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

[Nico]

Originally Posted by HighGoalHighDreams

A not insignificant number of people have said since shortly after the engagement that Meghan and Harry would marry, Meghan would have a baby very quickly, and shortly thereafter, Meghan would leave the Royal Family and return to a social media-based brand.

These people were branded as "trolls," "Daily Mail commenters," people who were bigots just opposed to having an accomplished woman of color in the royal family, bitter, and jealous. In turn, they contended that they were, in fact, simply the ones who had taken the time to find out about Meghan and her past beyond what she herself and her friends had presented to the media. They invited anyone to do the same digging and suggested anyone who did would come to the same conclusions they had about the longterm plan here.

Funny who turned out to be dead right.

You're too kind. These people were branded as racists, nothing more, nothing less.
I remember very well when the first critics came out : the unfamous Vanity Fair issue. Some posters, including me, were a bit worried about a possible clash Celebrity vs Royal status.
The conclusion was : wait and see.

I guess we have seen ...

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Meghan flew all the way from Canada, without her son, only to have a great entrance at Canada House and at Hubb Kitchen, only to return straight away after dropping the mexit bombshell. That alone says a lot about her and the attention she craves.

Or it actually says she is still dedicated to her patronages and the commitments they had already made But I guess that's too positive.

We know she also made at least one private visit to the national theatre. There is a chance she visited her other patronages as well. They were warned their plans to step back were about to be leaked. Meghan decided to pay visits in person to her patronages to give them a heads up before it came out. Likely confirming she plans to have continued presence.

Her and Harry were likely scheduled weeks before to go to Canada house. That wasn't a last minute thing. The couple decided to continue through with it.



But no shock all blame on Meghan. Meghan is the celeb now wanting to cash in on titles with no work. Harry is the weak minded man led by a comivung wife and forced to abandon his dedication. When in reality Harry has spoken of leaving Royal life long before he met Meghan. And nothing about HM says weak minded and led by his wife.


Be angry fine. But this ridiculous need to villain ire Meghan and put all blame on Meghan likely another example why they leave.

We haven't seen.

The naysayers said Meghan would divorce Harry and run back to her acting life with the fame on her resume. That Harry as simply a prop for her, and like her first failed marriage, she would ditch him when she got what she wanted.

Did I miss it, I was under impression her husband and son were part of this move. Maybe I missed something while I am at work.


But again let's lay all the blame on Meghan. Harry is innocent scapegoat.

[LadyGlendower]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Obviously they have the time to update their account and post pictures there from their visit to the Hubb kitchen presenting themselves as working royals, they've got nerve, really.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-days-ago.html


First picture of HM since the Sussex bombshell: clearly not amused!

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/01...8672325853.jpg

Love that photo of HM behind the wheel, with a red lip. I mean it with much respect and affection when I say that woman is still A Boss.

[rmay286]

Originally Posted by yvr girl

There is no way Harry is going to be Governor General of Canada:
1. We have one, and she is midway through her term. To toss her aside to put in a pouting prince would not fly.
2. He's not Canadian. It's been a long time since any Brit filled the role.
3. To my knowledge, he doesn't speak French. Non-starter.
4. He's not nearly accomplished enough. The current one is a freaking astronaut.

I agree that he will not likely become Governor General (nor would he and Meghan probably want this, as it's not a very exciting/mostly ceremonial job) but I guess I spoke to soon earlier...I think I said Canadians wouldn't want this either. However, apparently there's been a poll and 60% of Canadians polled DO want Harry as GG.

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada...#comments-area

[Betsypaige]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

The logic is that Charles will be the head of the monarchy and, to some extent, may even be already partially in charge. Any future attack on the monarchy for not treating them the way they think they deserve to be treated is therefore an attack now on the Queen and, in the future, on Charles. Likewise , any embarrassing action they make take as free agents ( either political or financial ) that may hurt the image of the monarchy ultimately hurts now the Queen and, eventually, Charles.

In other words, they have proven to be loose canons, so letting them go rogue is unwise., as it was with Diana following her divorce.

I don’t disagree, but on the other hand Charles does need to keep his son in line to the best of his abilities, and unlike with Diana, I think most people are backing him. They certainly don’t want him to keep paying H & M from the Duchy of Cornwall. I think that the more Harry and Meghan get, the more they will demand, so while I don’t necessarily think there should be a scorched earth policy, I believe that the Queen and Charles should offer up a list of options where it’s obvious that whichever they pick, they won’t get nearly all of what they want.

Ultimately, I think the BRF will emerge just fine; I think the Sussexes will damage themselves.

[Missjersey]

Originally Posted by _Heather_

Bingo. I think what we're seeing now is quite a lot of vindication for those who did not have a good feeling about this from the start. And the truth is, many of us who didn't have a good feeling about this from the start really, really wanted to like her and truly hoped we were wrong. We truly hoped that our sense of all of this was just off and the vast majority of us truly had zero racist, classist, other-ism, mentalities about it. We simply saw her for what she was behind the facade that was being offered up by the anonymous friends speaking to People, the Oprah's and Amal's who suddenly became bosom buddies, etc. And sadly, our suspicions about the future plans have been confirmed.

I agree Heather but I think Harry likes attention too. She could have all the hissy fits behind closed doors and no one would know. He allowed this mess. We’re seeing a glimpse of the real him.

[Kataryn]

Originally Posted by Chloep

I wish this family all the best in the world. I truly hope that they get away from this type of toxicity and live a life according to their own heart's desire.

.

Thank you for these kind words. I hope so, too.


And here is my question again: what reliable information do we have apart from the Sussexes writing they "intend" to step back (and we know how this family means things that are "intended") and that BP stated it takes time to negociate and organize it all, but that they are all on it.


Everthing else is just rumours and opinions. Discussions of people who have nothing to do with what is happening. A media who always prefers clickbait to truth and "grey men" with their own agenda.



I still sit back and wait, but seeing this, I can understand Harry and Meghan wanting to change their situation right in the middle of so much meddling and interference of people who have nothing to do with it all.

[wyevale]

For myself, all I can say is that I did 'have reservations' when Ms Markle married Prince Harry, they were based on my perception of how she may/may not be able to 'fit in' to an ancient and highly hierarchical monarchy, as a Californian, free-spirited feminist.

Many [both here and elsewhere] felt the same, but tried to put away their worries, since a much-loved Prince had made his choice, and [above all] they wanted that sad little boy, traipsing behind his Mothers Coffin to find the happiness that eluded her.

I still want that for him, but think it increasingly unlikely, given the alienation that now exists between him, his Family and his Country of birth.

[Betsypaige]

Ooh, the more I read, the angrier I get... How dare they? No one asked them to try and disrupt the system, no one wants them to. Meghan has been married to Harry for less than two years - it takes a special kind of arrogance and self-importance to decide that you’re going to come to another country and change a thousand year old institution. Harry has zero respect for his father, grandmother, brother, family, history. He’s - sadly - second rate.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex see themselves as royal “disrupters” who want to help forge a new model for the royal family in the 21st century, the Evening Standard has learned.

Sources close to Harry and Meghan say they regard their role as similar to the tech innovators who have challenged the established heavyweights of the corporate world.

One source said: “It’s been clear this set up hasn’t been working for them and they’re keen to craft a new model.”

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/prince-harry-meghan-markle-royal-disrupters-a4331291.html

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by wyevale

For myself, all I can say is that I did 'have reservations' when Ms Markle married Prince Harry, they were based on my perception of how she may/may not be able to 'fit in' to and ancient and highly hierarchical monarchy, as a Californian, free-spirited feminist.

Many [both here and elsewhere] felt the same, but tried to put away their worries, since a much-loved Prince had made his choice, and [above all] they wanted that sad little boy, traipsing behind his Mothers Coffin to find the happiness that eluded her.

I still want that for him, but think it increasingly unlikely, given the alienation that now exists between him, his Family and his Country of birth.

We have nothing to go on that he alienated from his entire family but tabloids.

He is certainly not in exile from the UK. You make it sound like he has been forced to leave his beloved country forever. One he chose to move and two he can and plans to return for work. Many people leave the country of their birth for many reasons like work or love and shocking ply they are happy.

You have him painted as some poor exile living in misery separated from all he knows. Instead of building a life he Chose with his wife and son in a country they both clearly feel a connection to or they'd not choose it.

Some how millions of expats do it every day and seem quite happy at it

[Jacknch]

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[ImKevin]

I feel a bit sad but happy about this. The good thing is that they're trying to have up and coming Journalists, new media types to interview them, take there pictures, etc. The bad thing is that they did this without the consultation of the Queen. She already is dealing with a lot nd I feel this to be a stab in the back in a way. I applaud Prince Harry in fighting back and protecting his wife, the support I feel Diana lacked and he remembers this very much.



But I feel as if Meghan is the one whose doing more of the influencing. This is not the first time a Monarch choose his wife over his duties to the British people and the common wealth.



I am not sure how exactly this will be done, but I just generally don't agree with how Meghan is doing this as it shows her lack of spine in dealing with the tabloids whom I believe had no idea would be like this so its not her fault. . . .

[TRCRoyal]

Originally Posted by LadyGlendower

Love that photo of HM behind the wheel, with a red lip. I mean it with much respect and affection when I say that woman is still A Boss.

Of course, she is. She's been through WWII for crying out loud, she's got this.

On a different note, I don't understand why Meghan had to return to Canada with the carbon blueprint issues and all the fires in Australia, why bring Archie from the beginning and stay in the UK until this issue is done?

[_Heather_]

Originally Posted by TRCRoyal

On a different note, I don't understand why Meghan had to return to Canada with the carbon blueprint issues and all the fires in Australia, why bring Archie from the beginning and stay in the UK until this issue is done?

Because the fact that he was in Canada provided a good excuse for her to leave the UK. It's become very clear that they had every intention of dropping this as a bombshell and doing it exactly when they did. The argument that they were backed into a corner and had to release it early really holds absolutely no water now that it's been revealed that they left Archie on the other side of the world. No way would they have done that if they truly had plans to remain in the UK for the long haul. It's become very clear that Archie and his whereabouts were all along planned as Meghan's escape after this inevitably blew up and hit the fan.

[RoyalNight]

Originally Posted by TRCRoyal

Of course, she is. She's been through WWII for crying out loud, she's got this.

On a different note, I don't understand why Meghan had to return to Canada with the carbon blueprint issues and all the fires in Australia, why bring Archie from the beginning and stay in the UK until this issue is done?

Great point. How flying across the world twice in one week fits their agenda of protecting the enviroment?
I wonder where are the dogs at? And who will care for them in the future.

[O-H Anglophile]

Originally Posted by RoyalNight

Great point. How flying across the world twice in one week fits their agenda of protecting the enviroment?
I wonder where are the dogs at? And who will care for them in the future.

They took the dogs with them when they moved to Canada in November. Two dogs were seen with them in Vancouver.

And yes, now I believe they have moved already and never had any intention of returning to live and work in the UK.

[BaiSoSo]

Originally Posted by RoyalNight

Great point. How flying across the world twice in one week fits their agenda of protecting the enviroment?
I wonder where are the dogs at? And who will care for them in the future.

Perhaps they thought that meeting Queen in person was respectful and worth the additional flights, after all, they were told they would be able to meet with her and then when the got back to the UK were told there was a mix-up and that she (the Queen) was busy.

Originally Posted by Betsypaige

Ooh, the more I read, the angrier I get... How dare they? No one asked them to try and disrupt the system, no one wants them to. Meghan has been married to Harry for less than two years - it takes a special kind of arrogance and self-importance to decide that you’re going to come to another country and change a thousand year old institution. Harry has zero respect for his father, grandmother, brother, family, history. He’s - sadly - second rate.



https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/p...-a4331291.html

The more I read the more frustrated and disappointed I get. I am amazed by how many people (media and public) just dismiss the harassment that this couple over the course of the past 2+ years and truly expected them to sit there and take the abuse and raise their child in that toxicity. Meghan was bashed in the media for doing something as simple as closing a car door. She and Harry had a private home that they had to move from because the media hired a drone to take pictures of the inside of the home causing security issues. Meghan had over 240 (mostly negative stories) written about her the month that she gave birth to her son ....nor did it let up in her post-partum stages (while she was for the most part out of the public eye) and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Then when the couple indicated they have had enough and can't/won't take it anymore and want to leave, the most that can be offered up is how disappointed the least impacted people are. The couple did not blindside HM, Charles or William they knew about the plan for a while. They also did not intend to release their plans so soon but when a member of either HM, Charles' or William's teams leaked their plans to the media and the media published the information, Harry & Meghan felt they needed to bring the true story forward.


Meghan (and Harry) while not perfect have done nothing to deserve this type of treatment. They have done everything asked of them in the role...produced tangible projects that have helped people within the UK and Commonwealth. Represented the UK phenomenally on tours. Provided hands-on positive interactions with their patronages. Anyone who has actually worked with them has talked about how kind and sincere they are.

This couple has worked hard to give voices to people who are dismissed, disadvantaged and need assistance to go to the next level. I really hope they are able to continue to do that because the climate in the world today is awful and we could use more people like Harry and Meghan in the spotlight.

[Betsypaige]

Originally Posted by _Heather_

Because the fact that he was in Canada provided a good excuse for her to leave the UK. It's become very clear that they had every intention of dropping this as a bombshell and doing it exactly when they did. The argument that they were backed into a corner and had to release it early really holds absolutely no water now that it's been revealed that they left Archie on the other side of the world. No way would they have done that if they truly had plans to remain in the UK for the long haul. It's become very clear that Archie and his whereabouts were all along planned as Meghan's escape after this inevitably blew up and hit the fan.

Yup.

The article linked below sets out why the Queen and Prince Charles must not cave to Meghan and Harry’s demands. By all means they should accede where they are inclined to do so, but not more. I’ll add that Meghan saying no one has asked if she’s ok still bothers me; it’s a direct insult to the Queen and Charles, who have supported her as much as they could.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2020/01/09/royals-gave-harry-meghan-everything-wanted-still-wanted/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_tw

[hel]

The text on their funding page regarding security has been quietly changed to remove the reference to "internationally protected people". Previously, it read:

Does their future financial autonomy extend to covering the costs of security?
The provision of armed security by The Metropolitan Police is mandated by the Home Office, a ministerial department of Her Majesty’s Government, responsible for security and law & order. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are classified as internationally protected people which mandates this level of security.

It now states:

The provision of armed security by The Metropolitan Police is mandated by the Home Office, a ministerial department of Her Majesty’s Government, responsible for security and law & order.

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by hel

The text on their funding page regarding security has been quietly changed to remove the reference to "internationally protected people". Previously, it read:



It now states:

I am convinced the Canadians will be asked to pay for security while they are staying in Canada and I am also sure that will be politically toxic for the Canadian government .