign? I would think the wish to have the negotiations done 'fast' will mean that well-thought out alternatives in which H&M's wish would come true to have more freedom but also be still somewhat important royals are out of the window. I expect them to be presented with rather clear cut options on 'in' or 'out' and not 'the best of both worlds as they seem fit'.

So, we'll have to see what will come of it; but at this point I don't think the current events (as reported) necessarily point to the BRF giving in. I'm pretty sure it's Charles who is very much in charge and clear on where his boundaries are.

See also Osipi's post below on possible 'options' that are on the table (instead of H&M's idealized version).

Originally Posted by Osipi

In this matter, I fully trust that HM, The Queen will, along with the now reported round table with other members of the "Firm" and #10 and perhaps other government's representatives, will do and act in a manner that is best for the stability of the monarchy itself.

I'm guessing there will be quite a few either/or decisions made. For example, "if you keep your HRH, commercial ventures are not an option" and "if you're moving away from the Sovereign Grant and the "Firm", you will be expected to pay the going rent on the Crown Estate property you live in" and even "If you decide to split your residence between the UK and another country, Harry will have to forfeit his position as a Councillor of State". Either/Or. No half measures with picking and choosing this or that.

This is all strictly going to be from a business angle of the family "Firm" and the work of the monarchy. Harry and Meghan may find themselves totally on the outside of everything involved with what the monarchy does on a global platform and be left to their own devices with their foundation with H&M at the helm and running things. This, however, will *not* (to me) cause them to be estranged or exiled from the British royal family themselves. There may be animosity and hurt feelings for a while but I don't believe the Sussexes will be shunned for their decisions on how they want their lives to be. They may, however, find that their life plan and the monarchy mix like oil and vinegar.

What comes to mind for me is a quote from Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search For Meaning" which states "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way." This is true. However, actions beget reactions and Harry and Meghan may get what they want but not necessarily in the way they want things to be. They cannot call the shots and dictate how their roles within an institution will be. They can wish and hope and request and beg and plead but the bottom line is they run the chance of being told "no" to it all and lose everything. Not a well thought out gamble in my book.

[sophie25]

Originally Posted by Somebody

The important part would be 'they said'. From the BP statements (and the subsequent reports) it is clear nothing has been arranged so far. H&M have expressed their wish but have not explained yet how things will work out and how they think to make things work.


BP was very clear that they knew about 'the desire' but that all was in 'an early stage'. Nonetheless, H&M had spent considerable time designing a website and preparing lots of questions about what they would like and had the guts to release it instead of first reaching an agreement with the Firm. In addition, anyone with some knowledge of how British royal life works, would know that their plan - which was in some ways very detailed (what they want) and in others not clear at all (how they are going to support themselves and how they can assure that their various intended roles would be compatible) - was not a feasible option.



Apparently they told the PoW and the DoC 10 minutes before publishing it online. The statement itself was premature but their website publicly showing their 'demands' made things much worse.

It's curious, what makes them think they are in a position to make such 'demands'?

[Nico]

Originally Posted by soapstar

More from that poll.

Looks like more a "good riddance" than a "good luck" i'm affraid ...

[DeeT]

Originally Posted by Florestane

Because Tom Bradby is totally neutral in all this.

Pretty awful that a 93 year woman who has sacrificed a lot for this institution is treated like this by her own grandson. I think it's unfair to blame the BRF.

They've had a very tough time and I absolutely support their right to take a different path. But I don't think they are totally innocent and the manner of this announcement is ungracious to say the least.

I don’t care what age a person is, I think it is terrible to proudly & publicly support a family member associated with a convicted paedophile while showing no support for others struggling from being bullied non-stop. It makes sense & I completely understand why the Sussexes made the announcement when they did, considering the malicious behaviour from others leaking details to tabloids. I’m grateful too for sussexroyal.com, I’d rather read from that source than others.

[suztav]

Hmm … Nick Booth, the founding CEO of the former William and Harry Foundation -- is now based in Toronto as CEO of a non profit called True Patriot Love Foundation.

I wonder if he has been advising (ill advising) Harry and Meghan on this?

[Nico]

Originally Posted by DeeT

I don’t care what age a person is, I think it is terrible to proudly & publicly support a family member associated with a convicted paedophile while showing no support for others struggling from being bullied non-stop. It makes sense & I completely understand why the Sussexes made the announcement when they did, considering the malicious behaviour from others leaking details to tabloids. I’m grateful too for sussexroyal.com, I’d rather read from that source than others.

Wait for the Tee shirt and the cap, it will come pretty soon ...

[ACO]

Originally Posted by CyrilVladisla

Do you think that Prince Harry and Meghan might buy a house and property in the United States?

I think they will be in Canada. That seems to be their goal.