INTL Harry and Meghan plan to do things their way.

Cardinal

Chickministrator
_______________
I don't blame Harry for wanting out. If you aren't the "lead dog" the view never changes.
And he became surplus baggage the minute Williams son was born.
 

mzkitty

I give up.
I hope they make it, but I have a feeling they won't. He married down, and that's obvious. Royalty is in his blood, and while he's being noble and doing this for his wife's sake, I don't see how it won't cause resentment on his part down the road.

He knew she was a commoner, and he loves her enough to marry her. I think his uncle did the same thing, only he gave up an entire kingdom. You can't regret these kinds of decisions, but if you do then you were immature and doubtful of your love to begin with.

No?
 

Kathy in FL

Administrator
_______________
OK what I would like to see is that they are excluded from public finance support unless they undertake public duties. They should support themselves fully like any member of the public without any finance from the taxpayer.
I don't think they are capable of doing so but would like the situation forced upon them, you either knuckle under as a member of the Royal family or become commoners who have to earn their own living like everyone else.
They should be immediately excluded from the benefits of being Royals and expelled from the "firm" permanently without any income.
It ia not good enough that they are exiled to Paris or wherever with full income privileges for the rest of their lives, they should be kicked out with nothing..

Not everyone gets to pick. The sad lack of maturity shown by too many is just … frankly it is embarrassing and I'm not even British. Harry is a grown man. He could have taken on more responsible work … he just didn't act very responsible. Remember the hookers here in the US that took pics of him nude?

As for his wife, I'm sure that she was well counseled regarding the responsibilities and constraints of marrying into the Windsor family. She is also nearing 40 and should be well beyond the "arrogance of youth" she has been exhibiting.

They have a child now. The two of them need to grow up and take on their responsibilities. Harry was born into it. Meghan married into it. He may not have gotten to pick but she certainly did.

I'm with Richard on this one. Zero financial support from this moment forward. Choices have consequences. Choosing to abandon your responsibilities should have harsh ones.
 

Krayola

Veteran Member
I don't really keep up with that family so I don't know much about them. But everyone keeps saying those two want to take the tax-payer money and run without doing any of the official duties in return for it. Where is that info coming from?

I looked at their website. It says that 5% of their income is from the tax payers. The other 95% comes from Prince Charles' estate. They are prohibited from earning any of their own income in any form. They want to get rid of the 5% tax-payer money (I assume they want to keep getting the other $ from Charles?) so that they are allowed to earn an income and they want to "launch a new charitable entity." Like was said earlier, sounds like they want to start a "foundation" and draw a salary from it.

But I don't see anywhere where they've said they refuse to do their official Royal duties. Unless it is assumed by virtue of the fact that they will be in North America for part of the year.

From their website:
Their Royal Highnesses feel this new approach will enable them to continue to carry out their duties for Her Majesty The Queen, while having the future financial autonomy to work externally. While the contribution from The Sovereign Grant covers just five percent of costs for The Duke and Duchess and is specifically used for their official office expense, Their Royal Highnesses prefer to release this financial tie.


I just don't see why people have such a bone to pick with these people. It sounds like they want to refuse the tax-payer funds and earn their own money, although possibly in a dubious manner similar to Bill and Hill, but that remains to be seen.

If the story about them leaving the baby in Canada turns out to be true, that will make me wonder if the rumors about the Queen threatening custody issues was also true.
 

thompson

Certa Bonum Certamen

Harry and Meghan’s Megxit could cost Canadian taxpayers millions

By Tamar Lapin
January 9, 2020

Canadian taxpayers could be on the hook for millions of dollars if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle move to the Great White North post-“Megxit,” experts said Thursday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex — who on Wednesday announced plans to step away from royal duties and live part-time abroad — are said to be looking at keeping a home in Canada.

Markle lived in Toronto while filming the USA Network show “Suits.”

If that’s the case, the Canadian government would likely be legally obligated to foot the bill for their security, because of their royal status, experts told Reuters.

Canada is part of the British Commonwealth of countries that have the queen as their head of state.

“I don’t believe they can refuse the government of Canada’s security,” said Larry Busch, an ex-Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer who directed security for world leaders.

Mike Zimet, whose eponymous New York executive security firm, counts Alec Baldwin, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders as clients, said the cost could easily run in the millions.

The level of security would be defined by threat assessment, said another expert.

Among those concerns, would be a worry about the kidnapping of 8-month-old son Archie, said Zimet, calling the threat a “major situation, especially when it comes to terrorists.”

He added: “Kidnap a kid, hold them for ransom, what are the parents going to do?”

The couple — who spent the last six weeks vacationing in Vancouver with Archie — has said they want to work toward becoming financially autonomous, but haven’t said whether that’ll extend to the cost of their security.
 

Scarletbreasted

Galloping geriatric
The bottom line of Regal reality:

Meghan and Harry may remain Duchess and Duke (depending on how firmly "the firm" deals with them..........

Wills and Kate will someday be King and Queen - A King trumps a Duke, and a Queen trumps a Duchess, every time!

sb
 

SmithJ

Veteran Member
I don't really keep up with that family so I don't know much about them. But everyone keeps saying those two want to take the tax-payer money and run without doing any of the official duties in return for it. Where is that info coming from?

I looked at their website. It says that 5% of their income is from the tax payers. The other 95% comes from Prince Charles' estate. They are prohibited from earning any of their own income in any form. They want to get rid of the 5% tax-payer money (I assume they want to keep getting the other $ from Charles?) so that they are allowed to earn an income and they want to "launch a new charitable entity." Like was said earlier, sounds like they want to start a "foundation" and draw a salary from it.

But I don't see anywhere where they've said they refuse to do their official Royal duties. Unless it is assumed by virtue of the fact that they will be in North America for part of the year.

From their website:



I just don't see why people have such a bone to pick with these people. It sounds like they want to refuse the tax-payer funds and earn their own money, although possibly in a dubious manner similar to Bill and Hill, but that remains to be seen.

If the story about them leaving the baby in Canada turns out to be true, that will make me wonder if the rumors about the Queen threatening custody issues was also true.

Except that, Prince Charles money is all taxpayer money as well. His “estate” that he draws income from is only “his” because he is the duke of cornwall and prince of Wales.
 

Melodi

Disaster Cat
I think one of the biggest issues is the security which the taxpayer (the UK or Canadian) will pay for - one little gem almost never talked about is that by taking her title of "HRH" away from Lady Diana, it ended her security and just a relatively short time later that car accident (one week after she predicted she would die in one and that "they" would kill her) happened.

The fallout from the way the royal family initially handled that news (just acting as if things were normal, staying in Scotland etc) and the public aftermath that nearly really did take down the monarchy means "The Firm" KNOWS in this day and age they can't get away with just sweeping all their dirty laundry under the rug.

Even if Diana's death were a total accident few believe it, though there are many theories about that car that was reported to have hit Diana's car and who/where it came from (if an actual hit there are lots of candidates).

But many reports have blamed the withdrawal of security for part of what happened.

So the Queen/Charles know darn good and well they can't simply withdraw the right to have a security detail from the couple because if they did and anything happened, say a terrorist kidnapping or targeted hit from anywhere including a lone nut; the Firm would be blamed and again that might be the end of things especially if the Baby was involved.

That is also why they may end up keeping their titles, though I point out that Meghan was never made a Princess and now almost certainly never will be.

But someone has to pay the 1 million plus a year for the security detail and it will be someone's tax payers.
 

MountainBiker

Veteran Member
I don't really keep up with that family so I don't know much about them. But everyone keeps saying those two want to take the tax-payer money and run without doing any of the official duties in return for it. Where is that info coming from?

I looked at their website. It says that 5% of their income is from the tax payers. The other 95% comes from Prince Charles' estate. They are prohibited from earning any of their own income in any form. They want to get rid of the 5% tax-payer money (I assume they want to keep getting the other $ from Charles?) so that they are allowed to earn an income and they want to "launch a new charitable entity." Like was said earlier, sounds like they want to start a "foundation" and draw a salary from it.

But I don't see anywhere where they've said they refuse to do their official Royal duties. Unless it is assumed by virtue of the fact that they will be in North America for part of the year.

From their website:



I just don't see why people have such a bone to pick with these people. It sounds like they want to refuse the tax-payer funds and earn their own money, although possibly in a dubious manner similar to Bill and Hill, but that remains to be seen.

If the story about them leaving the baby in Canada turns out to be true, that will make me wonder if the rumors about the Queen threatening custody issues was also true.
I agree. The 5% of their income that comes from the govt. that they are giving up is the only part that is anyone's business. If Charles wants to continue directing some of the Duchy of Cornwall's income to Harry & Meghan, that's Charles' business as it is his income. Harry & Meghan are already wealthy in their own right so even that doesn't really matter. Similarly Frogmore Cottage is owned by the Queen and if she wishes to allow them to continue to use it as their UK home, that's between the Queen and them.

I don't understand the mean spiritedness towards Harry & Meghan that some are expressing. It is their lives to live as they choose. Harry shouldn't have to live his life entirely in his brother's shadow.
 

compchyk

The Computer Chyck
I agree. The 5% of their income that comes from the govt. that they are giving up is the only part that is anyone's business. If Charles wants to continue directing some of the Duchy of Cornwall's income to Harry & Meghan, that's Charles' business as it is his income. Harry & Meghan are already wealthy in their own right so even that doesn't really matter. Similarly Frogmore Cottage is owned by the Queen and if she wishes to allow them to continue to use it as their UK home, that's between the Queen and them.

I don't understand the mean spiritedness towards Harry & Meghan that some are expressing. It is their lives to live as they choose. Harry shouldn't have to live his life entirely in his brother's shadow.

Correct he should be able to live his life as he chooses HOWEVER respect to his grandmother (aka Her Majesty) was entirely lacking here. *that* is what I have issue with.
 

MountainBiker

Veteran Member

Harry and Meghan’s Megxit could cost Canadian taxpayers millions

By Tamar Lapin
January 9, 2020

Canadian taxpayers could be on the hook for millions of dollars if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle move to the Great White North post-“Megxit,” experts said Thursday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex — who on Wednesday announced plans to step away from royal duties and live part-time abroad — are said to be looking at keeping a home in Canada.

Markle lived in Toronto while filming the USA Network show “Suits.”

If that’s the case, the Canadian government would likely be legally obligated to foot the bill for their security, because of their royal status, experts told Reuters.

Canada is part of the British Commonwealth of countries that have the queen as their head of state.

“I don’t believe they can refuse the government of Canada’s security,” said Larry Busch, an ex-Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer who directed security for world leaders.

Mike Zimet, whose eponymous New York executive security firm, counts Alec Baldwin, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders as clients, said the cost could easily run in the millions.

The level of security would be defined by threat assessment, said another expert.

Among those concerns, would be a worry about the kidnapping of 8-month-old son Archie, said Zimet, calling the threat a “major situation, especially when it comes to terrorists.”

He added: “Kidnap a kid, hold them for ransom, what are the parents going to do?”

The couple — who spent the last six weeks vacationing in Vancouver with Archie — has said they want to work toward becoming financially autonomous, but haven’t said whether that’ll extend to the cost of their security.
Yes there would be security expense incurred by the govt, but at the same time their will be significant tourism related dollars generated by their mere presence. The UK generates billions in royalty-related tourism given the world's fascination with the royals. Though he will never be King, Harry is the most popular of the royals due to his personality. William and Charles are much more stiff and formal, making them less approachable.
 

MountainBiker

Veteran Member
Correct he should be able to live his life as he chooses HOWEVER respect to his grandmother (aka Her Majesty) was entirely lacking here. *that* is what I have issue with.
I agree they handled the announcement all wrong. There should have been a joint announcement made out of Buckingham Palace. Had that occurred though, the media likely would have deemed it Harry & Meghan were being tossed from the family rather than them willingly stepping back. The whole thing is a no-win for the Queen & Harry.
 

Bps1691

Veteran Member
His life long friends warned him about Ms. Sparkle Markle and he dumped them. His only brother warned him about jumping into the relationship to soon and he broke with him. He now has broken from his family, his responsibilities and his country, apparently because sparkles isn't happy.

Ol' sparkle has gotten everything she started out shooting for. More fame, a high place in society, riches, a compliant and easily lead prince. She's blown off her SIL and BIL, her spouses Grand Mother and all she has done is bitch about the royal duties she is expected to do to pay for her keep. More importantly she has dragged her love struck husband along with her as a willing accomplice at each new step.

Seen this happen many times in my life, where a man or woman is blinded by lust errr- love and breaks all the ties from their previous life because of the demands of the other person.

It seldom turns out well.

My guess is that as soon as sparkles doesn't get what sparkles wants, ol' Harry will start to understand the ramifications of his choices. Hope I'm wrong but she sure seems to be a narcissistic glory hound who will always want more fame, more attention and more baubles. At some point she'll be looking for greener grass and will take this buffoon for all he is worth.
 

amarilla

Veteran Member
While the queen probably won't, she could invoke the fact she is the legal guardian of Archie. Not Meghan. Not Harry. She could decide he must live in England. Since they don't want the duties, cut them off financially at the bare minimum.
 

bbbuddy

DEPLORABLE ME
she sure seems to be a narcissistic glory hound who will always want more fame, more attention and more baubles

Yes a perfect example of that is her inviting a while bunch of celebrities that she had never met (Oprah for example) or barely knew, to the wedding while doing absolutely nothing in advance to help her father adjust to the "new world" he would have to swim in. Easier just to dump him and family as they were an embarrassment to her... they "weren't ready for prime time".

Remember, she's probably been "celebrated" her whole life by everyone bending over backwards for her to prove they aren't racist. She's lived her whole life as "special" and never grew up enough to realize why...
 

Melodi

Disaster Cat
While the queen probably won't, she could invoke the fact she is the legal guardian of Archie. Not Meghan. Not Harry. She could decide he must live in England. Since they don't want the duties, cut them off financially at the bare minimum.
Like I said in an earlier post, this has been rumored to be one of the issues for ages and taking him to Canada or the US could complicate things.

The Queen could "order" the child back but it would be a public relations nightmare, at least before he is school age (the age his grandfather and many boys go to boarding school even royals among the UK elites).

Again, I think they handled this is a very disrespectful and unfortunate way, but we don't know everything that went on.

I do know that there was ALREADY talk of Charles NOT including anyone in the "Active" (aka paid) royal family other than the direct heir and their family.

This has been hampered by the fact that his sister does more work than any of them (Charles's sister) and dumping her would not be a popular or wise move (though she's old enough she could choose or be asked to "retire" with grace).

There are a lot of complications going on, but the public image right now of Meghan and Harry as spoiled brats is partly their own doing.
 

MountainBiker

Veteran Member
Yes a perfect example of that is her inviting a while bunch of celebrities that she had never met (Oprah for example) or barely knew, to the wedding while doing absolutely nothing in advance to help her father adjust to the "new world" he would have to swim in. Easier just to dump him and family as they were an embarrassment to her... they "weren't ready for prime time".

Remember, she's probably been "celebrated" her whole life by everyone bending over backwards for her to prove they aren't racist. She's lived her whole life as "special" and never grew up enough to realize why...
Her half siblings are low class losers and could never have adjusted to proper society. Perhaps her father could have been groomed to assume a respectable role but he chose to let himself be manipulated by his other daughter. It is sad for all concerned but it is what it is. I hope Meghan reconciles with her father before he is gone but that is between them.
 

texkat72

Veteran Member
I laughed, last night, during an episode of Entertainment Tonight. “The Palace is SHOCKED at the departure of Harry and Meghan!” Uhm, I sincerely doubt it. Anyone who watched their special filmed in Africa heard them talking about this. Also, the Queen’s Christmas Photo showed photos on her table. Only frames with her husband, Charles and his (gag puke) wife and Will’s fam. Last year, Harry and Meghan’s photo was in the background. So that supports what Melodi mentioned about Charles. ETA: there is also a photo of her Father on her desk.
 
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TerryK

TB Fanatic
They will end up globetrotting, do-nothing-but-promote-their-own-personal-money-making-machine "charity" or "foundation" and spend the rest of their lives telling us how to live.
Sad and repulsive at the same time. And always in our faces.
They only have influence if people are stupid enough to give it to them.
Me, I could care less, and I wish them well.
 

Kathy in FL

Administrator
_______________
Follow the money ….

Furious Palace Insiders Say Meghan and Harry's Move Is "All About Money" | Best Life

Furious Palace Insiders Say Meghan and Harry's Move Is "All About Money"

The aftershocks in the wake of the stunning announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to "step back" from their duties as senior royals just keep coming. Hours after announcing their shocking split from the royal family, the couple launched their new website, SussexRoyal.com, where they offered some jaw-dropping insight into the financial considerations that went into their decision to give up their prescribed royal roles. And sources tell me it all comes down to money.

"They basically said, 'We're not making enough off of being royals within the system, so we want out," said one Palace insider. "They are clearly aware they are more popular outside the U.K. than they are in Britain and have astutely decided there's a lot more money to be made as international celebrities. They want to have their cake and eat it, too. What happened to wanting more privacy? This is all about money."

In the "Funding" section of their new website, Harry and Meghan (in the third person) bemoan the fact that they have been unable to earn their own money under the current system. Under the question "Why are The Duke and Duchess of Sussex choosing this new working model?" they lay out the following response:

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex take great pride in their work and are committed to continuing their charitable endeavours as well as establishing new ones. In addition, they value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing. For this reason they have made the choice to become members of the Royal Family with financial independence. Their Royal Highnesses feel this new approach will enable them to continue to carry out their duties for Her Majesty the Queen, while having the future financial autonomy to work externally. While the contribution from The Sovereign Grant covers just five percent of costs for The Duke and Duchess and is specifically used for their official office expense, Their Royal Highnesses prefer to release this financial tie.

While Harry and Meghan mention they are giving up their taxpayer-funded income from The Sovereign Grant, they do not address the undisclosed income they could receive from Prince Charles' Duchy of Cornwall estate, which, according to The Daily Mail, is said to be worth £1.2 billion. "They are making a big show of giving up what is probably the smallest amount of income they current make," sniffed one Palace insider. "They can, and in all likelihood will, continue to receive funding from Charles. They just want to be free of the perception they are living on public money."



My source said the couple's intent to "live like jet-setting celebrities instead of royals" will undoubtedly prove quite lucrative outside of the United Kingdom, but within Britain, it's more fodder for their detractors and puts Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles in a "very difficult situation."

The Queen is said to be "furious" over the couple's announcement, which she was not made aware of in advance. She is still on holiday since she doesn't usually return from Sandringham until early February and is spending time with the Duke of Edinburgh, who is not in the best of health. "After a difficult end to 2019, this is incredibly poor timing," my insider said. "This is quite shocking for so many reasons."

According to several media outlets, no member of the royal family was told of Harry and Meghan's decision about giving up their official royal roles prior to their announcement on Instagram.

"If this were 20 years ago, they'd be shown the door. When Princess Diana tried to out-maneuver the Queen and announced she was keeping her HRH title after the divorce before Her Majesty issued a statement, it was taken away immediately," said my source. "Harry and Meghan are playing high stakes poker by declaring they're are going to live by their own rules without consulting the Queen and announcing their elaborate and clearly well-thought out plan. They want to become the world's biggest lifestyle brand. If they are allowed to do so, the monarchy as we know it will cease to exist and a new celebritized royal family is about to take over."
 

LucyT

Senior Member
Now there’s speculation that after Harry, Me-again is going to set her cap for the Russian BILLIONAIRE whose mansion they stayed at, in Vancouver.
 

Richard

TB Fanatic
Good, there should no finance provided whatsoever from the British Taxpayer but they should provide their own means of income for their chosen lifestyle. Methinks they are totally incapable of finding well paying jobs to justify their existence,

If they can't provide an income from their own jobs then then should live like commoners.

I regard Harry has having no particular abilities even by the low standards of the Royal Family, Megan has nothing whatsoever to offer. She is the instigator of this situation and should never have married into the Royal Family.

My opinion is based on the fact that I have little regard for the Royal and this situation makes it worse.

They'll probably play the racist card to make matters worse.

Anyhow the Royals have others to play the Royal Family duties and Harry and Megan could never play this role, so they should be expelled from the "firm" with no benefits.
 
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MountainBiker

Veteran Member
I highly doubt Charles will cut Harry off from Duchy of Cornwall income nor will the Queen turn them out of Frogmore Cottage. Both Charles and the Queen are going to want to have the appearance of peace in the family and the reality is Harry & Meghan will still be seen as representatives of the crown wherever they go. If anything they will add a human touch not unlike what Diana did which is a rarity in that family.
 

TerryK

TB Fanatic
President Trump weighs in on the issue. :lol:
'I don't think this should be happening to the Queen': Trump expresses his respect for the 'flawless' monarch as he wades into MEGXIT saying he thinks Harry and Meghan quitting is 'sad'
  • President Donald Trump waded in to British Monarchy's royal fallout on Friday, expressing his sympathy for Queen Elizabeth II
  • Trump called Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from royal duties 'sad'
  • Harry and Meghan announced Wednesday they're planning to reduce their roles in the royal family and split their time between the UK and the US from now on
  • Speaking to Fox News' Laura Ingraham Trump voiced his disappointment at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell announcement
  • When asked if he had any advice for how to deal with the 'rogue royals', Trump replied: 'I think it’s sad. I do. I think it’s sad. She’s a great woman'
  • A known admirer of Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Trump has previously called the Queen a 'tremendous woman' and spoken fondly of their meetings
  • He has also previously spoken disapprovingly of Meghan Markle, calling her 'nasty' when he learned of her threats to move to Canada if he was elected By Luke Kenton For Dailymail.com Published: 15:39 EST, 10 January 2020 | Updated: 18:09 EST, 10 January 2020


Donald Trump waded into the British monarchy's royal fallout on Friday, expressing his sympathy for Queen Elizabeth II and calling Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from royal duties 'sad'.
Speaking on Fox News' 'The Ingraham Angle', the President voiced his disappointment at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell announcement Wednesday that they're quitting public life and will now work to become financially independent from the Royal Family.
When asked if he had any advice for how to deal with the 'rogue royals', Trump replied: 'I think it’s sad. I do. I think it’s sad. She’s a great woman,' he said, appearing to reference Queen Elizabeth. 'She’s never made a mistake if you look. I mean, she’s had like a flawless time.'
Host Laura Ingraham then asked Trump if he believed Meghan and Harry should return to Buckingham Palace. Trump insisted he didn't 'want to get into the whole thing', but said: 'I just have such respect for the Queen, I don’t think this should be happening to her.'
Speaking to Fox News' Laura Ingraham this afternoon, President Trump voiced his disappointment at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell announcement earlier this week that they want to quit public life and work to become financially independent


+15


Speaking to Fox News' Laura Ingraham this afternoon, President Trump voiced his disappointment at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell announcement earlier this week that they want to quit public life and work to become financially independent
The couple announced Wednesday that they're planning to reduce their roles in the royal family and split their time between the UK and the US moving forward, as well as working to become financially independent



The couple announced Wednesday that they're planning to reduce their roles in the royal family and split their time between the UK and the US moving forward, as well as working to become financially independent
A known admirer of Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Trump has offered high praise for the Queen on a number of occasions before, calling her a 'tremendous woman' and speaking fondly of their various meetings.

He has also previously spoken disapprovingly of Meghan Markle, calling her 'nasty' last June when he learned of her threats to move to Canada if he won the 2016 presidential election.
Days later he retracted his comments, calling Meghan 'nice' and forgiving her for her comments.
'She was nasty to me. And that's OK for her to be nasty,' he said. 'It's not good for me to be nasty to her and I wasn't.'
Harry and Meghan announced Wednesday that they're planning to reduce their roles in the royal family and split their time between the UK and the US moving forward, as well as working to become financially independent.
 

Melodi

Disaster Cat
I will point out that every single time it looks like the UK royal family is "finished," or becomes unpopular, the stats on how much tourist income they generate is always brought up (it is one of the biggest money-spinners in the UK, even during economic hard times) and the matter slides away.

That doesn't mean it will always be that way, but I think it is much more likely that while changes will happen (like perhaps a much slimmed down definition of just who is an "official royal) I suspect at least a basic royal family will remain at least for a few decades.

Though if they are smart, they will look some (not all) of the changes the Scandinavian royals houses have made, like letting Princes and Princesses (even the heirs) study and have real jobs.

I am not sure the UK is up to having the King ride out on his bike to the market place to buy flowers yet, but a greater degree of flexibility and a bit of informality for non-state occasions (like going shopping or a walk in the park) might not hurt.
 

pauldingbabe

The Great Cat
Could be that Harry is taking one for the royal team as a distraction for the nightmare of an uncle he has.

Megan the pickle wants to make that Kardash $$$ cash. I see a reality series on prime time tv for his highness in his future. Or perhaps they will go into politics??? Does Meg have what it takes to top the hag (hildabeast)? Hellz, can Meg vote here anymore?
 

Heliobas Disciple

TB Fanatic
I wasn't really following this story, but when I saw this article at the NYPost (who has since edited it so it's no longer on their page) it caught my attention. Could be fake news, Oprah denied it today (see next post).

(fair use applies)

Oprah Winfrey advised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Megxit
By Emily Smith, Sara Nathan | New York Post
Published 1 day ago

Oprah Winfrey advised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle about breaking free from the British royals and following their own path.

The TV queen — who attended the couple’s wedding and is also close to Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland — discussed their “declaration of independence” and encouraged them to consider making a living in North America by building their own powerful brand.


Harry and Meghan have trademarked “Sussex Royal” as a brand on more than 100 properties in the UK, including clothing, stationery, photographs and educational and charitable endeavors — with predicted revenue of over $500 million.

They’ve gathered a coterie of powerful US players, including the Obamas, George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, James Corden and Meghan’s designer pal Misha Nonoo, whose new husband, oil heir Michael Hess, has offered them a place to stay in one of the family’s three homes in the gated Malibu Colony — dubbed “Billionaire’s Beach” — we are told.

A source said, “Oprah was the first person to talk to Harry and Meghan about breaking free and doing their own thing, building on their own brand. She made them realize it was really possible.” A rep for Oprah declined to comment.

Harry collaborated with Oprah on a mental-health series for Apple TV+, to air later this year, and it is believed the pair had “frank conversations” about the turmoil he and Meghan have faced in the spotlight. In an astonishing interview, Harry revealed he thinks about the fate of his mother, Princess Diana, “every single time I see a camera … every time I see a flash.”

Harry is also close to Barack Obama, and insiders say the prince could follow a similar after-presidency career path, involving philanthropy, speeches, book deals and documentaries.

Page Six can also reveal that Oprah’s BFF Gayle King is set to score the first interview with the Sussexes post-Megxit. King attended Meg’s NYC baby shower and visited them after the birth of baby Archie. A TV source said: “It’s hush-hush, but there’s no one else they would turn to.”
 

Heliobas Disciple

TB Fanatic
The article has since been edited at the NYPost to read as such (the above article is on longer available on their site):

(fair use applies)


Oprah Winfrey says she supports Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Megxit
By Emily Smith and Sara Nathan
January 9, 2020 | 9:54pm

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s close friend Oprah Winfrey has said she supports their decision to step down as senior royals.

The TV queen, who attended the royal couple’s wedding and is close to Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, said in a statement, “I care about them both and support whatever decision they make for their family.”


Harry and Meghan have trademarked “Sussex Royal” as a brand on more than 100 properties in the UK, including clothing, stationery, photographs and educational and charitable endeavors — with predicted revenue of over $500 million.

But while a source told Page Six that Oprah had advised Harry and Meghan about building their own brand, the media mogul added, “Meg and Harry do not need my help figuring out what is best for them.”

Harry has collaborated with Oprah on a mental health series for Apple TV+, to air later this year, and it is believed the pair had frank conversations about the turmoil he and Meghan have faced in the spotlight.

In an interview with British broadcaster ITV for the documentary “Harry & Meghan: An African Journey” last year, Harry talked about the pressure his family was under and revealed he thinks about the fate of his mother, Princess Diana, “every single time I see a camera … every time I see a flash.”

They’ve gathered a coterie of powerful US players, including the Obamas, George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, James Corden and Meghan’s designer pal Misha Nonoo, whose new husband, energy entrepreneur Michael Hess, has offered them a place to stay in one of the family’s three homes in the gated Malibu Colony — dubbed “Billionaire’s Beach” — we are told, although they are expected to make Canada their main base.

Harry is also close to former President Barack Obama, and insiders say the prince could follow a similar post-presidency career path, involving philanthropy, speeches, book deals and documentaries.

Page Six can also reveal that Oprah’s BFF Gayle King is set to score the first interview with the Sussexes post-Megxit. King attended Meghan’s NYC baby shower and visited them after the birth of baby Archie. A TV source said: “It’s hush-hush, but there’s no one else they would turn to.”
 

WalknTrot

Veteran Member
The British Monarchy will survive this little dust-up. Harry is more or less a bit player at this point, and does have some problems..thought I saw that he fights serious depression.

Handled seemingly very poorly from the two of them, and disrespectful as hell to their grandmother, but I don't think anybody really gives two rats butts whether they back off from public life. This too shall pass.

Once the Queen dies, I think there will be a lot of changes made.
 

Melodi

Disaster Cat
We fought the American Revolution to get away from these idiots.
True but Washington turned down the offer of a Crown, so folks in the US only have a rotating series of "First Families" to watch and put under a microscope (which they do) and a lot of folks pay attention to the British Royals instead (or in addition to).

As I've said, I find the drama useful for novel writing - a lot of themes are as old as the hills and work in the Bronze Age or a "Galaxy Far Away" such as:

"Royal Prince marries commoner and quits his royal duties," you could set that one as a Greek Tragic Play, Shakespear could have done it, a modern "historical" romance or a fantasy set among the elves.

The other European royal families have their dramas too (as does any family really) but these days they are more low-key to begin with and not as much attention is usually paid to them.

Heck, there's a royal Princess who divorced her husband (the guy just died a couple of weeks ago) and taken up with a bi-sexual "shaman" from a third world country and it hardly gets a mention.

If sat Princess Anne did that (would never happen but you get the idea) it would be in the UK and the US news for months!
 

Kathy in FL

Administrator
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I highly doubt Charles will cut Harry off from Duchy of Cornwall income nor will the Queen turn them out of Frogmore Cottage. Both Charles and the Queen are going to want to have the appearance of peace in the family and the reality is Harry & Meghan will still be seen as representatives of the crown wherever they go. If anything they will add a human touch not unlike what Diana did which is a rarity in that family.

Meh. I wouldn't place a bet on it. Charles is already on record as wanting to cut down the number of "paid" royals living off of the Windsor income and status, and that includes who gets to be called HRH, prince, princess, etc. He may very well make an example of Harry and Meghan to show just how serious he is. The Queen has also historically been known to close financial support to close kin that isn't government mandated. She didn't cover her uncle's (abdicated king) debts or increase his allowance.

QEII has real estate holdings in her name (or Queen corporation or however that works) of $10 billion. I think that is held in trust "for the people of England" or similar. She has a personal net work of about $600 million according to wiki and some other sources. She has a current personal income from the government of $12.9 million per anum but I seem to recall hearing that she returns a lot of that to the kingdom by having palaces open to the public and taking care of the managing of that.

There are apparently some things that can be passed along at her death but that most of it continues to be held in trust.

William and Harry received about 21 million from their mother's estate upon her death but I'm not sure how much of that is liquid and how much of it is real estate or other collectibles. I think there is also a trust involved which prevents having access to the principle. It is more complicated than simply saying they inherited 21 million from their mum. How much of that remains or what is the value of the estate today is also something I don't know. It may be more, it may be less.

One of the articles on this that was pretty interesting stated that they are only giving up the lowest contributor to their current income (5%) so their claim to wanting to be financially self-sufficient is pretty fake. I'd really like to see the surprise on their face if the Royals take them at their word and cut them off forcing them to survive on their own within a limited budget. If Meghan thinks she is going back to work as an actress she is an idiot. She isn't a classic actress like Grace Kelly. And if Harry thinks he is going to go back to the "freedom" he had in the US like he did when he was in his 20s he is an even bigger idiot. They've got a kid, they are closing in on 40, and it is time for them to grow the frick up and take up real responsibilities and not just jet setting around at their leisure and calling it a charitable function. The world is changing and they may just get caught up in a WWIII just like Harry's Uncle Edward did.
 

Kathy in FL

Administrator
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And I'm pretty sure that if QEII and Charles wants to control things for a while longer they are completely capable of doing so even if it is through lawyers. They are already on record as saying that the "break up" will take longer than Harry and Meghan seem to think because there are legitimate legal issues that will have to be resolved.

I'm not a "royal watcher" but do find some of these issues interesting from a historical perspective.

And I wonder if the Queen and Charles are trying to leave a hole for little Archie to return through should such a situation arise.

The whole it's-the-bad-publicity-driving-this crap is a load of bunk. Meghan isn't liked much more here in the states & Canada than she is in the UK. My best guess is they'll find they are under even more scrutiny and not less … which to be honest may be their desire, or at least Meghan's since her ego is pretty big and appears to need feeding regularly.

They may not divorce but within a decade I see them living apart and having different types of lives, especially once Meghan turns an interesting shade of 50.
 

Kathy in FL

Administrator
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More proof that their "financial independence" screed is just that.

What financial freedom means for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

What financial freedom means for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are cutting financial ties to Buckingham Palace, part of the couple’s surprise decision to “step back” as senior royals.

Their new website, sussexroyal.com, details the “working model” for the duke and duchess, noting their royal duties will no longer be partly funded by the queen. That means they’ll be freed from restrictions against earning income.

“They value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing,” the website explains. “For this reason they have made the choice to become members of the Royal Family with financial independence.” [In other words, they want to control the money and how it gets spent. They don't want the restrictions they are stuck with when the money is given to them by the Crown.]

Before their marriage, the Duchess of Sussex, 38, was a television actor in the U.S. while Prince Harry, 35, had served in the British Armed Forces. Their earning power could be significant, with the pair expected to secure six-figure speaking fees.
But creating such a structure may prove tricky. Royal finances have long been contentious and an announcement Wednesday from Buckingham Palace suggests details haven’t been finalized.

“Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage,” according to the statement. “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.” [Another way of saying, look kiddies just because you want to do something a certain way doesn't mean that you aren't already legally obligated to do it another way. If you want to change the script you are going to have to wait until the legalities can be changed. So grow up and deal with it.]

Sovereign Grant

Since 2012, the queen’s official duties have been partly funded through a system known as the Sovereign Grant. That provides the monarch with a quarter of the profits from the Crown Estate, which owns London property, the U.K. seabed as well as forests, wind farms and the Windsor Estate. The Crown Estate had net assets of more than 14 billion pounds ($18.3 billion) at end of the fiscal year on March 31. The money is used to cover palace upkeep, payroll and other costs of the Royal Family.

Even if the pair sever those ties, their office will hardly be financially independent from the wider monarchy.
Just 5% of the costs of the official duties of the Sussex household is supported by payments from the Sovereign Grant. The rest is covered by the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate that funds the private and official expenditures of the Prince of Wales, Harry’s father. The Duchy had net assets of 933 million pounds at the end of the last fiscal year, in which it generated income of 21 million pounds, according to an annual report.


The couple are already independently wealthy, with Prince Harry’s personal wealth estimated at 30 million pounds, thanks to his share of his mother’s estate and his great-grandmother’s legacy, the Times of London reported. [I doubt they can touch the principle on this and it may also come with some other strings such as William having to agree and other yada, yada. But based on their "plans" they don't seem like they want to pay their own bills but have other people pick up the tab one way or the other. Now I have no problem with capitalism, just be honest about it instead of covering it up with all of this virtue signaling crap.]

Despite any new income, the additional wealth the couple accumulate probably will remain a fraction of the queen’s personal fortune of about $400 million, according to an analysis by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. That was largely inherited from her family and includes one of the world’s most valuable stamp collections.

While that’s dwarfed by the $20 billion fortune of Jim Ratcliffe, Britain’s richest person, the Royal Family remains one of the nation’s most valuable institutions with a net worth of 68 billion pounds, according to a 2017 report by Brand Finance, a brand valuation and strategy consulting firm. The figure includes contributions to the economy through tourism and miscellany such as the effect of royal babies on fashion brands.
 

mzkitty

I give up.
Melania and megyn are not in the same league, Its like comparing Melania to michelle. IMHO they (she) will use the royal to make money.

Judy

Viciousness abounds; it doesn't matter who you are.
Once you get famous the public will rip you to shreds.
I resented it for Diana; I resent it for Melania and Meghan.

Nasty.
 
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