Royalty Thread #10 -Archie Phase 2 - Bold and Bald Still

[aftershocks]

This is a cool (if overwhelming) happenstance for the company that makes the pom-pom hat Archie wore in Vancouver:

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCSNXcmx-co/Xgu059ZtQjI/AAAAAAABk2Y/s5eJLOxmKlcQ-fPeeQTdlArscC4Gl2W3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/srjkk1.jpg

 

[AxelAnnie]

I get a news feed (sort of) on my phone that has to do with Google. (I never asked for it, never signed up for it.....like so many things on my phone it just was there.)

Today one tidbit from Express News "Friends are reporting that M/H are considering moving to Canada where they will remain "Royal". The reason given: Meghan does not feel central to the Royal Family in ways she expected to be.

 

[mag]

@AxelAnnie I am not sure the Express is your best source for accurate news. IMHO it is similar to the rags that were perpetuating the unsubstantiated rumour that William was having an affair. It seems to me if you are going to believe one of those rumours then to be consistent you need to believe all of them. H&M may well live outside of Britain at some point, but I highly doubt it will be because “Meghan doesn’t feel central to the Royal Family.” That is IMO just some over the top editorial crap. Meghan is not alone in having those sorts of thoughts ascribed to her but that doesn’t give it any more credibility.

 

[AxelAnnie]

Thanks. I shall hold all things Express as dubious.

 

[floskate]

They have released a statement stepping back from being senior royals and working to become financially independent. This was always going to happen and I hope they can find the space they need to do the great work they're capable of on their terms. There is so much good they can do but the n the current situation the British press is just making that impossible for them. I personally am hoping that they will continue to speak out about mental health.

 

[Parsley Sage]

There is a post on the Sussex Royal instagram that Harry and Meghan are stepping down as Senior Royals and will work towards financial independence and divide their time between the UK and North America.

 

[skatfan]

From the NY Times

 

[Jenny]

They have released a statement stepping back from being senior royals and working to become financially independent. This was always going to happen and I hope they can find the space they need to do the great work they're capable of on their terms. There is so much good they can do but the n the current situation the British press is just making that impossible for them. I personally am hoping that they will continue to speak out about mental health.

Much as I wish them well, I don't know how this is going to make things any better for them. The British press and other haters will continue to hound them no matter where they go or what they do.

 

[floskate]

Much as I wish them well, I don't know how this is going to make things any better for them. The British press and other haters will continue to hound them no matter where they go or what they do.

Out of sight out of mind. The British press are very fickle and even if they are in the papers if they're not here to see them then all to the good. I applaud them for not lying down and accepting the status quo. Every time Meghan is dragged on panel shows that is always brought up - if you married into the Royal Family this is how it's going to be so suck it; as if that gives everyone the right to trash them at will. Sure scum like Morgan, Malone, Vine et al will have a field day but it will die down, especially as they are coming off the civil list. Good for them for setting out to prove that it doesn't have to be that way.

 

[mella]

The family are off to a flying start in terms of providing fodder for the press. As the Harry Megan story will run a while at least.

especially as they are coming off the civil list.

I hadn't seen that yet. This would remove a huge amount of the justification for the dragging but I can already see what commentators in the press, here and elsewhere will use as their new excuse for criticising, double standards etc. I don't think there is any real escape.

Coming off the civil list suggests to me that this is a move that is supported by Charles, fitting well into his vision for the future. Perhaps even extending it nicely, without him being forced to make difficult and potentially controversial/unpopular decisions from a puplic perception perspective. Interesting times.

And then there is this:

Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall banned from driving

The Queen's eldest granddaughter was caught by a mobile speed van near Cirencester.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Lorac]

As I am unable to access the NY Times article I have attached the BBC article and the statement in full:

Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals

Statement in Full

I wish them luck - they have clearly down some deep soul searching and talking during their break though I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for them to make. It is interesting to see they want to work to become financially independent so I can only assume that means they will not take money from the Duchy of Cornwall or from the Queen - the question is where does it leave them in terms of living in a royal residence.

ETA: Just found this link on their website talking about funding in depth - though still a little confusing as they will still live at Frogmore. However they are cutting the money coming from the Sovereigns Grant - that replaced the Civil list - though it doesn't seem to talk of cutting the money coming from the Duchy of Cornwall - unless I read it wrong:

Funding as discussed on the Sussex Royal Website

 

[floskate]

As I am unable to access the NY Times article I have attached the BBC article and the statement in full:

Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals

Statement in Full

I wish them luck - they have clearly down some deep soul searching and talking during their break though I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for them to make. It is interesting to see they want to work to become financially independent so I can only assume that means they will not take money from the Duchy of Cornwall or from the Queen - the question is where does it leave them in terms of living in a royal residence.

Yep not sure either. It has had many occupants over the years including Abdul Karim and Grand Duchess Xenia. It used to be 5 separate workmen's cottages until the Sussexes took it on. Didn't the Queen gift it to them? Apparently as a royal residence it was always going to be renovated and would always have been at the taxpayers expense. It's only because it was Meghan that it got such awful publicity. (The 2.4 million was for the basics that were allocated due to its status as crown property. Anything above and beyond that H&M wanted they paid for themselves which of course is hardly ever reported.

If this has been discussed with Charles and the Queen all this minutae surely will already have been ironed out.

 

[mella]

As I am unable to access the NY Times article I have attached the BBC article and the statement in full:

Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals

Statement in Full

I wish them luck - they have clearly down some deep soul searching and talking during their break though I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for them to make. It is interesting to see they want to work to become financially independent so I can only assume that means they will not take money from the Duchy of Cornwall or from the Queen - the question is where does it leave them in terms of living in a royal residence.

ETA: Just found this link on their website talking about funding in depth - though still a little confusing as they will still live at Frogmore. However they are cutting the money coming from the Sovereigns Grant - that replaced the Civil list - though it doesn't seem to talk of cutting the money coming from the Duchy of Cornwall - unless I read it wrong:

Funding as discussed on the Sussex Royal Website

I thought the Duchy of Cornwall was essentially private income? I seem to recall some debate previously about tax?

The info about the sovereign grant was really interesting and I have to admit to having not properly understood it previously.

As much as it's all tied up in pretty bows and calculated that the cost is £1 per head per year, the reality is that the monarch is a massive landowner with property that generates huge income. That income is surrendered to the government and the grant represents only a fraction of that income. So in truth they don't actually cost us anything... it's just money being moved around. I might have misunderstood the explanation but it strikes me that all those with the attitude that they (any they) are royal and "we pay for them" is actually off base in any event.

 

[Lorac]

Yep not sure either. It has had many occupants over the years including Abdul Karim and Grand Duchess Xenia. It used to be 5 separate workmen's cottages until the Sussexes took it on. Didn't the Queen gift it to them? Apparently as a royal residence it was always going to be renovated and would always have been at the taxpayers expense. It's only because it was Meghan that it got such awful publicity. (The 2.4 million was for the basics that were allocated due to its status as crown property. Anything above and beyond that H&M wanted they paid for themselves which of course is hardly ever reported.

If this has been discussed with Charles and the Queen all this minutae surely will already have been ironed out.

Frogmore belongs to the Crown and the Queen can't gift parts of it - just allow people to live there. The Sandringham and Balmoral Estates are slightly different as they belong to the Queen herself and I believe she can gift parts of it if she so desires.

The link I added goes into depth on how the Sussex's are looking to move forwards in separating from the crown and creating financial independence. I can see how trademarking the 'Sussex Royal' moniker can help them achieve that aim - I just hope they don't go too commercial.

ETA: Actually in regards to the BIB from the link on the BBC page it appears the Palace were caught unawares once again by the statement made by the couple as it states the following:

The BBC understands no other member of the Royal Family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement - and Buckingham Palace is understood to be "disappointed".

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said discussions with the duke and duchess on their decision to step back were "at an early stage", adding: "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."

 

[JJH]

I find this depressing. For their own peace of mind, this seems a sensible decision. However, the necessity of making such a drastic decision reflects very poorly on their treatment by the gutter press. No matter what they did, no matter how many other royals had behaved and continue to behave in the same way with regard to clothes, charities, travel, Harry and Meghan were always judged by the press by a different standard. Every move they made, every breath they took, the press was watching them, because Harry and Meghan supposedly belonged to them.

 

[Parsley Sage]

Buckingham Palace has released a statement that discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage as there are complicated issues to work through.

 

[skatfan]

Buckingham Palace has released a statement that discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage as there are complicated issues to work through.

Harry and Meghan seem to be taking the "announce it so that the parties have to come to an agreement" strategy. Given who they are dealing with, it might be their only leverage.

 

[kittyjake5]

Wow! The gutter press will have a field day with this news and I am afraid Meghan will be dragged through the mud.

 

[clairecloutier]

I find this depressing. For their own peace of mind, this seems a sensible decision. However, the necessity of making such a drastic decision reflects very poorly on their treatment by the gutter press.

I agree, but it's not just the press that's treated them poorly. Honestly, it's many within the general public as well.

 

[JJH]

In doesn't matter what she does, the gutter press always drags Meghan through the mud.

 

[MsZem]

I posted this a while ago in the Prince Andrew thread. It's not really fair to the Sussexes to get lumped in with his likely criminal wrongdoing, but the article does make some good points about how - as badly as some in the press can be - Harry and Meghan and their PR team have also made unwise decisions and squandered a lot of the goodwill they generated with their Africa tour. I hope for Harry's sake that he's getting counseling beyond what he's already discussed, because his relationship with the press can't be doing him any good at all.

It's clear that Harry and Meghan don't want to live as full-time royals, and this is probably the right move for their family. Someone (Eugenie and Jack?) will have to step in, however, because no matter how badly Prince Charles wants to trim down the number of working royals, engagements still have to be done by someone and Anne is not getting any younger.

I've seen this compared to Princess Madeleine of Sweden, who lives in the US with her family and only does a limited number of royal events (e.g., the Nobel Prize festivities), but of course the Swedish royals are nowhere near as high profile as the BRF, and while Madeleine and Chris had a royal wedding, he chose to remain a private citizen. My guess is that if Harry were a member of a lower profile royal family, he wouldn't feel the need to make a move like this. But then his life would have been very different if that were the case anyway

 

[skatesindreams]

They have released a statement stepping back from being senior royals and working to become financially independent. This was always going to happen and I hope they can find the space they need to do the great work they're capable of on their terms. There is so much good they can do but the n the current situation the British press is just making that impossible for them. I personally am hoping that they will continue to speak out about mental health.

Seconding this!

Neither of them are without resources, even now.
I'm sure that HMQ was consulted, since they said that they will continue to support her.

 

[mella]

Buckingham Palace has released a statement that discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage as there are complicated issues to work through.

Harry and Meghan seem to be taking the "announce it so that the parties have to come to an agreement" strategy. Given who they are dealing with, it might be their only leverage.

Sigh.... As much as I think they have every right to do this and applaud them for taking the steps it's a real mistake if they have unilaterally released that statement without proper consultation with the Queen and Prince Charles. So much for my theory of Prince Charles being supportive!

 

[canbelto]

Well I feel like the racists have won and that's never a good feeling.

 

[aftershocks]

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I heart Meghan so much in standing up for who she is as a person and for the Sussexes both being determined to not settle for being treated unfairly. Meghan has had life experiences that taught her how to successfully navigate confounding situations triggered by ignorance and hate. Thankfully, she's always been a fast learner who applies what she learns with courage and an upbeat attitude. I commend Meghan's mother Doria, her husband and soulmate, Harry, her staunch supporters around the world, and her dearest friends who have stood by her and spoken out against all the hateful negativity. I wish all the best to Harry and Meghan, a remarkable young couple who clearly have a genuine passion for giving back to others and for living their best lives. It is a great blessing that foremost in their minds is protecting their son and ensuring that he will grow up strong, nurtured and fully cognizant of his dual heritage. Bravo Meghan & Harry!

It might have been different had the fusty old royal institution recognized the importance of unifying against outside, divisive forces, and stepped up solidly against the unfair and relentless dragging of a pregnant woman in the tabloid media, as fueled by palace leaks. I remember so many years ago the Queen acknowledging that lessons had been learned in the aftermath of Diana's death. Some lessons apparently are difficult to fully grasp. And yes, so much is changing at warp speed in these confounding times.

I feel certain that the Queen and Prince Charles were supportive to a degree behind-the-scenes, in addition to certain other members of the family who appear to have a rapport with Meghan (such as Princess Anne and Sophie Wessex). The Queen and Prince Charles made a number of gestures showing full acceptance of Meghan being part of the family in the beginning, but they were more reluctant to respond to the irresponsible and made-up stories in the media and to the ongoing, trollish negativity largely based on racial bias. The practice of not speaking out more forcefully against press shenanigans has reared its head and taken a bite out of this royal institution. I have been thinking for awhile that there's no way the Sussexes were planning to endure Meghan being dragged repeatedly while living and working in England throughout a future second pregnancy. Meghan has brought so much positive energy to the royal family, no matter the constant negativity against her that naysayers, trolls and critics have remained mired in. Even the Sussexes' innocuous visit to Canada House yesterday has been foolishly and unbelievably criticized by some royal watchers and biased bloggers.

"Remain mired in a dead past, or embrace a creative future." -- Josef Albers (1924)

Thrive and survive, Meghan and Harry!

 

[mag]

I find this depressing. For their own peace of mind, this seems a sensible decision. However, the necessity of making such a drastic decision reflects very poorly on their treatment by the gutter press. No matter what they did, no matter how many other royals had behaved and continue to behave in the same way with regard to clothes, charities, travel, Harry and Meghan were always judged by the press by a different standard. Every move they made, every breath they took, the press was watching them, because Harry and Meghan supposedly belonged to them.

I agree it is a drastic yet sensible decision, I disagree that is is the fault of the press. I think is 99% to do with Harry’s mental health which I suspect was an issue long before he met Meghan. Yes, the press were tough on them as they are tough on all royals but they also gave them a ton of glowing fawning coverage. The rag newspapers were brutal and should simply not be read. It really was social media and everyday people and you tubers who were bat shit crazy. Again, why H&M would even be aware of them is beyond me. I think Harry has been struggling for a long time. I think he hoped that marriage and baby would make everything right and he would have a home life like William which he has so wanted. Unfortunately, that is not the way it works. Spouses can’t fix things for you no matter how much they love you and may want to. Meghan also has her own difficult family issues to deal with. They remind me so much of Charles and Diana! Thankfully, they have the option to step away. To get the help they need and to live their lives they way they want. I hope they can find peace and happiness.

As for the financial side, they are both independently wealthy and should have no problem supporting themselves. The Dutchy of Cornwall is there to support The Prince of Wales and his family. It will move to William when Charles becomes king. Right now Charles pays for Harry and Meghan’s official expenses. As they will no longer have any of those, I suspect that funding will stop. That is probably what they are working out.

 

[attyfan]

Sigh.... As much as I think they have every right to do this and applaud them for taking the steps it's a real mistake if they have unilaterally released that statement without proper consultation with the Queen and Prince Charles. So much for my theory of Prince Charles being supportive!

Apparently, they did so:

The Royal Family 'hurt' after Harry & Meghan release statement without The Queen's blessing - Royal Central

Senior members of The Royal Family feel "hurt" this evening after the Duke & Duchess of Sussex announced they are to step back as working royals without

royalcentral.co.uk

There is nothing uncommon in Harry and Meghan wanting to try being independent from "the family firm", and if they ever want to try it, now is the time -- while Anne and Edward are still active. I am sure that they will leave a "back door" allowing them to return if necessary.

I can't help finding it offensive when the problems that Harry and Meghan are having are equated to Andrew's issues. At worst, Harry and Meghan are not handling matters wisely, but lack of wisdom is different from genuine evil -- and, at best, Andrew was friends with genuine evil.

 

[AxelAnnie]

Apparently, they did so:

The Royal Family 'hurt' after Harry & Meghan release statement without The Queen's blessing - Royal Central

Senior members of The Royal Family feel "hurt" this evening after the Duke & Duchess of Sussex announced they are to step back as working royals without

royalcentral.co.uk

There is nothing uncommon in Harry and Meghan wanting to try being independent from "the family firm", and if they ever want to try it, now is the time -- while Anne and Edward are still active. I am sure that they will leave a "back door" allowing them to return if necessary.

I can't help finding it offensive when the problems that Harry and Meghan are having are equated to Andrew's issues. At worst, Harry and Meghan are not handling matters wisely, but lack of wisdom is different from genuine evil -- and, at best, Andrew was friends with genuine evil.

How to give the middle finger to RBF. Which one of them is so angry, so starved for attention or so self-centered that they had to handle the matter this way.

There are so many ways they could have handled this that would not have embarrassed or stressed the Queen. How about a little respect for Granny...if not the Queen.

 

[skategal]

I think Harry has been struggling for a long time. I think he hoped that marriage and baby would make everything right and he would have a home life like William which he has so wanted. Unfortunately, that is not the way it works. Spouses can’t fix things for you no matter how much they love you and may want to.

All of this plus, I think just getting married and having a baby made Harry grieve in ways that he hadn't before.

Now he's also grieving the loss of a MIL for Meghan and a Grandmother for Archie.

It has to be hard to know that your mom will never see your children and spouse.

I bet Charles is supportive behind the scenes but wanted them to wait until he was on the throne.

 

[canbelto]

@AxelAnnie well according to you only one of them is white and the other is not, and the non-white person is always at fault.