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

[wyevale]

The clip of the encounter with the CEO of Disney has been taken down, at the behest of the 'Copyright Holders' - prompting paroxysms of anger on the internet saying 'they KNOW we're on to them', and that its an attempt to censor the truth...

[Erin9]

Originally Posted by yvr girl

This meeting needs to start with cooler heads, which a few days cooling off period will help. It also needs to be based in reality. H&M have given their wish list, now they need to know what the actual implications of these wishes are.

One wonders how cool heads will be with the Tom Bradby article basically blackmailing the RF just coming out. IA- everyone needed a chance to calm down- but it’s going to be harder to do when the Sussexes are using their known mouthpiece to make threats. That was not smart imo. And it’s not good PR either.

I have a feeling, based on the vagueness of their wish list, that the reality may be worse than the Sussexes anticipated. It was clear they gave this a lot of thought, but what it wasn’t was WELL- THOUGHT out. I’m sure the BRF are trying to accommodate them. Better to keep them in both personally and professionally, than go out. But they also have to answer to the public and work with the governments involved.

[_Heather_]

Originally Posted by sndral

Wait - what? Has Anne issued a statement? If not, then imputing an opinion to her is a disservice to her, IMO. I do recall that when asked about the news of one of the Cambridge pregnancies - George, I believe, - she said it was nothing to do with her and my guess is that her attitude about the current situation is much the same - none of her business.
I do find it interesting that her son Peter is reported to be at Sandringham, years ago I read that he and William were close. He also lived outside of the country for awhile.

Of course she hasn't nor would she because she, unlike these two ungrateful brats, knows how to appropriately behave. However, we all very much know Anne's personality just as much as we know the personalities of any member of the BRF, including Harry and Meghan. It's for this reason that I said "I suspect" because I suspect that Anne has a lot of thoughts about all of this and I suspect that none of them are terribly complimentary to these two. Much as I suspect that Prince Philip's reaction was certainly uncomplimentary and probably more along the lines of incredulous, furious, and very possibly littered with language I won't repeat here. The truth is that none of us were there and none of us know exactly what their reactions were. However, we've come to "know" all of them well enough over the years that's it's fair to speculate on what those reactions more than likely were. Anne does her duty quietly and without much fanfare but by all accounts she's very dedicated, does exactly what's asked of her, checks her ego, knows her place, and doesn't suffer fools. She's, by all accounts, quite close with her mother and has be quoted praising her parents example of duty and sense of "getting on with it" and it's clear to anyone who has followed the BRF for any length of time at all that she would very much roll her eyes and probably have a blistering comment or two about those who seek to shirk their duty, seek out a celebrity influencer type lifestyle, and go to extraordinary lengths not only to blindside the Queen and family but to blackmail, bully, and extort them into meeting their ludicrous demands.

[Erin9]

Originally Posted by tommy100

The question is whether any of the options will be attractive to Harry and Meghan and get them exactly what they want. Or will they, like the rest of us, have to do something they don't want to at some juncture (e.g. pay for a house or security themselves)

I’ll be surprised if any of those options give them everything they want with no compromises necessary.

[_Heather_]

Originally Posted by Erin9

I’ll be surprised if any of those options give them everything they want with no compromises necessary.

I agree. I understand the family aspect and I certainly understand the definition of negotiations, though I have my doubts that Harry and Meghan understand either of those things. Negotiations, though, would imply that they will get some of what they want and will have to compromise on other aspects. I do wonder, though, if that statement is a list of demands as it appears to be or whether it might be more of a wish list but whether they might be prepared to leave it all behind, every single bit of it, in exchange for a payout and an ability to do everything they wish to do without being hampered in any way short of being unable to use their titles for commercial gain and an NDA to keep them from publishing books or participating in tell-all interviews designed to damage the family. Sort of a good luck and good riddance and here's a wad of cash to get you on your way type thing.

[Betsypaige]

Harry’s going to have to face in person the damage he’s wrought with his actions.....Things that wouldn’t be said on phone will be said, I think. It will be interesting to see if he can cope with all of this...

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by Erin9

I’ll be surprised if any of those options give them everything they want with no compromises necessary.

At this point, I am expecting them to get close to everything they want with very few strings attached. Prince Charles has indicated he favors reconciliation no matter the cost. I suspect William would be tougher, but he is not in charge.

I am looking forward to seeing what tomorrow’s meeting will bring.

[wyevale]

here's a wad of cash to get you on your way type thing

He HAS 'a wad of cash' from his Mother's and QEQM's bequest's ALREADY.. and if his wife is expecting 'severance pay', after barely 2 years 'service' [inc Maternity leave], that will go down very badly with the Public, who seem very clear in their opinion of these two as 'free-loaders'..

[Tsarinya]

Be interested to see what comes of the meeting tomorrow. People on social media are expecting a few big things, but I honestly don’t see there being any big. I believe the Queen would like this to be sorted as soon as possible with as little backlash on her and the BRF so I don’t see them losing their HRH’s, for example.

[Denville]

Originally Posted by Betsypaige

Harry’s going to have to face in person the damage he’s wrought with his actions.....Things that wouldn’t be said on phone will be said, I think. It will be interesting to see if he can cope with all of this...

And Meghan isn't even there to support him. Since iM pretty sure she made the bullets for this plan you'd think she would stay there and support Harry in their talks...

[Erin9]

Originally Posted by sndral

I do find it interesting that her son Peter is reported to be at Sandringham, years ago I read that he and William were close. He also lived outside of the country for awhile.

Peter is at Sandringham. He walked to church and was asked how the Queen is doing. He said she was “alright.”

I’m not surprised he’s there. He missed Christmas with the family. (Maybe he was in Canada with Autumn’s.) I’m sure he wants to visit now that he’s home.

I recall an interview where he talked about how much he admired his grandfather and his stamina. I have no doubt he want to spend time with him, given his health seems to be declining. Plus- I’m sure he also wants to support his grandmother. Between Andrew and now Harry, that is a lot of stress on a 93 year old. It would a lot for anyone, but she’s in her 90s now.

He seems close to William as well- at least when William is photographed on his off time with family- it’s usually Zara or Peter’s family.

[_Heather_]

You know, in all of this it very much occurs to me that since the very beginning of this relationship people seem to have forgotten that "self-confident" is not the same as "arrogant" and "knowing one's self-worth and value" is not the same as being "self-important." These rumors that Harry acted swiftly because he feared Meghan would have a "break down" are simply code words for "temper tantrum" and that's exactly what they've both had so I wouldn't put much stock in those. So many posters here where slammed and browbeaten for daring to voice reservations about Meghan and about this relationship in general and sadly, many of their worst fears have played out over the last few days.

I think I speak for many of us when I say that it's very sad to see the divide between Harry and his family and the implications for the future. Most real royal watchers have long been aware that that wasn't the ideal life for Harry and he himself often spoke about the desire to slip quietly away, leave it all behind, and find a life in Africa that suited him far better than the life of an active royal and most of us sympathized. However, even doing that, I honestly don't believe that he would have ever voluntarily blown up his relationships with his family. He simply would have had a different career path. I genuinely don't believe that those wishes ever once included having a strained or non-existent personal relationship with the family that had always loved him and had his back. Now, though, I think it's exceedingly clear that those relationships are all but non-existent and I'm not sure there's really any coming back from that. I truly don't believe Meghan will ever again set foot in the UK other than possibly to collect her belongings from Frogmore, though to be honest I suspect that's already been taken care of and her belongings are in Canada with her. I don't believe she'll ever again see the Queen or really any other member of the royal family in person. I hope that, in time, we'll see Harry and Archie at least attempting to have a cordial relationship and possibly mend some fences but I'm not holding my breath. I find it terribly sad for William and his children, Charles, the Queen and Prince Philip, and even the cousins that he at one time appeared so close to that they may rarely, if ever, see Harry or Archie again other than in glossy magazines. I find it terribly sad that we'll never see Archie walking to church at Sandringham on Christmas or waving to the planes from the balcony at Trooping the Colour but I will be genuinely floored if either of those things ever happen. I really, really hope that Harry never regrets his choices and behavior but I very much suspects that he will, and probably in short order.

[_Heather_]

Originally Posted by wyevale

He HAS 'a wad of cash' from his Mother's and QEQM's bequest's ALREADY.. and if his wife is expecting 'severance pay', after barely 2 years 'service' [inc Maternity leave], that will go down very badly with the Public, who seem very clear in their opinion of these two as 'free-loaders'..

I fully agree but I'm allowing for the "he's still my son" argument and the fact that even though he already has a nice amount of cash, I see Charles offering a generous settlement or severance. And, whether we like it or not, it's his to offer. I won't rehash all the discussion regarding the Duchy and it's finances but what it boils down to is that should Charles wish to throw money at them on their way out, he can.

[Betsypaige]

Originally Posted by Denville

And Meghan isn't even there to support him. Since iM pretty sure she made the bullets for this plan you'd think she would stay there and support Harry in their talks...

For someone who’s supposedly so strong, her tendency to flee is a significant weakness...

I don’t see Charles completely caving; it wouldn’t set a good precedent - not as a father or heir. Then again, I’m not necessarily confident...

[Nico]

Originally Posted by Denville

And Meghan isn't even there to support him. Since iM pretty sure she made the bullets for this plan you'd think she would stay there and support Harry in their talks...

This last point is, indeed, baffling .

[Erin9]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

At this point, I am expecting them to get close to everything they want with very few strings attached. Prince Charles has indicated he favors reconciliation no matter the cost. I suspect William would be tougher, but he is not in charge.

I am looking forward to seeing what tomorrow’s meeting will bring.

I have no doubt for many reasons Charles does want Harry and Meghan to walk away from the table relatively happy- or at least satisfied. And I fully understand that- as a future monarch, father and grandfather- he wants a good relationship with them. It benefits no one if this ends in anger. And, yes, I could see William being tougher.

But Charles still has to take into account public opinion, the will of governments involved, and any other reality that he can’t control. As BP said- this is a complicated situation. It’s not just- how much is Charles willing to give.

[_Heather_]

Originally Posted by Erin9

Peter is at Sandringham. He walked to church and was asked how the Queen is doing. He said she was “alright.”

I’m not surprised he’s there. He missed Christmas with the family. (Maybe he was in Canada with Autumn’s.) I’m sure he wants to visit now that he’s home.

I recall an interview where he talked about how much he admired his grandfather and his stamina. I have no doubt he want to spend time with him, given his health seems to be declining. Plus- I’m sure he also wants to support his grandmother. Between Andrew and now Harry, that is a lot of stress on a 93 year old. It would a lot for anyone, but she’s in her 90s now.

He seems close to William as well- at least when William is photographed on his off time with family- it’s usually Zara or Peter’s family.

All of this is very true. It's also very true that Peter has a long history as a fairly competent businessman and appears, at least to me, to be a very cool head with a sound and logical voice. He's close enough to the family to know the ins and outs and far enough removed from the main line to see the big picture with a fairly cool head. I have no doubt that he's concerned about the toll this is probably taking on his grandparents and even on his family in general but I suspect that his presence might be welcomed as a knowledgeable and somewhat neutral party. I doubt that he'll be asked to sit in on the talks but I wouldn't be one bit surprised if the relevant parties haven't asked him for his thoughts, particularly in light of the fact that he's remained close to his family but receives no money from them and has always been an independent party free to make his own money but knowing that capitalizing on his connections to his family would be severely frowned on. It's reported that he received a severe dressing down from HM when he made the mistake of selling his wedding pictures so he does have some experience in knowing exactly where the line is.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by wyevale

The clip of the encounter with the CEO of Disney has been taken down, at the behest of the 'Copyright Holders' - prompting paroxysms of anger on the internet saying 'they KNOW we're on to them', and that its an attempt to censor the truth...

Or it’s cause a random youtuber took a clip from a media agency without paying a fee and added unverified captions and spread it across social media.

It’s Disney. No one should be surprised by this.

[evolvingdoors]

Originally Posted by Nico

And there is evidence that some have an agenda by stirring the pot on the racism front.
I mean it's so easy. Some posters were accused to have waited so bad the fallout of Meghan. I must say that it's obvious that some posters waited so bad to see the Windsors shown in a bad light.
From day 1 there was some kind of defiance toward the institution, the Establishment. More than a bit a fresh air, Meghan had to give the Windsors a run for their money.
In our insanely over sensitive PC world, the Harry/ Meghan story has always been quite heavy on the red flagged class, sex, political and race fronts. I remember quite well what i thought when their engagement came out : if it works, it will be a world class triumph for the modernization of the Monarchy, if it doesn't, it will explode in the face of the Queen.
Well, where are we now ?

While this has exploded, as anticipated, in the family face, imo they actually come out looking like the better party in this mess: they are the ones who, from the start, modified themselves to accommodate her (fiancé at Christmas doing the walk?!- unheard of!, which makes me a bit concerned regarding Beatrice relationship) she now, to anyone with any ounce of critical thinking skills, as the woman who has used Harry and the royals to her own private gains.

The family would be more than okay!. Meghan imo will be okay, for a short period and than her ego and sense of entitlement will be her downfall, I foresee a public, paid by some glossy magazine, reconciliation with her father, if he is still alive by then.


What I wish to know is Doria thoughts about all of this, I never got the sense she and Meghan were truly close and that like all in Meghan life was being used for publicity.

[Tsarinya]

I’m not sure of the reception Meghan would get here if she came and met with her patronage’s in public or did an event with Harry. I’m not sure if the atmosphere would be as warm as it was a few years ago when she toured the UK.
Some posters are saying they can’t see her coming back, and at first I thought ‘well that goes against the plan they have written in their website’ but now I think it could be a possibility?