I'm sad and shocked. Read the whole thread to calm down - well, that didn't work too well!
On a personal level, I'm so sad for Prince Philip and the Queen. To see Harry's behaviour over the last few months - and how he changed - just terrible. The tabloids made life unbearable for him and Meghan, and I can't understand why they had to rush into marriage, rush into so much activity. Everybody thought that Meghan knows what she's signing up for, she seemed so confident... and now a burn-out after less than two years.
So what are they left with now? Harry wanted to live a private life - I think it was cruel that he couldn't continue in the military, just like his grandfather. He won't get a private life now, he'll get gloating paparazzi and the kind of patronising articles like Rebecca English penned about him - "nice stupid Harry". No BP any more to protect him and his family.
They are rich and I can't understand why his father should support them but that's their business. If they want to play in the league of the super rich it seems they'll need a business plan. But is this what Harry wants? I have the feeling not quite.
I can't get over the inner image of Prince Philip lying in bed in his cottage at Sandringham, knowing that all this chaos is going on and he can't control it, can't support the queen like he was used to. I hope Harry went to see him.
The queen's message was very gracious and kind. She acknowledged how tough it must have been for Meghan. The press was cruel to her, just as it was to other women who married into the royal family and also born royals (the Yorkies). Somehow, there is always more interest in tearing a woman down than there is for a man.
Why did they rush into marriage? It turns out in retrospect that Kate did it just right. She dipped one toe after the other, and while people called her a social climber and lazy etc, there must have been a plan, and it worked. Meghan rushed in, crushed and burned. What a sad story.
And why did they rush the website, their declaration, all this publicity? If they didn't want press attention - why attract attention by a very public flounce?
I really hope this won't affect Archie. Young children are very sensitive and attuned to their parents' feelings.
The RF as institution will come out of this undamaged, they found an elegant way out. Harry and Meghan will find a way to build a new life, even though it didn't turn out the way they wanted. It's sad for Harry's grandparents, and ultimately for him, too. Maybe a less glamorous woman would have suited his ideas of private life better? But they love each other. I hope that's enough for them.
I hope they'll all be happy.