Skip to main content

Open post: The Sussex Settlement

According to a settlement with the British Royal Family, Harry and Meghan will no longer use their HRH titles and will repay 2.4 million pounds of public cash spent on Frogmore Cottage. They will no longer formally represent the Queen, and receive no more public money in return for Royal duties.

The Queen's Statement was as follows:

Statement from HM The Queen 

Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.

Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.

I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.

I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family. 

It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.



What do you think of the statement, and of the settlement?

Comments

Fifi LaRue said…
@Ava: If you can find a link to the wedding where Markle is rolling her eyes at Harry, I'm sure we'd all like to see it. Rolling one's eyes is absolutely contemptuous.
Hikari said…
@Rut

Hikari: I don't think people care about the HRH. She is known as the Duchess of Sussex and thats the name she trademarked. Its enough to be seen with the royal family to keep her brand royal. Also...Harry is always Diana and Charles son, "prince Harry".

Americans are much more familiar with Her Royal Highness and Princess than 'Duchess'. 'Duchess' sounds like some fat dowager society lady. Ranks of nobility are not our strong suit here since we fled to the New World 300 years ago to get away from Dukes and Duchesses, etc.

Harry and Meghan's cachet was as part of the Royal family. They are no longer Royals in a meaningful way. Especially her, who has no ties of blood to the Queen. There will be a temporary interest in her because she is now somewhat notorious like the other American Duchess. She may make a few million even on her Sussex tat, provided she can get anybody to make it for it, which costs money to begin with. But she's only a 'brand' as long as people want to buy what she's selling. H. and M. are of interest right now. Let's check back with them in a year and see how it's going then. Meg wants to be a pop culture influencer and the public attention span is short, especially in America.

hunter said…
Thanks Liver Bird, I still think it sounds unlikely.

I love the info posted earlier on what is required to use the term "Royal" in business associated with the crown. By removing the HRH she really put the kibosh on the "or responsible parties" part which would have included PH.

Legally she grabbed them by the balls and I am loving all of this.
Rut said…
I think trooping is going to be THE thing Meghan attends every year. Like the Oscars.
It seems to be an important event to her.
( If I was that swollen in my face I would have stayed at home )
@Rut,’She is known as the Duchess of Sussex.’

They will be known as Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and Harry, The Duke of Sussex. It’s a big difference (compared to eg The Duchess of Sussex) denoting they are no longer royals.

The HRH style is the status and prestige part, and the attachment to royalty. They are now no better than Fergie and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
Ava C said…
I'm reminded of a passage in Richard Burton's diaries, written after an evening at the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's home in the 1960s:

"Two tiny figures like Toto and Nanette that you keep on the mantelpiece. Chipped around the edges. Something you keep in the front room for Sundays only. Marred Royalty."

Liver Bird said…
"Thanks Liver Bird, I still think it sounds unlikely."

It's not unlikely. Male-line grandchildren of the king/queen are entitled to the rank of prince(ss). But that's a long way off. What matters for now is that the Harkles got royally shafted! This deal is considerably tougher than I had expected, and I'm living for it.

The crown always wins.
SwampWoman said…
<@Sadie Sunshine> @nutty I had the same reaction about HRH ... as long as they can still use the Sussex name and are known as the Duke and Duchess, Americans won't know the difference and their brand will remain in tact over here.


I would say that most Americans neither know nor care about royalty titles because it isn't germane to our lives. Her 'brand' may be big to the Hollywood (low IQ) set but the rest of us aren't in the market for anything that she is selling*. It has been announced on the local news stations here that they lost the royal highness titles.

*Unless she has some resin that does NOT bubble when poured on/in a porous substance such as wood. I'd buy that but it better have guarantees, good reviews, and a good price.

Rut said…
RaspberryRuffle: I don't think ordinary people in other countries than England knows/cares about the difference.
poppycock said…
From Dan Wooton:
https://twitter.com/danwootton/status/1218634813097332743?s=20

Megs will use it as much and as long as possible. LOL She seemed more attached to HRH than her baby boy.
Liver Bird said…
"They are now no better than Fergie and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor."

Uncle David got to keep the HRH, though much to his dismay, Walis never had it.

And uncle David was an actual king. Harry is just the bloke who got caught with his pants down partying in Las Vegas.
Vince said…
Great work by Her Majesty to make lemonade from lemons. Meghan has to be furious right now over losing HRH. That's very, very big. Most of her sugars were counting on her keeping that, and losing it is a symbolic catastrophe for the Harkles.

Basically, the Harkles are "nobodies" now. It doesn't matter if they are Duke and Duchess, they don't represent the monarch. That's the key. They are just non-royal independent contractors now. What they do has no bearing on the royal family. That means people who wanted to be close to them so they could be close to the monarch no longer have any incentive to help the Harkles out. Massive blow.

I agree with other posters that the divorce clock is now ticking. A defrocked Harry cannot do anything for Meghan. I'm sure Meghan will keep him around in the short term, but I would expect her to start eyeing wealthier, more established men in the near future. Perhaps the Russian billionaire (whoever it is) that lent the Harkles the house in Canada? A Middle Eastern tycoon? Only time will tell.

Haz is about to learn some very hard lessons, it looks like. Very hard. But the royal family will be there to take him back when the time comes. He should be grateful for that.
Fairy Crocodile said…
@Humor Me
"I worry for his mental health"

Too late for that. He is already a "fruitcake on a rampage". His idiotic declaration of independence is a testament to that.
Lurking said…
Anyone have a score card? Seems the only thing they got was to "earn a living as they fee fit." Which means they can merch to their heart's content. They are still ironing out a few details, but it doesn't appear that they got much of anything else on the list.

Have to pay commercial rent on Frog Hall.
No HRH.
No collaboration with the Queen.
No royal duties.
Cut off from taxpayer money.
Have to pay back money spent on Frog Hall renovations.

What else?
poppycock said…
Ava C said...
I'm reminded of a passage in Richard Burton's diaries, written after an evening at the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's home in the 1960s:

"Two tiny figures like Toto and Nanette that you keep on the mantelpiece. Chipped around the edges. Something you keep in the front room for Sundays only. Marred Royalty."


That's brilliant!
Ava C said…
Harry and Meghan's 'tiff' at Eugenie's wedding:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6272167/Did-Harry-Meghan-tiff-royal-wedding.html

It's subtle but watch it a couple of times.
Mischief Girl said…
I'm thrilled that they can't use HRH. I wish they'd lost the Dukedom, but this is an awesome place to end up, especially after MM threw down the gauntlet with her demands/wish list when they announced they were stepping back.

It's as though Her Majesty schooled MM big time, like "this is how it's done, little girl".

I have a vision of the BRF reading MM's demand/wish list and turning to her nearest and dearest and saying "Hold my beer..."
Liver Bird said…
"Seems the only thing they got was to "earn a living as they fee fit." Which means they can merch to their heart's content."

Not sure about that. Remember the clause about 'upholding Her Majesty's values' and also that the settlement will be reviewed in a year. Sussex Royal is toast.
Lady Luvgood said…
Harry gave up his birthright

For a skanky Ho

Sorry, not sorry

Unbelievable

Where is our Shakespeare?

We need a Scribe, ha
@Liver Bird, ‘Uncle David got to keep the HRH, though much to his dismay, Walis never had it.

And uncle David was an actual king. Harry is just the bloke who got caught with his pants down partying in Las Vegas.’

Correct, The Duke did keep his HRH, but a similar sentiment will hang over Meghan and Harry for being kicked to the kerb by the royals .

Harry and his pants! Lol
Maggie said…
I would really like to know how MM has enough pressure to extort millions from the RF and who her backers are.

She hasn't managed this scam without megabucks supporting her- who is it?

Google London Scoop and second page of results will give you an idea of where I'm coming from - tho feel free to consider it nonsense!
Vince said…
@Hikari wrote:

"Harry and Meghan's cachet was as part of the Royal family. They are no longer Royals in a meaningful way."


Precisely. The Sussex ROYAL brand meant you got royaldom. You got a piece of the monarchy, no matter how small it was going to be.

That's over now. The brand is meaningless at this point, completely devalued. Losing the HRH's and being cut off from the royal family means the Harkles are nobodies. They might as well be the Duke & Duchess of Nowhere.

Meghan has to be going crazy at this, somewhere in Canada. Huge loss.
octobergirl said…
The Queen was very gracious.considering Markle's surrogates called the BRF toxic and said she didn't want Archie anywhere near them. Pretty sure Markle won't let up on the smearing.
Rut said…
Ava C: I remember that, it broke my heart. Poor Harry. He is so in love with her but she often looks irritated when he shows her affection. Its like he is just in her way.
Sad.
Liver Bird said…
"Perhaps the Russian billionaire (whoever it is) that lent the Harkles the house in Canada? A Middle Eastern tycoon? Only time will tell."

The former want gorgeous model types a good 10 or 15 years younger than Meghan. The type of women who don't much care what their husband gets up to so long as they get to max out his credit card. The latter usually have arranged marriages with women from their own countries.

Of course there can be exceptions but if you were filthy rich and could have your pick of women, would you go for a not especially pretty, early 40 year old with a kid, a history of grifting and a ton of baggage? I know I wouldn't.
Anonymous said…
Regarding the HRH title. The point is not that the little people will understand or care about the difference, but those who want the approbation of the BRF will know. Who will also know are the people she wants to hobnob with. Look how Fergie was reduced to being a pitch spokeswoman for Weight Watchers (this is not a diss at WW, but I see this as a sign of her desperation for an income). Those who matter to HER will care. Not the little people she only uses for photo ops. Her image is now tarnished except among a delusional few. If she doesn't know that, Harry does. That HRH = the status she desperately wanted. They must have had some real dirt on her for her to agree to these terms. And I suspect that Charles will fork over money but ONLY if she toes the line. Talk about blackmail. Only $$$ if she behaves. And we all know how she detests being told what to do. Assuming they stay married for any length of time (and I'm not banking on that), the $$$ will start diminishing every time she pulls some PR stunt that harms the BRF brand. I've said this before, but she is a FOOL.
Wanda said…
The balcony appearances are interesting to contemplate.

I originally thought MM would make sure to appear in order to:
-get more camera time and show off
-make a statement about how she is still part of the family
-merch and continue the royal branding
-give an FU to the UK

Now that she has made comments about not being able to breathe in the toxic UK etc, I'm not sure even SHE would have the nerve.
Also I can NOT picture Harry on the balcony WITHOUT HIS MILITARY UNIFORM.
Liver Bird said…
"Correct, The Duke did keep his HRH, but a similar sentiment will hang over Meghan and Harry for being kicked to the kerb by the royals."

And say what you like about David and Walis, but they both had impeccable style. Could you imagine Walis with sweat patches or David in a suit that looked like he'd slept in it?
Glow W said…
Twitter round up:

Richard Eden: they will still be royal even if not working royals. And has anyone said if Harry is still in the line of succession? And as sling as she is married to Harry, she remains royal

Jonathan Shamir, OBE: Meghan and Harry will becomes a billion dollar brand — never has a member of the BRG ever been available in the commercial marketplace

Richard Palmer: it’s not clear if the Sussexes will be able to continue to use the Sussex Royal name. That is still being worked out. and the couple will be known as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex— collectively as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex still. They still have their HRH titles but won’t use them from spring 2020.

Vince said…
@LiverBird

You make great points. Maybe one of those bachelors will see Meghan as a trophy to have, but it could be some kind of short hook up rather than a marriage.
Wanda said…
@Wizard Wench - But isn't she counting on the "little people" to buy the products she plans on merching?
Glow W said…
*as long as she is married (not sling)
KCM1212 said…
One point I haven't seen addressed is whether Harry (and Archie) are removed from the line of succession?

Thanks to all of the commenters and Nutty. I always learn something when I visit.

So I visit often.

I am going to be interested in watching the media for the next few days. The gloves have been coming off...Will the American press follow?
octobergirl said…
Prince Harry was spotted laughing and enjoying a low-key dinner with friends in a west London pub on the night before he announced he was quitting royal life.

The Duke of Sussex, 35, dined for around three hours at Brook House Pub in Fulham on Friday night ahead of the bombshell announcement that he and Meghan Markle would drop their HRH titles.

He wore a grey polo shirt to the New King's Road venue and was said to have been acting like a 'normal' customer before leaving at around 11pm.
'He was sat in the middle of seven guys and they spent a good few hours laughing and joking.

'He seems like he was just a normal guy enjoying a few beers and a meal with his pals.'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7902447/Prince-Harry-spotted-laughing-joking-enjoys-low-key-dinner-friends-west-London-pub.html

Liver Bird said…
"One point I haven't seen addressed is whether Harry (and Archie) are removed from the line of succession?"

No but this was never in consideration.

Jenx said…
Another great comment from BBC Facebook.
"The husband formerly known as Prince." ;)
Nutty Flavor said…
Ha ha Jenx - that is funny!
Glow W said…
Twitter: James Brookes:

Any commercial ventures won’t need royal approval though. We’re told none in place at the moment (although I wouldn’t be surprised if conversations are already happening on that front). Questions remain on if they’re allowed to use their Susex Royal brand.

Wanda said…
I'm ready to watch the 6:00 PM regular news as well as entertainment news here on the east coast USA New York City region and will report back later how the latest RF announcement is handled in the media in my area...

KCM1212 said..I am going to be interested in watching the media for the next few days. The gloves have been coming off...Will the American press follow?
JHanoi said…
I dont’ see them having a problem merching in the us with the sussexroyal brand whether it’ factual or not.
If they copyright, and trademark it they can call themselves or their company whatever they want as long as it’s available.

I was annoyed they kept the dukedom of sussex, i thought that should have been pulled, but isn’t fergie still styled the same way? Sarah ferguson, duchess of york. Also a little disappointed in those 3 glowing statements, but i guess the RF are trying to pacify PH in hopes that if or when the marriage fails, he’s not totally disallusioned with his family and can return back to the fold.

Charles will pay for frogmore. Security payments are still tbd.

Maybe for a couple years the sussexes will make some big $ on this change, but i think they will eventually fail at it. Their star quality celebrity will fade quickly as they’re rather old and so will the money making opportunities. Eventually they will be dependant on the oligarchs and middleeastern billionaires for their cash/ living expenses. PW/KW will be the one holding the bag and having to bail them out when the time comes.
Ava C said…
@wizardwench - I suspect that Charles will fork over money but ONLY if she toes the line. Talk about blackmail. Only $$$ if she behaves. And we all know how she detests being told what to do. Assuming they stay married for any length of time (and I'm not banking on that), the $$$ will start diminishing every time she pulls some PR stunt that harms the BRF brand. I've said this before, but she is a FOOL.

Absolutely. Says it all.
Fedde said…
I'm hoping Beatrice will announce her wedding date soonish (she and Edo are still together and looked happy in the pics from that society wedding yesterday) and that it'll be a public event, just so we can see if H&M will both show up and how/if they'll interact with the rest of the BRF.
KitKatKisses said…
In defense of Fergie, those two cookbooks from Weight Watchers with her name on them are actually fantastic. I have both and have at least 15 reliable recipes I've made from there over the past 20 ish years.
JHanoi said…
Also not sure why they still need frogmore, unless they are going to sublet it to make money. lol
@pi

Regarding the Duchy

Yes, I do know that the Duke of Cornwall does not not own the Duchy - even though I don't live on Duchy land I can see it from my window. I always understood that Duchy money supports the heir to the throne and his family.

In your opinion, using Duchy money for supporting adult children constitutes `laundering'. Are you implying that Duchy profits are `dirty money', acquired by criminal means, which has been `cleaned' by being passed through `innocent' accounts?

Once farmin' went scat, fishin' went scat, the banks went scat, did the Duke's minions go back to wreckin' to pay their rent? Because that's what `laundering' means!

If you mean you perceive there's a lack of transparency and perhaps something is being done that shouldn't be done, please make it clear that this is an opinion, not an established fact.
Liver Bird said…
"I dont’ see them having a problem merching in the us with the sussexroyal brand whether it’ factual or not.If they copyright, and trademark it they can call themselves or their company whatever they want as long as it’s available."

We don't know what behind the scenes arrangements have been made however. It could be - speculation obviously - that any funding from Charles - and the whole thing is up for review in a year - is contingent on them not disgracing the monarchy.

"I was annoyed they kept the dukedom of sussex, i thought that should have been pulled"

As I have said many times over the past 2 weeks, that was not a realistic prospect. Dukedoms cannot simply be 'pulled' - revoking them requires an act of parliament. And since they want to leave the door open for Haz to return after the divorce, it would be an extreme step. I think effectively removing the HRH is a major move, harsher (in a good way!) than I had expected.

Lady Luvgood said…
Meghan has to curtesy to Kate and her kids, forever!!
Vince said…
Piers Morgan is over the moon at the news, as expected.

https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1218611230262419458

@piersmorgan
BREAKING: The Queen’s told Megan/Harry to sling their part-time royal hook. Well done, Your Majesty - right decision. 👍


There is more in his twitter timeline.
Glow W said…
* correct name Jonathan Shalit obe “london’s most influential talent manager” lol
Unknown said…
@hunter I am willing to keep an open mind. My takes: Wills may have cheated on Kate but receipts on the Rose rumor show it came from Meg’s camp. As for Kate being thinner than in college, it’s possible she has an ED but I’ve seen weight loss like hers in athletes who stop playing on their teams. Kate was a rower. A lot are still very disciplined when they stop but don’t eat and exercise as much so they get smaller and have very low body fat.

@tatty I understand your take but I think we’re going to have to wait and see how H&M’s “win” pans out. The Queen’s statement is optics. There are a lot of “soft” forces that will curtail H&M’s connection to the royals, merching, and how the elites will want to interact with them.

This year’s TOTC will be interesting to watch. We might start getting excuses why H&M send their support to HMTQ but can’t attend. Any photo ops with the BRF will likely be gone in favor of articles of H&M wanting to be extra private and not royal. Meg’s humanitarian schtick is in direct competition with the BRF. Not sure how they can say they don’t want to do charity work in England but want to do the same kind of things in America for money. There is now an opening for inevitable criticism of H&M’s pay-for-play schemes like paid speeches, paid charity appearances, and allocation of charity money. Depending on how people respond to Meg, she could get iced out by the public or those behind-the-scenes. Their futures depend on the whims of a fickle public that like drama in their media consumption.

I think Archie becoming a Prince is a pipe dream. The articles about Sussexes not wanting to be royal and Archie not having a title is a way to prime the public into the reasons why Archie won’t be Prince when Charles ascends. H&M would have to back peddle on everything they have been shilling about needing privacy, stepping down, BRF is toxic to make Archie a Prince. It would be embarrassing and out them as hypocrites.
Nutty Flavor said…
Also not sure why they still need frogmore, unless they are going to sublet it to make money. lol

Frogmore Air BnB.

Maybe a dozen of her sugars can scrape together enough for a night there, and spend the evening doing yoga on the floating floor and taking turns in the copper bathtub.
Glow W said…
Oops forgot the tweet:

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Harry, Duke of Sussex — the billion dollar brand. Fashion and consumer product ranges, books, television (scripted and non scripted), film, public appearances, endorsements, advertising, non executive directorships of companies in return for shares...
Rut said…
LiverBird: You know...all men are different. Some men really honestly LIKE 'older'/mature women.
Also...some men like dominant women who are a bit crazy. Some men are submissive.
Im sure Meghan Markle can find herself a rich man after Harry.
I don't like Meghan Markle but I do know that the world does not end for women just because she is 40, divorced and a mum.

I think we can dislike Meghan Markle without talking about women as if we live in the year of 1509




Glow W said…
@charade, yes, I agree with a lot of what you wrote. My guess is in 3 months it will start and we will see
Louise said…
If I read between the lines, she will still get to merch the Sussexryal title and will still receive money from the Duchy of Cornwall, via Charles.

So she won everything that she wanted.

Hitler couldn't defeat the British, but Markle did.

I am disgusted by her and by the rest of those weaklings.
Liver Bird said…
"I don't like Meghan Markle but I do know that the world does not end for women just because she is 40, divorced and a mum."

No, but the type of hugely rich men looking for trophy wives don't tend to want middle aged women with a ton of baggage and a history of dropping people like stones once they've outlived their usefullness. And I've got a decade on Meghan so that's not being ageist.
Nutty Flavor said…
executive directorships of companies in return for shares.

Yeah, no one wants Meg and Harry on the Board of anything.

Neither one of them is any good with money, or has much experience in business.

Can you imagine trying to explain your the intricities of your corporate remuneration structure or share buy-back plan to Harry?
Liver Bird said…
"So she won everything that she wanted."

Not by a long shot.
KitKatKisses said…
@Louise, how do you have a Sussex *Royal* brand if you are not royal?

@Tatty, you sure are picking and choosing which tweets and opinions to share, LOL.
Glow W said…
@nutty, I assume it would be more like a silent partner thing, and yes, add Frogmore air B&B

If they can’t use Sussex royal, they can name their brand Sussex Life etc
Anonymous said…
@Bluebell I don't think she has the charisma to pull that off. Whatever you can say about the Kardashians, they have an phenomenal pulse on the market. Also, the mother had four daughters she could cycle in and out as the other daughters began to "age" out. Kylie Jenner is now at the fore front. Kim, the queen mercher of them all, is now too old to hold onto that demographic that she used to hold in the palm of her hand. It's all about the demographics. She could appeal to the older mother crowd, but I am SURE that the Queen would draw the line there. NO merching of Archie whatsoever. So she's stuck. Plus, there is ample evidence that Meghan's core base of supporters is actually quite small. So many of her "supporters" appear to be paid bots. She has deluded herself that these numbers are real. EVERYTHING she touches turns to dross. The Vogue issue. The Smart Works issue. Even The Tig didn't have enough supporters to make her a viable influencer. And now she's three years and two facelifts older. Look at who are viable influencers. Olivia Jade (Lori Laughlin's daughter) apparently had a huge presence before her parent's pay-for-play scheme was revealed. She's a 19-year-old total airhead. THAT's what sells. Not a 39-year-old woman whose eyelash glue is prominently visible, whose shoes are, more often than not, dirty and/or stained, and who can't seem to even put on deodorant in the morning. Although I find Olivia Jade repugnant and certainly vapid as Ms. Markle, she never appears on camera without her make-up and clothes being flawless. SHE understands her brand. Ms. Markle doesn't have a clue. Finally, I can't see Ms. Markle agreeing to any merching without her image being front and center, and she CANNOT pull it off. She's "thirsty" as they say for the ever present camera, and I have a hard time seeing her relinquishing that. Yet, she couldn't even pull it together for the, what, 200 appearances she had as a royal over a two-year period? Her delusions of grander are staggering.
Glow W said…
@kitkat that is because I was specifically searching for Prince Harry and opportunities because I wanted to see what was being said by people in the industry who have opinions
Lady Luvgood said…
Meghan and Harry lost big time, without the HRH they are not Royals, Harry will regret this.

Divorce countdown, I say by next Christmas
Nutty Flavor said…
No, but the type of hugely rich men looking for trophy wives don't tend to want middle aged women with a ton of baggage and a history of dropping people like stones once they've outlived their usefullness.

Actually, I don't think the "middle-aged" is the problem here. Jane Fonda paired up with Ted Turner at an advanced age; so did Jerry Hall with Rupert Murdoch, and Nancy Shevell with Paul McCartney.

The problem is that Meg doesn't appear to be an enjoyable companion. Really rich men want a pleasant, intelligent woman who will share their lives and, quite frankly, put their husbands above their own ambitions. (That was the reason Jane eventually broke up with Ted.)

Maybe another grifter would be interested in Meg. Like attracts like.

IEschew said…
@Vince I know Piers is glad HM made this call, but I caught melancholy in his tweets re: Prince Philip and Harry leaving the military. It is really such a shame. What gave Harry purpose if not the military? I would say fatherhood but ...
KitKatKisses said…
That $30 million wedding was a complete waste of taxpayer money.

No one is discussing that.
Wanda said…
@Vince - love the lemonade from lemons expression. My heart goes out to the Queen that she has to deal with this nightmare at her age.

Vince said...
Great work by Her Majesty to make lemonade from lemons. Meghan has to be furious right now over losing HRH. That's very, very big. Most of her sugars were counting on her keeping that, and losing it is a symbolic catastrophe for the Harkles.
Snippy said…
OMG I ventured over to Celebitchy, and one of the posers (typo and it stays) thought all was great because Harry is still the Prince of Wales!
Jenx said…
More questions. 1. They get to keep some patronage but do they want to keep them? 2. What happens with the lawsuit now that she is no longer "royal"? 3. IRS?
Liver Bird said…
"Actually, I don't think the "middle-aged" is the problem here. Jane Fonda paired up with Ted Turner at an advanced age; so did Jerry Hall with Rupert Murdoch, and Nancy Shevell with Paul McCartney."

Exceptions which prove the rule. And as you say, these three are all highly accomplished women with money and achievements of their own. Plus, they didn't marry Russian or Middle Eastern billionaires, which was the comment I was replying to. These men don't generally want wives who draw media attention to them and their activities. They want hot young women who know their place and are more than happy to avoid the spotlight and spend, spend, spend.
Jenx said…
@KitKatKisses. Wait for the divorce announcement. :)
@Liver Bird, ‘And say what you like about David and Walis, but they both had impeccable style. Could you imagine Walis with sweat patches or David in a suit that looked like he'd slept in it?’

They were perfectly styled . They just weren’t highly thought of, (not in the UK) The Duchess most certainly wasn’t liked and they were forced to live abroad.

Meghan and Harry have chosen to leave, though I heard again just now they jumped before they were pushed, not sure what I believe.
I’m glad to see the back of them, they no longer represent us anywhere. I’m also glad their settlement will be reviewed in a year.
Este said…
What strikes me, in hindsight, is how chaotic Harry and Meghan's move to leave the RF was and it gets me wondering if like Piers Morgan claimed all along, they thought they could "have their cake" (royal titles and dough) and eat it too (cherry pick their royal engagements, merch their titles and go Hollywood), although that's always been an odd expression, as what's the point of having cake and not eating it. Still, it's really about thinking they could call the shots here and the Queen just trumped them by taking away the royal titles.

The nicey nice language is just royal gamemanship. They want to make it look as civil as possible and not maybe leave the door open for Harry to return.

Also, I'm doubtful about the claims they wanted out altogether. If that were the case, why announce on Twitter you'll be stepping back rather than cashing out? Why handle this on twitter to begin with? Social media really encourages hasty and emotional actions. There was no need to put their business out like that so publicly. The fact they did it, shows me they reacted emotionally and not responded rationally.

And the Queen just outplayed and took control by taking back the titles and the money. I think putting in the language about agreeing to payback Frogmore was The Family's way of humiliating them. I don't see it as trying to placate an angry public but publicly chastising the renegades and reminding them of the financial consequences of their decision.
Liver Bird said…
"OMG I ventured over to Celebitchy, and one of the posers (typo and it stays) thought all was great because Harry is still the Prince of Wales!"

The heading reads that they 'gave up their royal status for freedom' Ha ha ha! As if THEY chose it! The CB crowd are so deeply deeply delusional. It truly is the dark side of the moon over there.
Sunnykm said…
No tiaras now for Meghan. That’s got to sting.
Vince said…
@Nutty -- good point on what these rich men are looking for (and not looking for). Who would want to settle with Meghan in hopes of having her as a kind of "soulmate"?

@IEschew -- Yeah, there is some sadness in Piers' tweets about Harry. It is a real shame, that Harry has chosen to throw his life away for a grifter.

@BlueBell -- Definitely, all thoughts with the Queen. Such a shame she has to deal with this drama when she should be relaxing and enjoying her life.



The great thing for the royals now is they can finally start to move on from the Harkles Hurricane. Certainly damage has been done, but the Queen today took a big step to shut down the grifters and move on. Happy for her, and the family.
Mischief Girl said…
@Moon Girl

MM will have to curtsy to Kate and her kids forever--but only if she ever sees them again.

I doubt MM will be in the same room as the Cambridges ever again.
Lady Luvgood said…
I am so here for the drama

Messy Meggy is the gift that keeps giving
Mischief Girl said…
How much heartburn do we think it caused HMTQ to have to write that MM will continue to be a part of her much loved family?

I have to believe Her Majesty would be happy to forget MM ever existed.
Lady Luvgood said…
@MischiefGirl
I am sure you are absolutely correct
Wanda said…
YES! - to estes's comment below. I haven't seen much discussion here about the Harkle's new website, but according to what they presented there, they intended to still be a part of the monarchy without all the rules and regulations.

Este said : Also, I'm doubtful about the claims they wanted out altogether.
Fifi LaRue said…
@Ava C.: Thank you for the link! Wow. Markle displayed absolute contempt for Harry. Markle is a good enough actress to get Harry to believe that she loved him. Never has, never will.
Snippy said…
@Liver Bird, yes, I usually don't read any of their Megan articles and am about to give up the site altogether. It's really changed in the last couple of years.
Lindy said…
Dawn Hunter I think they played a great long game.
1. Harry will still have his title later but they’re thwarted from using them now.
2. I’m sure there’s a long list of what their commercial ventures cannot entail, which should limit Meghan. I would think they need to remove royal from websites, etc.
3. Frogmore - since MM vows never to come back I doubt she’ll be there often, and they had to be super-careful so as to not alienate Harry. At the end of the day, they want Harry back and Meghan gone.
4. Security; there’s no way they’d cut much. If anything happened they’d never forgive themselves, and they love Harry.
5. Patronages. Not sure how they work but pulling all leaves the entities as the real losers. Plus I read Will and Kate are stretched thin with them already. Also, when the divorce happens, Harry is basically right black where he started, with title and patronages.
xxxxx said…
Este said...
What strikes me, in hindsight, is how chaotic Harry and Meghan's move to leave the RF was and it gets me wondering if like Piers Morgan claimed all along, they thought they could "have their cake" (royal titles and dough) and eat it too (cherry pick their royal engagements, merch their titles and go Hollywood), although that's always been an odd expression, as what's the point of having cake and not eating it.

What it means is you get to eat your cake, but the cake is still there uneaten. So you can eat it again and again and it never disappears. Of course this never happens in the real world, it's just a cute expression and a good one.
lizzie said…
@Rut said "I don't like Meghan Markle but I do know that the world does not end for women just because she is 40, divorced and a mum."

True. But it's a bit hard to find a man (rich or not) under those circumstances who will believe the 40-something divorced mum is an ingenue of 25. And that seems to be M's main schtick.
CookieShark said…
@ Hikari

Celt News has a fabulous clip of the Trooping. MM appears to shamelessly angle to stand closely behind HMTQ, but Princess Anne and Prince Andrew shuffle her quickly aside. She is grinning like a maniac the whole time. It's actually quite chilling to watch.
Snippy said…
Thomas Markle in the Daily Mail: "Walmart with a crown on it", hahaha! Give this guy his own comedy show! "The Marvelous Mr. Markle" would be good!
KCM1212 said…
Thanks for the answers Nutties.

One more if you will: as I understand it, the Sussex Royal trademarks are still pending, is that right?

So without the "royal" status objecting to those trademarks could be quietly handled by BP? Anyone seeing that happening?
Sounds like a job for Lord Geidt! He would enjoy that, I'll bet.

Fifi LaRue said…
Nutty, you have very astute intelligence about human behavior, and that's one of the things that makes your blog so enjoyable.
Just a note that Jane Fonda blended into every man she married. The marriage was done when Turner screwed around on her.
I'm surprised this wedding wasn't gate crashed by The Former HRH.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7900845/Celebrities-arrive-St-Moritz-Dasha-Zhukovas-wedding-Stavros-Niarchos.html
Louise said…
KitKatKisses: We have a dry cleaners here in Montreal called Royal Ecological Cleaners.
Elsewhere in Canada, we have Royal Bank, Royal Lepage (realty broker), Royal Pizza, Royal Medical, Royal Paan (Indian food), Royal Canin (pet food), etc.

There is nothing to stop the Markles from using the word Royal in their company name in Canada.
SwampWoman said…
@AVerySunshinyDay I'm surprised this wedding wasn't gate crashed by The Former HRH.

They could have security escort her out (or arrested for trespassing) without fear of angering HRH. I'm pretty sure the former HRH DoS knows how gleefully it would be done, too.
wastingtime said…

Not sure if this has been posted - MM father - in the daily mail today
They're turning the Royal Family into a Walmart with a crown on': Meghan Markle's father Thomas launches an extraordinary TV attack on Megxit as he tells Channel 5 documentary that the Sussexes are 'cheapening' the royals by quitting
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7902991/Meghan-Markles-father-launches-extraordinary-TV-attack-Megxit-Channel-5-documentary.html
Ava C said…
The more I think of it the more masterly the Queen's response appears to be. It's a far more nuanced handling of Diana's son but achieves the same effect as for Diana. They've managed to remove what really matters while plausibly showing love and understanding. It's brilliant.

They are still left with the need to constantly police Meghan to ensure she follows through, after the Palace's statement that 'the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty'. And when did Meghan ever follow through, or pay the remotest regard to clear instructions? Then sanctions can be applied by reducing Duchy/private funding from PC and still the royal family have clean hands. They remain in the right.

They would have had to police Meghan constantly anyway, so there's no loss. Only gain. She's outside the tent and I don't think she can get close enough to piss in now (sorry to be crude).
Lady Luvgood said…
Regarding HM’s statement, being the ever gracious lady she is,

She said she was proud of how quickly MM became part of the family not how proud she was of MM or how she fitted in with the family. It was an acknowledgment of how well she hustled Harry so easily and so quickly. It was a wicked game but she played it well.

The Crown, plays the long game, tabling the removal of HRH until Spring 2020, seeing if the D I V O R C E comes quickly.

Which, I think Harry will buy her a McMansion, and she will dump him and keep Archie and the house.

Meghan will never want to attend any future Royal Family Gatherings, and curtesy and bow to everyone.

It will be a great day when her IG loses the Their Royal Highnesses, as she loves to write ad nauseam on their supposed “shared” Account


Duty calls said…
From the daily mail, this can’t be true?


What about their Commonwealth roles?

Harry is quitting his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.

But he will remain president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, and Meghan will still be the Trust's vice-president.
Unknown said…
Just putting it out there that maybe the review in one year is code for this is a check on their shenanigans and the BRF needs to reassess because things are about to go haywire for the couple very soon. Maybe they both will be begging to come back in the fold or just Harry.
SirStinxAlot said…
The $30 million wedding, brought in truckloads of tourist and merchandise money. So it sounds like alot but the government got it all back. Not to mention, they don't hire all new police for these events. They own barracades and keep them in storage, bomb dogs, police, street cleaners, etc. It's not really a waste.
Vince said…
The Harkles are said to be close (I think) to Oprah and Oprah's friend Gayle King. To get a sense of how much of a loss today's announcement is, here is an article from Oprah Magazine from about 10 days ago:

https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/a30446075/prince-harry-meghan-markle-step-back-analysis/?utm_campaign=socialflowTWOPR&utm_medium=social-media&utm_source=twitter

The piece has a section named "Will the Sussexes keep their royal titles?", in which it asserts that the Harkles will keep their titles (which we now know is false). It also says they will remain working members of the royal family (false).

Here is the key statement from royal expert Marlene Koening: "Would they be the same as Harry and Meghan Mountbatten-Winsdor? No. Their cache would be lost, I think,"

That's right, their cache would be lost. And it is lost, and cannot be recovered. Being Prince and Duchess means nothing if you are cut off from the royal family and have no genuine ties to the monarch.

That's the outlook for the Harkles now. And even a fawning outlet like Oprah Magazine saw the trouble for them should they lose their titles, which has happened. Cache gone, irrelevance immediate.
Liver Bird said…
@Ava

"The more I think of it the more masterly the Queen's response appears to be. It's a far more nuanced handling of Diana's son but achieves the same effect as for Diana. They've managed to remove what really matters while plausibly showing love and understanding. It's brilliant."

Once again I am in total agreement.

Absolute class move by HM. Very, very elegantly done, right down to being 'proud' of how quickly Meghan settled into her family. She's given them almost none of the nonsense they had the affrontry to publicly demand, but has done it in such a subtle way that the Harkles' idiot fans are spinning this as a 'win' for them. And at the same time, the door is left open for Hapless to crawl back through after the inevitable divorce.

Bow down to Her Majesty! The crown always wins.
Lady Luvgood said…
I quit reading CB a while back, the Meghan stanning and Kate Hate is kind of way out there.
I read it for several years, but lost interest.
HappyDays said…
There’s a fresh tweet from TP:

Has anyone seen any of the deeper details of the Sussex separation agreement?

I read during the past week that a financial forensic team from the palace will review all of the prospective Sussex separation deal and the people they are making these deals with, which, if, still part of the deal could allow the royal family to throw all sorts of wrenches in the machinery Meghan wants to build to take over the world and considerably slow down their business deals. I wonder if this is what TP1 is talking about.

What do you fellow nutties think?

The tweet:
torontopaper
@torontopaper1
“And the poor rest of title only as long as you don't merch! Darling, that's beyond epic! You really know how to make yourself a legend in downfalls! The crown always wins!”
Ava C said…
Extracts from Telegraph latest:

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cast out: couple to stop using HRH titles as Royal Family severs ties

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use their HRH titles or formally represent the Queen, Buckingham Palace has announced as the Royal Family severed all official ties with the couple.

A seismic statement following days of frantic negotiations, revealed that the Sussexes' departure from public life would be much more dramatic than previously thought.

The couple will repay the £2.4mllion of taxpayer’s money used to refurbish Frogmore Cottage, their Windsor home, and will pay commercial rent on the property, which they will continue to use as their UK family base, it was confirmed after five days of tense negotiations.

As they will no longer be working members of the Royal Family, the Sussexes will not receive public funds for royal duties and the Duke has been forced to give up his much cherished official military appointments.

Aides revealed that the couple will spend the majority of their time in north America and will be free to earn their own money however they see fit.

Royal sources also admitted that the couple, who will be styled as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, may yet have to give up their Sussex Royal branding, used extensively on social media and their website and which remains an issue “yet to be ironed out”.

[...]

A statement released by Buckingham Palace at 6.30pm on Saturday laid bare the magnitude of the couple’s split from the Royal Family, making clear that they were not being allowed to adopt the “half in, half out” approach they had wanted.

An update on the couple’s newly launched Sussex Royal website appeared to acknowledge that the future intentions they had declared as fact some ten days ago would now have to be amended.

It said that "information on the roles and work of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex” would be updated in due course.

[...]

Having been left blindsided by the Sussexes’ sudden revelation that they wanted to “step back” from their royal duties, she moved quickly to assert her authority and minimise the ensuing chaos, despite her private devastation.

[...]

It is not known when either will next be seen in public in the UK. The new arrangements will come into force at some point in the Spring although many complex details are yet to be announced, including the couple's tax and immigration status.

Christopher Wilson, a royal historian, said the Queen's "sweet" statement hid her "bitterness, disappointment and hurt", saying Prince Harry had taken a "wrecking-call to the Royal Family's global reputation for duty and service". "The damage he's done is colossal and can only be evaluated slowly in the coming days," he added.
Vince said…
@LiverBird

Indeed, bow down to Her Majesty.

She checkmated the grifters, and did it with a smile.

Brilliant.
Ava C, ‘The more I think of it the more masterly the Queen's response appears to be. It's a far more nuanced handling of Diana's son but achieves the same effect as for Diana. They've managed to remove what really matters while plausibly showing love and understanding. It's brilliant.

They are still left with the need to constantly police Meghan to ensure she follows through, after the Palace's statement that 'the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty'. And when did Meghan ever follow through, or pay the remotest regard to clear instructions? Then sanctions can be applied by reducing Duchy/private funding from PC and still the royal family have clean hands. They remain in the right. ‘

That was my take on it too. People don’t pick up on how things are stated, what’s unsaid. They miss the nuances.

The royals hold all the ace’s and the power. They can slowly chip away at Meghan if she misbehaves.

The only moot point for me is possible security costs. Either they are paid privately or not at all. I’m hoping we’ll get clarification on this.
Lady Luvgood said…
Last one, sorry I am so enthralled

The Queen always wins, Meghan thought she could keep her HRH and be a Royal Patroness of good causes, all while calling the BRF, vile and toxic.

Not so fast, former Princess of the United Kingdom, the Queen gives what the Queen wants to give, not what you desire, Ha ha

I hope someone remembers to ask Meghan if she is ok?
Sandie said…
This is the update on their website:

In line with the statement by Her Majesty The Queen, information on the roles and work of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be updated on this website in due course. We appreciate your patience and invite you to explore the site to see the current works of Their Royal Highnesses.

1. Did Meghan not get the memo about not using the HRH?

2. Have the courtiers seen this and do they realise that Megsy will break every agreement, every time?
Liver Bird said…
Any messages of support for the Suss-exes on their exciting new chapter in life?

Elton?

George?

Oprah?

Serena?

Someone? Anyone? Bueller?
Ozmanda said…
Call me cynical but I don't believe for a moment they would willingly give up their titles. Sparkles has been after that since the beginning. My instincts tell me something happened or is about to drop and they were not given the choice - this press release is a save face compromise.
Liver Bird said…

"1. Did Meghan not get the memo about not using the HRH?"

The new regimes doesn't kick in until March, so they're still free to use the HRH, though it is rather tacky and childish of them to do so - quelle surprise. But it does show how desperate they are to hold onto it until the last minute, and how big a blow its loss is.
Sandie said…
A compromise could be reached on their security: they use the services of RPOs (safest) but they reimburse the taxpayer for the costs of that. It is going to be so expensive to cover their security while living overseas (and there may be issues with whatever country they are in about that) and travelling (which they are going to do a lot).
Animal Lover said…
Nutties,

Apologies if this has been addressed. I am quit ill today and have difficulty following blog entries.

Has anyone addressed the tax issue for H&M?
But now they’re letting her and Harry launch their media enterprise. One imagines, however, certain courtiers will find clever ways to stymie H&M’s profits, through them paying double taxation.

@Elle I think you said you were a CPA. What are your thoughts?

With their new status they will no have tax protection.

wastingtime said…

First the Ex and now Tm has the payments stopped?
Who's next?
CookieShark said…
I believe the final straw for MM was the Jennifer Meyer incident, which shut down any possibility to merch that jewelry.

I think the "step down" move was meant to declassify them as working royals so that they can merch and earn money. I do NOT think they wanted to separate entirely. I think the palace knows what buttons to push with MM. Someone who returns her wedding rings per post is not interested in counseling or working a problem out over several months. This "We'll review the activity" would be the worst type of punishment for her. It appears she wants to cut and run.

To whit: She was snapped wearing that whale necklace from the Women's charity she visited. It appears she had no intention of hiding that gift, and if called on it, she could say "I've stepped down as a royal, now I can accept gifts!!!" Always missing the forest for the trees.
abbyh said…

Oh man. I was in an inservice all day, saw the news about 4 hours ago and thought about how the posts will be so out there by the time I get online. I am not caught up yet but ... my first thoughts from reading a few so far

Ava - loved how you brought up that if they stray too far, they can be shut down easily. My thought: not if but when. M is not so faithful about believing rules apply to her.

Hilkari This is the soap opera of all time . . or at least since Henry VIII ran through so many wives. oh yeah, was never into soaps ... until now


abbyh said…

One other thing

Why am I not believing the Sussex family was so wanting or felt the need to repay for the work on Frog Cott? maybe because it is money they were thinking they could use for themselves? how selfish of someone to think otherwise.
Bravura said…
So I haven’t had a chance to post in days (that sea of comments on these last few posts has been INSANE). That said, there are some comments in here about Americans not knowing better and potentially being ignorant about the difference between them still being royalty and the HRH thing that I wanted to clear up from what I’m seeing.

All over social media, I’ve seen news articles posted about H & M losing their HRH titles. Most folks out here don’t know enough about the nuances of how that all works, and will take it at face value. Most Americans will see that as H & M losing their royalty titles, period. Already, I’ve been observing the tide change. Markle has been working hard to push the poor me card. She’s been working hard to get that racism card and the victim card on overtime. I’ve seen so many posts shared about the differences between Kate and Markle, and how Meghan was never treated the same, etc. But sharp eyes will note that these posts are dragging the Mail on Sunday - the same paper she’s suing. How very convenient that. You use social media to undermine the integrity of the paper that you’re suing to paint you as the victim here in the States where many are ignorant to your current suit against them.

But in the last week I’ve seen things changing. I’ve seen gung-ho Americans changing their tune about Megan. They’re beginning to connect the dots and see through the veneer. She’s not getting the same support she was. Her new pap stroll crap is rubbing folks the wrong way. They’re getting wise and I’m seeing less support on my end, and I’m in Woke Washington. We are as liberal as they come out here and even we are stepping back and taking note.

Meghan assumes she knows her audience. She doesn’t. She assumes we Americans wasn’t another Kardashian pair. We don’t. And the public is slowly learning her game. I do not think it coincidence that Trevor has popped back up. I do not think it curious that Archie hasn’t been seen. Folks are noticing it. And we Yanks and Ex Pats are not gonna welcome her with open arms.

Disney is a business. They will not bring her on if it will turn fans. Look what they did to James Gunn when rumors popped up? They dropped him despite him bringing them two multi million dollar movies to the table. They’re not going to roll over for some second rate duchess just for a voiceover. And I’ll be very interested to see if Gucci goes through given that they just had a collab with Disney too. Disney isn’t going to let anything tarnish its brand. I personally do not think anything will come to pass with her and the House of Mouse. Just my thoughts and observations though.
Humor Me said…
@cookieShark

this why I mentioned the other day if the British equivalent of the IRS was watching MM and "gift".
Ava C said…
Extracts from Camilla Tominey in the Telegraph:

Queen delivers hardest possible 'Megxit' as cost of Harry and Meghan's decision becomes clear

Make no mistake, Saturday night's statement represents the hardest Megxit possible for the Duke of Duchess of Sussex.

While insisting Harry, Meghan and Archie “will always be much loved members of my family”, the 93-year-old monarch could not be clearer on their on-going role in the Firm: it’s over. [...]

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had handed in their notice - and this was the Queen giving them their P45. [...]

Having always insisted that the royals can only appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony for as long as there are wellwishers in the Mall, the Queen’s head clearly told her that her subjects were never going to stomach letting Harry and Meghan have their cake and eat it. The mother of the nation had rightly read the mood.

Indeed after referencing the “intense scrutiny” they have faced over the last two years and their desire to start building a “happy” and most notably “peaceful” new life - there was really no way she could have let them carry on being ‘half in half out’ royals.

With Meghan already cheerfully carrying out her own engagements in Vancouver and some Frogmore Cottage staff now assigned to other duties - the idea of the couple spending a transitional period between Canada and the UK was not just starting to look optimistic but absurd. [...]

The Sussexes had hoped to continue “fully supporting” the Queen while mobilising Sussex Royal as a global brand - but the instruction for them to neither continue officially representing the Queen nor using their HRH titles suggests they may need to come up with a new moniker.

As the statement states in the starkest possible terms: “They are no longer working members of the Royal Family.” [...]

The underlying message was clear: Keep the Sussex by all means, but don’t count on the royal part. Only time will tell if they are able to retain any publicly-funded security, although with the decree absolute having just been granted on their divorce from one of Britain’s most historic and highly respected institutions - it seems unlikely.

One cannot help but be left with the feeling that there are no winners here. The Queen and the Royal Family have not only lost one of their most popular figures but a prince whose marriage to a mixed-race American divorcee had heralded the dawn of a new progressive era for the House of Windsor. Now that dream is over.

Yes, the Sussexes have got their freedom but at what cost?
Lurking said…
"1... am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family." From the Queen's statement

This is being interpreted as a compliment toward Meghan, but I think it really is complimenting the family for being welcoming and to push back against the reports that they were mean toward her.
JHanoi said…
Disney ended up hiring gunn in spite of the outrage over his pedo stuff. Disney is a business and didnt feel like that outweighed their opportunity to make a buck off of the galaxy franchise
@Bravura, ‘I personally do not think anything will come to pass with her and the House of Mouse. Just my thoughts and observations though.’

Great comment overall, but I loved and laughed at the House of Mouse for Disney bit! 😂 lol
Liver Bird said…
"This is being interpreted as a compliment toward Meghan, but I think it really is complimenting the family for being welcoming and to push back against the reports that they were mean toward her."

Correct. It's another example of the sheer genius of Her Majesty's statement.

It's an absolute masterpiece of understatement and hidden meaning.

This is what royalty does best. Meghan and her barely legible Instacrap couldn't even begin to compete.
Ava C said…
Re: Camilla Tominey extracts from Telegraph above, her concern that 'The Queen and the Royal Family have not only lost one of their most popular figures but a prince whose marriage to a mixed-race American divorcee had heralded the dawn of a new progressive era for the House of Windsor. Now that dream is over.'

Not at all. Yet again it's what Laurence Fox was getting at with his reference to Martin Luther King, of one day 'not being judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character'. This was not all 'mixed-race American divorcee[s]'. This was Meghan.
NeutralObserver said…
I have to agree with those on this blog who said that the BRF saw this coming, probably before the wedding. I actually think the RF played their hand pretty well. They shielded the stuff that supposedly is really important to them, real estate & jewels, from Megs' claw fairly adroitly. She was never seen in the Queen's jewelry after the wedding, & she certainly isn't walking away with any of it. Her Maj gave the Cambs Amner Hall outright. They own it. Megs & Hegs were given access to what is the royal version of a council estate. They can be booted out at HM's pleasure. She didn't even let them have a palatial rental, like Edward & Sophie, & Andrew have.

If, as Nutty has suggested, Charles & HM are paying for the Harkles out of their own pockets, you can be sure there will be strings attached. Charles has already let it be known that he's tired of being 'the bank of dad.' The holder of the purse strings has tremendous power over all who depend on the purse, just ask Donald Trump's kids. Any adult who is unfortunate enough & feckless enough to be dependent on financial support from his elders can tell you that it is demeaning & humiliating, & for Harry, it will be emasculating. Wait until William becomes Prince of Wales. Harry would probably be much better off if he were divorced & remarried to someone less polarizing than Megs by then. If the Harkles step out of line, the purse strings will be pulled tighter, you can be assured. I don't see one thing that the RF has done that Megs' stans can use to justify them being called 'racist' or 'toxic.'

Megs has absolutely nothing to complain about. In a few short years, she's gone from being 'Meghan who?' to world wide fame. The US is a place where people who are 'famous for being famous' can do pretty well for a while, so she certainly has a shot at making a few bucks. I recently read an online article about Megs' immediate family. Bless their hearts. They don't seem to be really bad people, but both sides of her family seem to lack the knack of just showing up for the boring tedium & hard work that can often lead to a successful & happy life. Can Megs break that mold? Maybe, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Vince said…
Brand new from The Mirror.

Article title -- Meghan Markle and Harry are out of Royal Family after Queen refused 'halfway house'

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/how-meghan-markle-harry-out-21310249


"The Queen has stopped the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from representing her on foreign trips, and stripped former soldier Harry of military duties in a significant move"

"In a deal which effectively sees them out in the cold they will not use their HRH titles, will no longer formally represent the Queen and will not receive public funds for royal duties."
JHanoi said…
"1... am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family." From the Queen's statement

This is being interpreted as a compliment toward Meghan, but I think it really is complimenting the family for being welcoming and to push
back against the reports that they were mean toward her.


I also wonder if it’s a back anded compliment. Meghan is as shady, conniving, and underhanded as the rest of the family so in her own way she fits right in.
JHanoi said…
I still hope PP, HM, PC rework their wills so whatever they planned to leave HDS, they leave as a trust to be dispersed over a period of time with trustees so if and when MDS divorces H , she doesn’t get a shilling/dime of that inheritance.
Ava C said…
Hope people don't mind long pastes from The Telegraph but I'm conscious of people missing stuff due to the paywall and - deliciously - the dignified broadsheets are going in for the kill as much as the tabloids. This one is something picked up in last day or so by tabloids, but has more weight here:

>>>>> Meghan kept clothes in Canada when she moved to Britain to start new life

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor in May 2018 it was assumed that the couple would base themselves permanently in Britain.

After all the Queen had even given them Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor Great Park, as their marital home, with a refurbishment and redecoration programme for the property, eventually costing the taxpayer £2.4 million.

But the Duchess of Sussex’s commitment to living in Britain may not have been as wholehearted as previously supposed.

It has now emerged that when she left her home in Toronto, where the LA born actress was based for seven years during the filming of the legal drama Suits, she left behind an entire wardrobe of clothes.

The revelation suggests the couple may have always been planning to spend much of their time across the Atlantic, long before their shock announcement earlier this month that they wanted to step back as senior members of the Royal family.

Citing a first-hand source, Canada’s Entertainment Tonight TV channel has reported that when Meghan Markle moved to London in November 2017 to live with Prince Harry, initially at Kensington Palace’s Nottingham Cottage, she packed up her clothes and put them into storage in Toronto for use at a later date. [...]

Jamie Samhan, ET Canada’s online editor, writes: “While it was known the Duchess put her furniture into storage, it was said at the time she took all her personal items with her.

“It also begs the question, did Meghan always plan on returning to North America in some capacity? Many have raised doubts around the step down of being senior royals and that both Prince Harry and Meghan had been planning this for some time. [...] <<<<<<<

The Telegraph even itemises Meghan's wardrobe! Well, she's now reunited with her clothes while her husband prepares to put an ocean between himself and his family. His real family.
Bravura said…
@JHanoi - no, Disney fired Gunn due to the pedo stuff. He was rehired because nothing substantial came from the rumors and all the actors refused to do another GotG without Gunn. That’s why Disney changed their tune. Lassater made big big bucks for Pixar and Disney fired him too. They might be a business but they are making big changes and definitely aren’t letting stuff go as they used to.

I honestly don’t see Disney touching Markle. If you watch Iger interact with Harry he wasn’t interested in Markle and her voiceover bullshit. He was being nice. His body language conveyed that of a guy who was annoyed at the pitch but still trying to be polite.
Fairy Crocodile said…
@JHanoi

I think this is a very clear jib at Megsy. Remember she kept complaining "They don't make it easy" "The family is toxic" "I have anxiety and panic attacks" "They never gave me a chance", her pure contempt and disregard of protocol, their hasty split from the Cambridges.

And here the Queen says she is proud how quickly she became a member. She just makes Megsy swallow her own words and shut up on this subject. Queen is simply trolling her.
Unknown said…
“I [...] particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family."

Contrast Meg to Kate who was slow and took a decade to “become one of the family” and it’s clearly shade from HMTQ. How many years for Eugenie’s husband? Heck even Edo has been known to Bea for years.

Looks like slow and steady wins the race. Thanks for the reminder Your Majesty :)
Ava C said…
This is interesting greater detail re: the Commonwealth aspect, which is pretty much the only bee in my bonnet this evening (again, the Telegraph):

>>>>> One of the major roles lost by the Duke of Sussex in his deal with Buckingham Palace is Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, which had been the focus of several overseas tours.

The Duke was appointed to the position by the Queen in 2018 with a view to helping young people use “Commonwealth platforms” to address social, economic and environmental challenges facing their generation.

It was work that the sixth in line to the throne pursued with zeal. Last year, he visited South Africa, Angola and Malawi on an official diplomatic engagement in the role.

Prince Harry had also seen it as part of his future work with his wife. In his first speech in April 2018, he said he was “incredibly grateful” the woman he was, at that point, about to marry, would join him in the job.

The role of youth ambassador – his most high-profile at the time – is considered particularly important because of the Commonwealth’s demographic, with 60 per cent of the population of its 53 member nations being under the age of 30.

Despite Harry stepping back from the position, he and Meghan will remain president and vice-president respectively of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. <<<<<<<

That last sentence/fact is less annoying to me now.
Liver Bird said…
Apparently one of the royal spokesmen said that 'they' ie the Suss-exes will still carry out royal duties before the new regime kicks in. Since it's exceedingly unlikely Meghan will ever show her face in the UK again, they must mean Harry. But I doubt these supposed events will be public because there's a good chance he would be booed.

It really is an amazing turn of events. Just 3 years ago Haz was the golden prince - young, single, charming, handsome - now he is widely despised. I mean, I'm enjoying the gossip and schadenfreude but the whole thing is really rather sad.
Ròn said…
I'm disappointed. All they appear to have given up is a few hundred grand from the Sovereign Grant. Which Daddy will make up for I'm assuming. And Daddy is still going to bankroll them for a few million a year. They now have to pay rent on Frogmausoleum- which Daddy will pay for no doubt. They weren't 'stripped' of the HRH - they just won't use it anymore. It was the Sussex titles that for me was the biggie - given that that's what they'll be using to merch. It's a royal title and will be forever connected now to tacky, crass, shady, murky, grubby debasing business deals.
One is incandescent.
Glow W said…
Dan Wootton on twitter:

https://mobile.twitter.com/danwootton/status/1218660550063853568

“Royal commentators are missing the point - Meghan is DELIGHTED with this result. She’s got exactly what she wants: the ability to make millions and millions without royal oversight, to spend as much time as she wants in Hollywood and to avoid any duty in the UK. Their plan is go”





Just going through my home page twitter feed

Ava C said…
Telegraph points out that Meghan worked a total of 72 days as a 'senior member of the Royal Family'.

On the one hand it has seemed like forever, but on the other hand what a fast implosion! Incredible.
From Dan Wootton Twitter: Royal commentators are missing the point - Meghan is DELIGHTED with this result. She’s got exactly what she wants: the ability to make millions and millions without royal oversight, to spend as much time as she wants in Hollywood and to avoid any duty in the UK. Their plan is go!

Really? Millions and millions? How and from what?
hunter said…
Uh Lindy please remove your comment from January 19, 2020 at 12:24 AM

That's really unnecessary and inappropriate on the internet please.
Liver Bird said…
"They weren't 'stripped' of the HRH - they just won't use it anymore."

In practice it amounts to the same thing. Not much use having a style if you can't use it.

The queen didn't want to 'strip' the HRH because it would remind people of what happened with Harry's mother and how unhappy she was about it. Much, much better to present it as an almost voluntary act from the hapless Harkles. Just another example of the masterly way in which these two idiots have been shown who really calls the shots. That pair of juvenile fools never stood a chance once the velvet gloves were off.
Ellie said…
Ha, what I love most is how “they” thought they were going to write the rules and force HM’s hand. Part time royals?? I am thrilled they were sacked and had HRH removed. I am not feeling sorry for Harry at present. He is being led by a narc, but his treatment of his family is solely on him. His arrogance has greatly reduced my opinion of Harry. I also think PP had a role in removing his military patronages, et al. He turned his back on the UK, thus, he is getting what he deserves. The Narkles definitely aren’t getting nearly the cake they thought was coming. Poor dears. Also, I believe their marching will be monitored. Yes, I am sure they will make money, but Hollywood LOVES the royal family, and I believe they will ultimately side with the crown. Remember how they fawned over Wills and Kate when they visited ?? Will the same amount of interest be given to the Narks?? Time will tell.. As always, I’ve enjoyed reading your views and opinions.
Jdubya said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ava C said…
@Tatty quoting Dan Wootton on Twitter 'She’s got exactly what she wants: the ability to make millions and millions without royal oversight'.

No way. The statement from Buckingham Palace allows for infinite royal oversight. Also, the general consensus is that the brand Sussex Royal is in jeopardy. I'd go further. It's a joke. Using the word 'royal' will merely remind people that they're not actually.

(Not getting at you here Tatty but at Dan Wootton's reported take on this.)

But go ahead Meghan. Dance in the streets. Show off. It signifies nothing. The world can see this for what it is. Wallets will close and backs will be turned.
Ellie said…
*maybe HRH not removed but not used = removed in my book.
Louise said…
And if she continues to use HRH, what are they going to do about it?

(Rhetorical question as there is nothing that they can do. Or if there is something that they can do, they won't do it)
Tea Cup said…
Upon further reflection of today's announcement, I came to the conclusion we live in the real world and in the real world this was the best outcome that could be hoped for; which is, nobody is really happy.

The sugars are pissed that the Sussexes are giving up using HRH and that the queen for all her praise of Meghan today is saying too little too late. Also, that the BRF never gave them the deference they believe they deserved and that the Cambridges are Machiavellian schemers undermining the beloved superstar couple .

The rest of us aren't very happy either.

Anyone gonna argue that Meghan will cease to use HRH in future? She flouted protocol every chance she got, gate crashed events in front of cameras... Nah, she's gonna highness this and that knowing no one can do anything about it. Gurl likes to bend the rules dontcha know. Anyway, it's only in the U.K. people care about its proper designation and her sights are already firmly set on North America--so to her that little tidbit is meaningless lip service. Nope, this whole agreement comes down to the BRF merely using it as a stopgap until the inevitable divorce and Harry comes crawling back to the firm. The dangling loose ends are the leash the Windsors can apply to have something of a say if not a general supervision of H&M's dealings. After all, that was one of the complaints following the abdication of Edward VIII, by completely cutting loose the Duke & Duchess of Windsor it removed any remaining vestige of control which led to things like the meeting w/Hitler and other grave associations in the lead up to war.

I don't like Harry so I don't wish him well, but I am fascinated with the British royal family and I do admire the Cambridges; so, I grudgingly accept that this is one solution to ensure their survival. Although I do find the excuse that this agreement solves the problem in future for other members, like Charlotte and Louis. No it doesn't.
Liver Bird said…
"And if she continues to use HRH, what are they going to do about it?"

Well, since the world knows she has 'agreed' not to use it, she'd make a bit of a fool of herself if she did so insist.

Also - and obviously this is pure speculation on my part - I'm guessing that any financial incentives offered by Charles are contingent on the Harkles not going rogue.
lizzie said…
Have there been any comments about the news from T. Bradby?
Louise said…
I agree with Dan Wootton. As in any negotiation, they asked for more than they wanted and ended up with exactly what they wanted.. Duchy money and paid security (I don't believe that they have been left without security) and no Royal obligations at all to the family.

She still has her titles and will use them, since there is no way for the Palace to stop her from doing so outside the UK.
Ellie said…
@liverbird
I agree, they will use the purse strings to keep those two in line. If not, these two will destroy the crown.
Portcitygirl said…
Watch Thomas Markle's interview with DM.
@Ron, They weren't 'stripped' of the HRH - they just won't use it anymore. It was the Sussex titles that for me was the biggie - given that that's what they'll be using to merch. It's a royal title and will be forever connected now to tacky, crass, shady, murky, grubby debasing business deals. ‘

The fact they aren’t allowed to use the HRH style (is as good as stripped) and probably not permitted use the term SussexRoyal on their website either (so they can’t monetise on their title etc). It’s all rather more than a smacked botty don’t you think? They’ve been effectively told no one ‘collaborates’ with the Queen, they were told to leave. I strongly suspect is was an unexpected and unedifying end for them both.
Louise said…
Liver Bird:
1) Making a fool of herself has never stopped Smirkle before.
2)Once she uses the titles to make her own money, she won't care if Charles cuts her off.

She seems to be motivated by greed and deceit and I don't believe that she would have agreed to this deal if she wasn't already scheming about how to work around it.
Lady Luvgood said…
Good point, Harry still has his HRH (if you notice, his HRH is the only mentioned in the Queen's statement - people saying MM kept hers are inferring)

Plus all of this will be reviewed in one year, when Meghan will most likely be divorced from Harry.

I can imagine her crying to Jessica, they took away the HRH that they allowed me to use, even though as an American, I didn’t qualify.

They are unconsciously racist, see I told you, ha ha
Liver Bird said…
"As in any negotiation, they asked for more than they wanted and ended up with exactly what they wanted.. Duchy money and paid security (I don't believe that they have been left without security) and no Royal obligations at all to the family."

How have they got what they wanted?

They wanted to be semi-detached royals and were told no way. They are no longer HRH which is a huge blow. She can call herself that if she likes but then so can I - it means nothing when all the world knows the style has been taken from her by the person who gave it to her. Harry has lost all his military patronages which will have to hurt. As for Duchy money and security, the latter is up for review and can only be agreed by the government(s) concerned. They probably have got some Duchy money but there are likely strings attached and in any case they were always going to get that, so it's hardly a 'win'.

The fact is the whole world knows that these two no longer represent the crown. The queen has said so, straight out. They are private citizens. The whole allure and mystique of royalty - which were the only things these two ever had in their favour - is gone and will never be back. They overplayed their hand massively and got shot down by the finest in the business. Maybe they don't know it yet, but that doesn't mean it isn't true.
NeutralObserver said…
Ava C. I'm reminded of a passage in Richard Burton's diaries, written after an evening at the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's home in the 1960s:

"Two tiny figures like Toto and Nanette that you keep on the mantelpiece. Chipped around the edges. Something you keep in the front room for Sundays only. Marred Royalty."

Wow, Richard Burton, son of an abusive Welsh coal miner. His artistic sensibilties survived the deprivation of his early years. He was a better writer in his personal diaries than many who do it for a living. You can see why Liz married him twice, that & his mellifluous voice. Miners seem to scrub up well, or at least their descendents do. The Duchess of Cambridge has mining anscestors, & Mitt Romney's beautiful wife Ann is descended from Welsh coal miners as well.
Liver Bird said…
"Good point, Harry still has his HRH (if you notice, his HRH is the only mentioned in the Queen's statement - people saying MM kept hers are inferring)"

Harry certainly does not still have his HRH. And the reason Meghan's wasn't mentioned is because women's titles are dependent on their husband's in the sexist royal system. So if Harry's HRH is gone - and it is - by default so is hers.
Glow W said…
Ok, how’s this.... from the imaginary woke ecological foundation:

Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together and welcome our very very special guest speaker, 6th in line to the royal throne, Harry, Duke of Sussex.

CeeMoore said…
In addition to my earlier comment re: Sussex Royal still using HRH (which maybe they are entitled to use until Spring), the whole website will have to be redone. HM has touched on every single part of it.

The thing that so resonates with me, is HM repeatedly stating they are her family and how much loved they are. Not one time do Harry and Meghan say how much loved The Queen is by them.

I believe Harry is definitely a victim of abuse and the Meghan is totally disgraceful. I believe HM is extremely wise to allow Harry a way back to his family when this sh$t show ends. I also think many of her statements are sarcastic (ie: how proud she is MM quickly ... etc.)

Louise said…
Liver Bird: We will have to agree to disagree. I don't believe that the Smirkles wanted to remain as part time Royals, unless they thought that this would allow them to hold on to their titles and benefits. She obviously hated everything about the UK and I never saw her wanting to return for any reason. She also hated to stay in line on behalf of the Queen.

With the deal that they have, she may have lost her HRH (which I believe she will continue to use, regardless) but never has to return to the UK and can do whatever the hell she wants.. merch, lie, steal.. it's all open to her.
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Liver Bird said…
"I don't believe that the Smirkles wanted to remain as part time Royals"

Being 'part-time' royals gave them prestige, diplomatic status in any country they visited and round the clock taxpayer funded security. All this in return for a few 1st class flights a year to visit the handful of more glamorous patrongages they had handpicked to continue 'supporting'. Plus, being photographed with the queen reminded the world that they were special - they were royal. Now, what really is there to distinguish them from any number of desperate wannabes touting wokeness and merching banal products?

Of course they wanted to keep this.
Wanda said…
Sigh...........🤮🤮🤮

tatty said...
@tea cup yes it is a bait and switch where everyone who wanted them punished will realize over the next few days that H + M got most of what they wanted. Charles and gran gran will pay the Frogmore bill and their security and they will continue to live a privileged woke existence.
Anonymous said…
@CeeMoore, yep, re this:
The thing that so resonates with me, is HM repeatedly stating they are her family and how much loved they are. Not one time do Harry and Meghan say how much loved The Queen is by them.

It's called the high road, and Rach & H took the low one. I expect this to continue throughout their sniveling little lives.

I have to go read about H hitting the pub, however, before I set the date on the Divorce-Ometer. @Hikari, have you done any divorculus calculations, yet?
Tea Cup said…
@SussexRoyal can re-brand to @SussexHouse. Soho House can be its subsidiary, or vice versa.
Glow W said…
I think this is playing very differently in America vs UK. This is why they are going to N. America. IMO
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Glow W said…
@Tea Culp, yes

Sussex House
Sussex Life
Sussex Health and Wellness
Sussex Country organic butter


Etc
Lady Luvgood said…
@LiverBird Will no longer use, means keeping the HRH, not losing it. I disagree.
Glow W said…
@moon girl and it’s keep but no longer use for the next 1 year, at which point everything will be re-evaluated.
Anonymous said…
I'm just going to save myself the time and go with this:

@Hikari for the win!"

Harry and Meghan's cachet was as part of the Royal family. They are no longer Royals in a meaningful way. Especially her, who has no ties of blood to the Queen. There will be a temporary interest in her because she is now somewhat notorious like the other American Duchess. She may make a few million even on her Sussex tat, provided she can get anybody to make it for it, which costs money to begin with. But she's only a 'brand' as long as people want to buy what she's selling. H. and M. are of interest right now. Let's check back with them in a year and see how it's going then. Meg wants to be a pop culture influencer and the public attention span is short, especially in America.

I don't even give it a year. The millenials and younger do not want someone who is bleeding green (lolololasif) merching more stuff for the landfill, so she better get creative, because I cannot image middle-class-non-woke types lining up to buy it, either. So, what's her target demographic and how does she get there?
Sandie said…
The Duke and Duchess of Suss-ex Royal!
The BBC was showing interviews with the people of Victoria on the late news according to my nephew in the UK. All were falling over themselves to welcome the "lovely young couple" to their corner of the world. I find it rather strange that everyone I have spoken to from the mansion environs are saying that they don't want them, not paying security costs, can't stand Meghan, etc.
Sarah said…
There are no pictures with the Harry went to a pub story.
Part of me thinks it’s megain’s pr pushing back on the Harry lost his friends and is sad stories. None of the friends are identified.
If it is a real story, it may indicate something else. Last hurrah with his pals before he leaves the country? Reconnecting with friends because he’s out from under her thumb?
Lady Luvgood said…
@Tatty I think that was carefully worded to protect Harry, a born Royal Prince, we shall see in a year. I am pretty sure Meghan will be long gone by then.
Vince said…
The Markle sugars doing damage control (Wooton) shows you the reality of the situation. The Harkles lost, lost big, and now their defenders are forced to come out with counter-intuitive statements like "no, really, Meghan is happy with this!"

Cut off from any official ties to the royal family, and titles gone. Can't win more than that for the BRF. Anything that the Harkles do now is officially non-royal and irrelevant.

All power and relevance in a monarchy derives from the monarch. As soon as you no longer represent the monarch, you cease to be relevant or meaningful. Ceremonial designations notwithstanding (Duke, Duchess), the Harkles now have no formal ties to the royal family. They don't matter, and their cache is gone.
Glow W said…
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10771012/meghan-markle-prince-harry-sussex-royal-brand-titles/

“It is understood that in return for dropping the use of the HRH titles, there will be no oversight on how the couple earn money, meaning they can make whatever commercial deals they want.”


“Nick Bullen, the editor-in-chief on True Royalty TV, told Sky News: "Brand Sussex is a global brand and could end up making an absolute fortune, from public speaking to Meghan reinventing her lifestyle blog, to merchandising or brand endorsements."


Glow W said…
@moon girl, oh I agree it’s written to protect Harry in a divorce. 3 of the queen’s children are divorced, so it only makes sense that they plan for it...

Is Dan Wootton a sugar? I don’t know The Sun enough to know if he is
Mischief Girl said…
@Moon Girl: I hope someone remembers to ask Meghan if she is ok?

Oh my word, I nearly spit up my drink laughing at that! Too right!! We should ALL be sending MM postcards. Only question on them would be "Are you okay?"

HA!!
@tatty,’longer use for the next 1 year, at which point everything will be re-evaluated.

I don’t think the style is up for re-evaluation. That’s out of use unless Harry decides he wants to be a working royal again, there’s no other purpose or reason for it. Their lifestyle, behaviour, potential business deals, and any funding they may receive from the Duchy and possible security will be however.
Vince said…
Just taking a look at a USA source now. Here is a FOX News report on the Megxit developments from today:

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-meghan-markle-queen-announcement-royal

Here is the "best liked" comment from that article:

"What does that mean, exactly? Is he legally "Harry Windsor" in Los Angeles?
Man, did he marry poorly!"


As in the UK, most Americans have no use or desire for the ex-royals. They are only beloved by much of the USA media and a small segment of the USA population.

You can make money in the USA and not be beloved. An example of this is the former American football player Colin Kaepernick. He is loathed by many, but still made a lot of money from Nike. This could be the same "infamous" route that the Harkles are headed down now.
Louise said…
I have to agree with whoever stated further up that in Canada there are few who would understand the difference between HRH and plain old Duke Harry and Duchess Meghan. WE don't have Dukes and Duchesses here, so that alone will impress a lot of people.

And as I mentioned further up, in Canada you can tack "Royal" onto pizzas, pet food.. any registered company. Nothing would prohibit her from starting "RoyalMeghan Inc, brought to you by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex."

On another point, how are we to understand that they will still be present and vice president of the Youth Commonwealth association?

And can they use Sussex Royal or not?
pi said…
@Wild Boar

"If you mean you perceive there's a lack of transparency and perhaps something is being done that shouldn't be done, please make it clear that this is an opinion, not an established fact.

Of course it's an opinion. Also, according to the Prince of Wales' site, His Royal Highness chooses to use the majority of his income from the Duchy to meet the cost of his, The Duchess of Cornwall’s, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s public and charitable work". Not support their households.

I also have another question: now that they are not doing royal work, how does continuing financial support from the Duchy figure? It is also my opinion that the royals didn't get rich just through canny investments. Do you believe that there has been no misuse of funds in the royal family?
Louise said…
Tatty: Dan Wooton is not a sugar. When he says that Meghan got everything that she wanted, it is with deep disappointment.
Vince said…
Another American outlet starts out with this sentence in their summary of the developments.

https://pagesix.com/2020/01/18/harry-and-meghan-abdicate-royal-titles-public-funds/

"Prince Harry and Meghan are cut off."

And ends with this:

"During his first post-Megxit royal appearance on Thursday, Harry had fans on Instagram wondering if it would be his last when he posted a story with the song lyrics “I want to leave my country.”"

Very unflattering portrayal of the pair and their new demoted status.

@Louise, ‘And can they use Sussex Royal or not? ‘

Going on what I’ve read and heard so far, I’d say a very probable no, as they aren’t royals. It will be confirmed at a later date.
HappyDays said…
Some quick observations and opinions.

1-Meghan will make sure that one way or another, she will remain a thorn in the side of the RF. Even after a divorce, if one happens. It is a mechanism of control for her.

2-She will show up at the Oscars and other red carpet events this year. She might even wrangle a role as an Oscar presenter. She will also pop up making word salad speeches shortly,

3-Expect a huge barrage of Meghan appearances around Vancouver, a la driving to the airport with a shit-eating grin pasted on her plastic face. Narcissists are huge control freaks, and they are angry people. She will be trying to say to the RF “I am in control.”

Wanda said…
According to the Times article the Harkles have to pay RENT on FrogCott as well as pay back the 2.4 million spent on the renovations. This is good news!

So they will be paying two different lines of expenses towards something they will probably never use (and most likely never used).

I am hoping that Charles does NOT pick up the tab for the repaid renovations work. I do feel that since this Crown property did need renovations whether the Sussexes lived there or not, that some of that bill should perhaps be paid off from other funds. However the fact that it was completely changed from a multi-unit dwelling that was being used by staff, into a one family home is all on the Sussexes! And I remember reading that the biggest cost for the FrogCott work was the major alterations required to change to a single family building.
Kat said…
I'm rolling my eyes at the people on twitter who think H&M got what they wanted. They didn't at all. They think they've won some big Moral/Social Justice win against the family. Perhaps Harry got what he wanted, a chance to exist outside of the pressures of Royal duties. Sadly those will seem like nothing compared to the pressures that MM will put on him.

When I got the Daily Mail alert on my phone about them losing the HRH status, I was like YES! The Queen isn't giving into their demands, and really these are MM's demands--not Harry's.

I keep thinking about how Harry arrived early to the Monday summit and spoke with her one on one before Charles and Wills arrived. I wonder if he told The Queen that this was his last chance to save his fragile marriage, and that it could be why blinds are saying they're leaving the door open for Harry and later Archie to be brought back in.

A divorce is coming, and this right here shows MM she will not take advantage of the kindness of the Royal Family she might have known up until now.

I hope The Queen provides Harry with a list of what they can and can not do under the name Sussex, and that all of MM's little plans are on the can not do part.

As for Hollywood, it won't be MM they'll want for anything, it will be Harry. Harry is the name and always will be. MM is just the gold digger who got a lucky break, and blew it by moving too fast.
Wanda said…
Oh I sure agree with this Happy Days! Her smirks were clearly seen through the car windows of her last pap-drive and I'm sure they will continue. I wonder who will be invited to Canada next?

HappyDays said: "Expect a huge barrage of Meghan appearances around Vancouver, a la driving to the airport with a shit-eating grin pasted on her plastic face. Narcissists are huge control freaks, and they are angry people. She will be trying to say to the RF “I am in control.”"
lucy said…
I was at work and missed when the story broke by hours but it got me thinking when do you believe Meghan learned of the rules? days ago? how long before it was announced? would she call the royal family "toxic" before or after she learned the new arrangement?

where is Archie? I think this is most telling. why isn't he seen bebopping around town with mom? even a stuffed animal in a snowsuit briskly shuffled to car? why isn't Harry with him?

I think the Queen's use of something like "particularly proud" was interesting. I definitely agree it was a slight but proud is an interesting choice of word, no?

I feel horrible for Harry his main focus now should be to hit the gym because if not already he is soon going to feel like shit and needs to work it out. release all that frustration and hate and improve his physique in the process and endorphins! get buff and get your balls back too

why aren't H&M together right now? Harry doesn't want to be with her or she won't allow it? certainly he would want to be with Archie?
Mimi said…
The Harkles got everything they wanted...regardless of what the “Queen’s Statement “ said. It ticks me off that the RF knew about this MONTHS ago so I feel this was all a sham to keep us poor peasants in the dark about what was really going on and had already been decided. This, we’ll revisit this in a year, this begins in the spring, Frogmore is still theirs, patronage's are still theirs. No one must know the RPO situation, etc. what a crock of doo-doo!!!!!!! WHAT THE WHAT??????
Vince said…
Brand new article from Harry Markle:
https://harrymarkle.wordpress.com/2020/01/18/the-slow-sussex-split-from-the-royal-family/


Quote -- "(The Sussexes) have not won".

Reading the rest now.
abbyh said…

I would not completely believe the idea that clothes left behind is a message that I wasn't planning to come back. Having seen the expensive things people have left behind in hotels, dorms and apartments, my thought is: people are not always paying attention to where a fav piece is and by the time they realize they don't have it, they write it off as lost.

Fairy Crocodile - love the point that HM has stated that she is proud of how well M had become one of them. Who is more likely to be listened to? Particularly the one who can point to things which were done for someone which were not done for someone else (who might have been a tad more deserving in my book but willing to say it does make a good visual point).


Tatty, I'm always concerned when someone is focusing on the idea that they got everything they think they want. I always think they missed some catch somewhere that will bite them.

Louise - what will the BRF do? (frankly, I am, at this point grateful they aren't looking at me.) My thought is that lots of deals will fall through and she will be told that they don't understand it either but it did. The BRF can dangle all kinds of things that will not be an option should the group go with M. And who would a business go with: the real BRF or someone who was (optics) kicked out?

Liver Bird has a good point about the world "knowing" that M has agreed that she will not be using it at some point in the near future and that past that date, she will have been like everyone else: trying to use a coupon after the end date. They over played their hand (must not watch much poker - not that I do either but I have watched some interesting negotiations).

Neutral Observer - totally forgot that there were several Richard Burtons (my fav was a world traveler who wrote about his experiences in ways that helped people feel as if they were there. A family member (who was playing Trivial Pursuit) answered the question of
What is the Welsh national vegetable? with your answer. This family member can be a tad snarky on occasion (sorry). The diary passage sounds very on point (family member is snarky I must admit).

CeeMoore, good point. HM has really gone out of her way to talk about how much she wishes they made a different decision but she supports them inspite of not wanting them to do this. As someone one else said: nicely boxed in. The high road often offers that person much more options long term (and only one is short term looking good optics).

Elle, agreed with you. They are boxed in terms of options AND all kindness, support statements are the locking handcuffs.









Wanda said…
tatty said...
"I would practically guarantee (if I could) that the opportunities are lining up as we speak."

poppycock said...
"Thanks for a hearty laugh! Your presence here since day one consisted of excuses, spin and defense. They're indefensible, dear."

Thanks Poppycock - and may I add that her numerous gleeful and antagonizing posts are unpleasant and difficult to move around when trying to read the blog.
Mimi said…
As long as she can use Meghan Duchess of Sussex, that’s enough for her. She will milk it for all it’s worth!!!!!!!!!!
Glow W said…
I’m very sad Harry is leaving the U.K.
Glow W said…
@mimi agreed.

@abbyh yes, I agree. We will all see how this plays out and I think the1 year agreement is for all things from all sides that may turn up unexpectedly and have to be addressed.

Popular posts from this blog

A Quiet Interlude

 Not much appears to be going on. Living Legends came and went without fanfare ... what's the next event?   Super Bowl - Sunday February 11th?  Oscar's - March 10th?   In the mean time, some things are still rolling along in various starts and stops like Samantha's law suit. Or tax season is about to begin in the US.  The IRS just never goes away.  Nor do bills (utility, cable, mortgage, food, cars, security, landscape people, cleaning people, koi person and so on).  There's always another one.  Elsewhere others just continue to glide forward without a real hint of being disrupted by some news out of California.   That would be the new King and Queen or the Prince/Princess of Wales.   Yes there are health risks which seemed to come out of nowhere.  But.  The difference is that these people are calmly living their lives with minimal drama.  

As Time Passes and We Get Older

 I started thinking about how time passes when reading some of the articles about the birthday.  It was interesting to think about it from the different points of view.  Besides, it kind of fits as a follow up the last post (the whole saga of can the two brothers reunite). So there is the requisite article about how he will be getting all kinds of money willed to him from his great-grandmother.  There were stories about Princess Anne as trustee (and not allowing earliest access to it all).  Whether or not any or all of this is true (there was money for him and/or other kids) has been debated with claims she actually died owing money with the Queen paying the debts to avoid scandal.  Don't know but I seem to remember that royal estates are shrouded from the public so we may not (ever) know. However, strange things like assisting in a book after repeated denials have popped up in legal papers so nothing is ever really predicable.   We are also seein...

The Opening Act of New Adventures in Retail

 I keep thinking things will settle down to the lazy days of spring where the weather is gorgeous and there is a certain sense of peacefulness.  New flowers are coming out. increasing daylight so people can be outside/play and thinking gardening thoughts.  And life is quiet.  Calm. And then something happens like a comet shooting across the sky.  (Out of nowhere it arrives and then leaves almost as quickly.)   An update to a law suit.  Video of the website is released (but doesn't actually promote any specific product which can be purchased from the website).  A delay and then jam is given out (but to whom and possible more importantly - who did not make the list?).  Trophies almost fall (oops).  Information slips out like when the official date of beginning USA residency.  (now, isn't that interesting?) With them, it's always something in play or simmering just below the surface.  The diversity of the endeavors is really ...