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

[Villager90]

I think it’s desperately sad for the entire BRF. This all could have waited for five years or so for Charles to become king and rejig things around.

Harry had huge support from country through his military background, his personality and sense of fun. And In the space of 24 hours it’s disappeared.

Clearly Meghan was not ready for the role, however if you aren’t ready for a new job you listen to advice. Media advice through all the press secretaries and for god sake TAKE THE ADVICE. And I’m sure they have ignored and kept going against advice since day 1, resulting in the car crash we are seeing now.

I find it very sad.

I’d love to be a fly on the wall at gatcombe or with Prince Philip right now. I’d also like to give Charles a hug. It was clear he made a huge effort with Meghan. Giving her away, their shared interest in the arts, the environment. Initially he hoped she’d brought him and Harry closer together, it seems that was a falsehood and his influence in his grandchild’s life will
Be much limited.

A sad chain of events

 

[ACO]

Interesting interview of Arthur Edwards about the situation

 

[Mbruno]

She is a millennial. Just made it. So am I. It isn't a bad thing. I am just pointing out that the tendency to react for immediate gratification is there. No mature response at all.

Of course Harry needed a Kate. Or a Camilla. Or a Sophie. I think he thought he had. Independent woman. Done some great work. But she just crumbled. Amy e she is a narcissist. I don't know.

It is pretentious of us to say what kind of wife Harry needed . Marrying the lovely daughter of an English peer from an old family of courtiers ( a good candidate on paper ) did not go that well for his father, did it ?

I am not exactly a traditionalist ( quite the contrary actually), but I think there is some truth to the argument that the old way of princes marrying other princesses ( or equivalent, not merely nobility) at least meant that the brides understood “ royal life” from an early age and didn’t have a steep learning curve , even though foreign princesses often had to adjust to their new country. Nowadays, however, grounded “middle-class “ wives like Kate or Mary Donaldson have proven to be successful royals too, so I don’t think there is a predetermined formula based on nationality of social class that tells what an ideal royal bride would look like.

 

[Nico]

A friend in the U.K. said they were watching the evening news and one of their reporters was outside BP and stated that the Sussexes were informed several weeks ago they would not be part of the slimmed down monarchy.

So if that is true, this announcement yesterday seems to be an extension of that news.


LARae

The informations are still contradictory :

"Yes, the Prince of Wales has made clear that he wants a streamlined monarchy in the future, but Harry has always been told that he and Archie, as heirs to the throne, are part of that"

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...urs-urge-Harry-Meghan-not-announce-plans.html

 

[soapstar]

Harry fell in love with and chose to marry Meghan, so let's not get into a discussion about who you think he should have married. Thanks.

 

[Somebody]

How many months do Harry, Meghan and Archie need to be living in the UK per year to keep their citizenship and be considered a British tax payer etc.?
Maybe it's obvious that they'll spend no more than ??? weeks abroad.
How many weeks can Harry live in North America without a visa etc.?

Harry has seemed generous and caring in the past so I'm hopeful that their new charitable set up is hugely beneficial for people in need and for the planet.

I can't understand the emergency pace at which the changes have to happen and why the umbrella of Buckingham Palace and the Queen were not respected.

Harry and Archie are British citizens; they don't need to live in the UK to remain that. Even Archie's children if they would never live in the UK could become British citizens but not his grandchildren.

Meghan is not a British citizen and needed to live long enough in the UK to apply for citizenship. If she somehow manages to live in Canada, she will not meet the requirements to become a British citizen but it doesn't seem she is interested currently. As a rule of thumb: she can be out of the UK for about 3 months a year. Any longer becomes problematic.

Many countries also allow tourists to stay in their country for 3 months at a time. If they would alternate between Canada and the US they could probably still officially live in the UK but in practice be 'tourists' in Canada and the USA (Meghan as a US citizen can of course just live in the US and Harry most likely can apply to join her as her husband).

 

[wyevale]

The interview with Arthur Edwards is damning.. and lays the blame squarely at the feet of Harry's Wife...clearly she changed him UTTERLY... and not for the better.

 

[Greyhead]

Well said BaiSoSo

People can only take so much abuse especially when they have done nothing wrong and the abuse the Sussexes have received has been way over the top this past 18 or so months. Like Meghan said life isn't just about surviving... it is about thriving and they weren't able to do that. This will give them more peace and they will be able to do what they do best.

I think this is a huge loss for the BRF as Harry & Meghan have a lot of skills and talent that could have been used by the family and help bring them into the 21st century.

I don't know why one would think it won't fly....pretty sure there have been conversations with the Palace before this and before the break. There are non-working royals who still have their official titles and don on occasion do work for the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have never deserved the unwanted attention/abuse they have received. I must add that, the abuse/criticism/comments were made in the newspapers and by supposedly elected officials, not by the majority of the UK general public.

It is without any doubt a huge loss to our Royal Family and it’s future, Prince Harry is the most popular Royal, and as stated above was the “bridge” between normal people and entitled.

Of course it will fly, that’s why they did it as they did, to stop any involvement/announcements from the Palace/Press that were not true, good on you both!

 

[Princess B]

I get the feeling that Meghan is using Archie as a bargaining tool with the firm and that is why he was left in Canada.

Who has custody of Archie? The queen or parents?

 

[O-H Anglophile]

Or perhaps taking a Toddler on transatlantic jet for a very short time in London is a silly idea. They have trusted friends and a nanny to look after him very well .

Yes, because they had already planned their near immediate explosive exit!

 

[evolvingdoors]

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

I suppose it makes sense though. In LA she (they) will be nothing but a small fish in a large pond - like in London! (and Hollywood will grow bored of them without proper royal connection), but in Toronto... we’ll juat like before: she will be a big fish in a small pond. This is why she was even able to get anywhere near Harry circle, in LA she would have been another C list no one cares or knows about, in Toronto she was able to network with the local big fishes through Soho House and her connection with Jessica and Ben.

 

[Nico]

I must add that, the abuse/criticism/comments were made in the newspapers and by supposedly elected officials, not by the majority of the UK general public. !

Excuse me, but what elected officials ? Missed that one ...

 

[poppy7]

I get the feeling that Meghan is using Archie as a bargaining tool with the firm and that is why he was left in Canada.

Who has custody of Archie? The queen or parents?

Nobody has custody of Archie. Both parents have parental responsibility.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

A friend in the U.K. said they were watching the evening news and one of their reporters was outside BP and stated that the Sussexes were informed several weeks ago they would not be part of the slimmed down monarchy.

So if that is true, this announcement yesterday seems to be an extension of that news.


LARae

I do not believe that-it makes no sense. It sounds like it is a Harry-Meghan fan/apologist.

 

[DeeT]

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

If they come, I’ll happily buy them, add to all of the official Royal brand items I’ve purchased over many years from the Royal Collection Trust Shops.

It’s so disappointing how terribly Harry & Meghan have been treated. Absolutely disgusting behaviour by some, leaking details to tabloids & then no retractions from BRF when the info being pushed by corrupt press is false! Disgusting shame that they’ve allowed such hate to spread against the Sussexes, so much for all those anti-bullying & maternal-child health campaigns.

 

[poppy7]

It is pretentious of us to say what kind of wife Harry needed . Marrying the lovely daughter of an English peer from an old family of courtiers ( a good candidate on paper ) did not go that well for his father, did it ?

I am not exactly a traditionalist ( quite the contrary actually), but I think there is some truth to the argument that the old way of princes marrying other princesses ( or equivalent, not merely nobility) at least meant that the brides understood “ royal life” from an early age and didn’t have a steep learning curve , even though foreign princesses often had to adjust to their new country. Nowadays, however, grounded “middle-class “ wives like Kate or Mary Donaldson have proven to be successful royals too, so I don’t think there is a predetermined formula based on nationality of social class that tells what an ideal royal bride would look like.

I would never presume to say who on earth he should choose as a life partner. My point was more to prevent this front descending as it has a different response was needed more that of the 3 royal ladies mentioned was probably needed. But best to to move on.

 

[Muhler]

A thought that went through my mind was: Are we seeing a nervous breakdown?

Weeks off the air so to speak, could lead someone who is on the verge of a nervous breakdown to "curl up" and simply refuse to return "to work" because she (I thought of Meghan) couldn't face it.

But on reflection, I don't think so.
H&M have appeared in public, something someone who is breaking down wouldn't be able to.

I must admit I'm deeply surprised that H&M did not return to Britain to stay. Wasn't it the plan that they were to return after their holiday in North America.
Not least since they must have realized that a lot of details needed to be discussed, even if they got everything they wanted.
Where to live. What to do. The economy. Future role and status and all the other myriad of details.

But since they didn't even bring their child with them it is clear to me that they had no intention of staying for any period in Britain.

They have de facto relocated to North America!

And if Harry follow or intends to follow his wife shortly, it means they for whatever incongruous reason genuinely believed the BRF (and the British government) would simply accept what they outlined. There are just a few details that Harry can discuss over the weekend. I mean, what else can it mean?
That is such a bizarre thought I can hardly believe I'm writing this!

Are they living in an alternative world?!?
"Insane" behavior can be contagious you know. - It's akin to the Stockholm Syndrome, where you isolated from normal inputs identify yourself with those around you, no matter how weird it appears when seen from the outside.

Right now the most outlandish thoughts are going through my mind: From Harry having a breakdown and Meghan having basically just dumped him at the palace and returned back to care for their child.
To Meghan acting on her own and Harry now seeking refuge with his family, not knowing what to do.

It's like watching some absurd scene.

 

[Spheno]

I find it weird that they left Archie in Canada to go over to England quickly.

I think It was a precautionary measure. Perhaps they are not legal Archie's custodians.

 

[ACO]

I suppose it makes sense though. In LA she (they) will be nothing but a small fish in a large pond - like in London! (and Hollywood will grow bored of them without proper royal connection), but in Toronto... we’ll juat like before: she will be a big fish in a small pond. This is why she was even able to get anywhere near Harry circle, in LA she would have been another C list no one cares or knows about, in Toronto she was able to network with the local big fishes through Soho House and her connection with Jessica and Ben.

That is how one can look at it. Canada was also her home for 7 years and where she started her relationship with Harry. That is where she feel comfortable and apparently safe.

 

[DeeT]

I do not believe that-it makes no sense. It sounds like it is a Harry-Meghan fan/apologist.

On the evening news, ITV journalist Tom Bradby said Harry & Meghan were not going to be part of a slimmed down monarchy.

 

[Pranter]

I do not believe that-it makes no sense. It sounds like it is a Harry-Meghan fan/apologist.

No idea...my friend just told me about seeing it. It wasn't a royal news thing just their local evening news.


LaRae

 

[US Royal Watcher]

Harry is supposed to be in crisis talks with the queen, Charles and William over this . Those three better tread carefully how they handle this. The BRF took a hit because of the perception of protecting Andrew - and his choices were worse. If they decide to destroy the Sussexes, or order Harry and Meghan to divorce the backlash would be huge. While many are laying the blame on the Sussexes an equal number blame the media nastiness and the Windsors' lack of protection. Yes Harry was told by BP not to go public but the Sun leaked the story (and online fingers are pointing at KP). This needs to be worked out to satisfy all parties involved. Madame Tussard took Harry and Meghan's wax figures from the royal display ( dumb move given nothing has been finalized).

Can you explain why you think that the royal family has treated Harry and Meghan so badly that you also assume that it is possible that they would try to destroy them or order Harry and Meghan to divorce. I don't see anything in either the Queen or Charles' past behavior that justifies that assumption but I'm interested to know why you think they may.

 

[Betsypaige]

JMO if I can add to that...often thought Harry had a chip on his shoulder because of his festering grief and anger over his mum. I think perhaps he blames his grandmother and father for the way HE feels she was treated by them. He’s callous behind that smile as he’s proving now, Meghan just makes him feel empowered imo

I hope not - Charles did the best he could to raise those boys; he loves them so much. I can’t imagine Harry deliberately going out of his way to hurt him....or anyone else, really. Yet, he’s doing just that...

 

[O-H Anglophile]

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have never deserved the unwanted attention/abuse they have received. I must add that, the abuse/criticism/comments were made in the newspapers and by supposedly elected officials, not by the majority of the UK general public.

It is without any doubt a huge loss to our Royal Family and it’s future, Prince Harry is the most popular Royal, and as stated above was the “bridge” between normal people and entitled.

Of course it will fly, that’s why they did it as they did, to stop any involvement/announcements from the Palace/Press that were not true, good on you both!

The Queen is the most popular Royal. And Harry killed a huge amount of good will yesterday, The good will of those “normal” people.

I don’t believe the Sussexes will get from the BRF and the UK what they proposed. I’m not sure what they actually want, but this half-baked “plan” has really rubbed folks the wrong way.

 

[US Royal Watcher]

What desperation while they were in 6 week break? let's be really!!! It's pure Greed! All about money and fame for her.

She put her plan in motion and left. She knew Harry will probably listen to his family if he went alone.

Sometimes, when people are so unhappy and burned out, they can't face going back for any length of time. I agree that Harry and Meghan have not handled this well, but I am sympathetic to them since it is obvious that she has been very, very unhappy. Sometimes you have to put yourself first.

I think it would have far more constructive if Harry had come back alone and given the (true) explanation that Meghan is not feeling well. That would have given him time to have a heart-to-heart with his father. Once they understood how serious it was, I'm sure the family would have helped Harry work out a more graceful exit with the goal of protecting Harry and his family.

 

[duchesschicana]

I get the feeling that Meghan is using Archie as a bargaining tool with the firm and that is why he was left in Canada.

Who has custody of Archie? The queen or parents?

HM has legal custody of her grandchildren and it extends to great grandchildren (I think?)as long as they are minors. HM could in theory call for Archie to come to the UK because she has the legal rights plus Canada is a commonwealth country, but I doubt she would. I could be wrong though.

Edit: supposdly the act has no legal bearings who knows

 

[Betsypaige]

The informations are still contradictory :

"Yes, the Prince of Wales has made clear that he wants a streamlined monarchy in the future, but Harry has always been told that he and Archie, as heirs to the throne, are part of that"

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...urs-urge-Harry-Meghan-not-announce-plans.html

That is simultaneously the worst and saddest article I’ve ever read - and it makes me furious. Harry and Meghan are immature, jealous brats. To be triggered by a lovely family photo? As if his father and grandmother don’t deeply love him ? Them? Jealous probably of his little nephew ?

I was annoyed when they chose to spend Christmas away from Sandringham -who knows how much longer his grandparents have, and they’d already spent Thanksgiving with Doria. I said it before - Harry has chosen Meghan over his own family. Charles and the Queen did their best to make her feel welcome, but I guess it wasn’t enough - nothing would have been enough.

The Sussexes are coming across as cold, nasty, calculating, vindictive. My heart breaks especially for Charles - it is his son, after all - and of course the Queen...William, the rest of the BRF...and even the public. This is not the warm, funny little boy they took to their hearts and watched grow up.

I think the BRF will be fine, they’ll emerge better off than H and M...but it will be a much sadder family.

 

[Spheno]

I get the feeling that Meghan is using Archie as a bargaining tool with the firm and that is why he was left in Canada.

Who has custody of Archie? The queen or parents?

it's a gray area. it wasn't never officially announced.

 

[Hallo girl]

I question if the media has caused this, simply as it would appear there have been plans in place for months. The stories of American agents, house hunting in America, all knocked back as media bullying. Are we all so sure.
The British public are blaming Meghan, it is looking like her plan was always to raise her profile and marrying Harry did that. She just didn't realise that she would be restricted within the firm, so she wants out and of course He will go with her , he loves her.
Even the interview after the Africa tour, planted the seed about how unhappy they were, her best performance.
It is sad, remember the wedding the British public loved them. Not now, they are happy for them to go, but they need to pay their own way.

It is not that they want them to go, but if that is what they want, so be it, but they have disrespected the queen.

Everything they do ends up in drama.

 

[Zaira]

The Queen is the most popular Royal. And Harry killed a huge amount of good will yesterday, The good will of those “normal” people.

I don’t believe the Sussexes will get from the BRF and the UK what they proposed. I’m not sure what they actually want, but this half-baked “plan” has really rubbed folks the wrong way.

Ive actually seen a lot of people be very understanding of this move in the UK including my many friends and family there.

This forum and many of its posters have struggled with recognizing the demage and pain the racist smear campaign against Meghan has wrought. Many posters have tried to discuss this only to be gaslight and shot down.

Again, its all just tragic. Mistakes were made on both sides. Monumental mistakes. One side out of a refusal to see that the stakes were different with Harry and Meg than past couples; another side out fear or desperation and pain. A toxic combo all around.

I am sad but not surprised to see the vitriol many are spewing at this couple here. More of the same. Lots of folks believing lock, stock and barrel whatever line the "palace' (or supposed palace) and the British Media, a culpable party in this mess, is trotting out--despite the fact that said headlines and "exclusives" literally change by the minute. First the Queen knew nothing. Oh well she knew something but not REALLY. Oh well now these talks have been going on for months! Oh but actually the Queen knew everything and actually forced Harry and Meg out. One moment Harry was triggered by a photo, the next we are told he was central to the future of the family. Next we are told something different. Harry has shown time and again he is devoted to his family and perfectly understands his role. But that narrative doesn't fit the petulant prince one that many in the press want to cement to justify their campaign.

Seriously folks, lets just call a spade a spade. Everyone is digging in to their respective camps and believing the worst angels of which ever party is on "the other" side. I am not discounting myself from that charge to be clear.

The actual truth is likely more in the middle than anything.

Harry is a deeply beloved figure. Always has been despite the wishes of many when he dared to marry Meghan. Some will turn on him now, as we see in this forum and among some royal watchers. Many still will understand. Most will simply shrug and hope for the best and live their lives. Meghan will remain the bogeyman no matter what she does. But the majority of people in the UK are NOT rabid royal watchers like us and their understanding is going to be different than folks in our royal watching circle.

If the BRF is smart (and I question their wisdom), they will try to salvage this situation and find a way to bring Harry and Meg back in the fold. If Harry and Meghan are smart, they will find a way to serve the Queen as their priority.

All in all, its personally been a sad week as a devoted royal watcher for me