Tina - this is so brilliant. I'm about to interview Tom Bower for my Royalist podcast, and I am going to throw away my questions and read this to him. For those who don't know, Tina is the founder and godmother of The Royalist - she hired me and christened me with my marvelous name when she was founding editor of The Daily Beast in 2007.
Honest question: how deep of a hole does Meghan need to take shelter in for you all to let her be? To let her just do a Netflix series about cooking without trying to make it about the British Royal Family?
Problem is, Meghan only gets the shows by leveraging the royal celebrity and then the public doesn't watch them. Netflix has been supportive of letting her try to make something work, but sad truth is, nothing has except the doc about leaving the RF. . Thats not the haters fault. The work just doesnt catch on,
"Give Harry and Meghan a limited international role. Cough up a turnkey pied-à-terre for them in Buckingham Palace, where none of the rest of the family wants to live anyway. "
I beg to differ, Tina. While that offer wld satisfy Harry, a bolthole in Buck House would only incense his wife. She struggled to survive in the humble, rose covered, NotCott. Then Frogmore Cottage, with it's gorgeous, parklike grounds and $2.5 million reno failed to meet her palatial expectations. La Markle is a vainglorious, narcissistic nihilist whose arrogance is as untethered to reality as Donald Trump's. She has more in common with POTUS than orange tanner and bad hair days. If Meghan can't be the Queen of Windsor Castle she'll try to blow it up!
Note to King Charles: batten down the palace hatches! More Sussex “bombshells” incoming! If she can’t tear it all down, she’s gonna blow it all up!
I agree about Meghan’s ambitions Robin. Your description of the advance of the Sussexes in their short period of royal life reminded me of the old fable about the flounder (fish). A fisherman is harangued by his wife because they live in a humble cottage. One day he goes to the sea and catches a flounder. A talking flounder, who promises the fisherman that if he throws him back into the sea, he will grant him a wish. The fisherman asks for a nicer house for his wife. Wish granted. But when the wife finds out that there’s a magic flounder granting wishes, she wants more and more and more. The tale doesn’t end well for the wife because eventually the flounder has had it, and takes all of the perks he’s given the couple away.
A cautionary tale on greed told when I was a little girl about 60 years ago. Does it still work? If the Windsors continue to ignore the Sussexes, is it so terrible if they (the Sussexes) just merch their way into ignominious oblivion as far away from the UK as possible? That was the attitude with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and I think it kinda/sorta worked. As TB writes, there’s been so much awful stuff revealed about the family by writers like Bowers already. My feeling, dinosaur that I am and were I a member of the family, is that I might be tempted to say “publish and be damned”. That would be the attitude of some of the currently most-admired members of the RF like QE2 and Princess Anne (however, there is a generational problem built in there about admirers dying off.) I would also do my own very best to live my life so that the people who mattered knew I was a good person and valued me for more than the fact that I wore smashing tiaras. I think that’s where William and Catherine focus; only time will tell if their strategy is a winning one.
In social media era the noise of the Sussexes is so much more disruptive and pervasive than the Windsor era, unfortunately. It will continue until Prince George, and his siblings turn 18 and the world will be hypnotized by the glamor and challenges of the young gen, at which point H and M truly become background figures.
I suspect you may be right and that is what the RF has decided. Only difference today though is the ubiquity of social media, so much harder to ignore the endless noise from the two of them.
TB’s writing is always glorious and a delight to read. I agree though with the above comment because MM is vile, vicious, incorrigible and could fit easily into the clinical definition of a looney tune.
I remember her comment, something like there is only a helicopter accident between us and the throne.
Why not pay them seriatim only on the conditions that:
(1) They reside in the US or anywhere except the UK, but only Harry (and maybe kiddos) can visit for no more than a week at a time and have security when there;
(2) They have to keep, as TB says so well, a sock in it, with no written or oral statements about any of the Royals; and
Agree there must be an agreement ( i refuse to say deal as Trump has traduced the word) in return for money which the royals have always been so bad at, unlike the Kennedys who pay hush money every single time and it seems to work. .
I agree with Tina's reasonable solution. It's rare to see such a sensitive analysis of these two unfortunates. When they married I couldn't stop thinking that for her entire wedding Meghan wore the same triumphant smile on her face that I did the day I received my bachelor's degree at age 48. "I did it!". I also remember thinking she will burn for eternity if she breaks his heart. Harry is the only one of the bunch with any charisma; they need him. William looks so unhappy. A fascinating, diverting mess, and a real live family.
I recall seeing a couple of years ago, an ABC reporter filmed talking off the record about how the Royal Family's PR machine bullied them out of airing an episode on Virginia Roberts account of her involvement with Andrew and Epstien. They're more than willing to play dirty when they have something to hide, and I don't think Meghan or Harry are any match for them. Andrew just got arrested not over Epstien, but over taking kickbacks and bribes. King Charles' Chief of Staff (Private Secretary) was caught taking bags of cash in exchange for UK Government honorariums. So low and behold, another water cannon gets aimed at Harry and his wife. Not at all suspicious.
William looks serious at appropriate times. He looks pensive at appropriate times. He smiles and laughs with his children when they are in their non-public times, he guides them when they are in their public times. He is at ease drinking with people in pubs, making pasties and, especially, sharing quiet asides with his wife. I don’t see the “so unhappy” but then I’m also someone who has to be reminded to smile so maybe I just sense a fellow introvert. Harry looks unhappy just as many times to me.
I say work towards Harry getting some solo British gigs for a tear or two, veteran related. Meghan may feel it helps their brand to keep his royal stature partially aloft,
Ideally, they could work out a deal with Harry to do some vets stuff in Uk alone and he could stay at BP. There may come a point when Meghan thinks for Harry to have a UK portfolio without her helps.
They wouldn't take that offer. At the end of the day, this is all retribution (via friendly journos like Tina) by the Royal Family for the loss of control of the two of them. Because Harry, as a combat vet, decided to put on his big boy pants and prioritize his family and their well-being over being a working member of that family. And that was his real sin, and why this keep raining down on him and his wife.
Instead of just getting over it and moving on to the next generation of the family, they're endlessly harping on Meghan for having the audacity to accept Harry's proposal of marriage, and make a decision with along him to not to spend the rest of their lives supporting an arcane institution.
The trouble is, Harry has found that the only thing he is really good at is being a Prince and all Meghan’s efforts have been leveraging the royal halo to create revenue streams that haven’t worked. I believe some kind of better exit could have been created for them but they were so impetuous and the Palace unimaginative
And I would agree with some of that. I think when they left, they did it in a huff, and complained way too much. Way too much “poor us” when they clearly have it pretty good. But at a certain point, they should be allowed to move past that. Meghan was an actress and a social influencer before she ever met her husband. What else is she supposed to do with her life, as a middle aged woman at this point, except what she knows how to do, which is media and entertainment? It’s not like she had never been in the public space before she married into the royal family. At some point, she needs to be allowed to try and work and earn a living without being totally picked apart.
Tina, are you going to publish a post about Harry and Charlotte Griffiths? I am confused by that whole last-minute reveal in court. Does it hurt Harry’s case? Does it really mean he lied? Knowing the little I know about Harry and all of the people he would have been meeting during that time, is it likely that, as he said, he really didn’t remember her? Should Sherborne have briefed him better before he took the stand?
This is so true, as to the approaching iceberg the Royals are facing. The problem is Harry and Megs will never "put a sock in it". Meghan wants to be queen and have schoolchildren greet her with flowers, have traffic cleared for her and she in return "should be paid for doing this" per her Australian tour back in the day. It is hard to know what to do when you are dealing with people who are delusional, narcissistic and refuse time and time again to take any responsibility. They have now gone through I believe 19 assistants in some 2-3 years. The sad fact is the Royal Family will have no better luck in dealing with them than the assistants did. If I were the Royal Family I would not be concerned over any future 'dirt' as H&M have worn out their welcome. Even this upcoming Australian faux VIP program of Meghan's is about how to live your life, motherhood, blah blah blah. No royal gossip. I feel the more distance between the Royals and H&M the better it will be for the Royals. Take the titles already. By Charles not taking the titles he is looking weak and ineffective which unfortunately will start reflecting on him. I am not sure I buy their "money woes". They have been gifted tens of millions from the Queen, the Queen Mother, Diana, and Charles gave them 7 million when they left to "start their new life". Harry does not pay inheritance tax. If they are brought in to the fold in any way it will get complicated, do they attend weddings, funerals, stand on the balcony? They will steal all attention from the Royals if they are anywhere near the Royal Family. Keep an ocean between them, take the titles and good bye.
Poor Charles i think is just exhausted with them at this point and won't want to strip their titles after doing that to Andrew. That may be left to William who i suspect won't hesitate.
So true, William will do it in a New York minute. Charles is overloaded I feel and now getting ready to meet with Orange Jesus! He has enough on his plate.
Yes. Charles is definitely underestimating the Sussex problem.
His unwillingness to confront the problem and to sanction his rogue son makes the king complicit in their destructive strikes against the Palace. While Meghan and Harry are failing in their various commercial projects, they are making measurable progress in destabilizing the Monarchy.
Charles uses his cancer diagnosis as a sword against critics and a shield from public disapproval. His health condition is not an excuse to abdicate his duty to the Crown. His tolerance of the Sussex's behaviour is misplaced. Without suffering consequences, Harry and his missus will continue to attack and to degrade the institution. Inaction is perceived as weakness; it will be this king's legacy.
I am not convinced that the family can even remotely trust the two, any close look at their history would suggest that they have incredibly bad judgment, self control, self awareness, ideas and discipline. These are not controllable people and the lure of Meghan and her Voice has always proven too tempting for her, no matter how banal that voice actually is. Although it may be hard to see, Meghan operates very much like Trump and that is a sign that that person should not be taken for their word. Although it is drastic and aggressive the only and best remedy is to dissolve the titles to make it clear that the Mountbatten’s of Montecito are their own separate organism not as a punishment but as freedom for them and clarity for the public. I think that we get too comfortable with the idea that Harry hasn’t molested children so he isn’t like Andrew, however, I think it is quite evident that he suffers from the same spare anger resentment and privilege that blinded Andrew and Meghan may as well be Fergie for the new ages. They need to have the titles removed, a full stop.
I got hung up thinking of what might constitute a limited international role for Harry and Meghan and came up empty. Meghan never had the required common touch and all the jam making and cookie baking in the world cannot disguise the fact. Harry did have the common touch, much like the beloved Diana, and simply blew it.
It all depends and only depends if they can behave and that will always be a question. They have to prove themselves with several years of complete discretion, perhaps, to be given the chance.
At this rate we’re going to need a 12-step program for disgraced royals. Weaning them off giving TV interviews, writing books, and making Netflix deals may be too much to hope for. I’d settle for no more podcasts. One day at a time.
As a princess she did well with crowds. She probably sopped up the adoration, but it seems she welcomed by the masses. I suppose the limits on what she could get away with as a trial worked in her favor. Shoulda kept her job.
They were both superb at it, but hated it and said so. Now they realize it was so much easier to win adoration in that role than as celebrities required to produce hits to be valued.
The biggest mistake the ‘ firm’ or whomever made was not setting the Sussex’s (Meghan) up for success in the first place. Harry and Meghan would have helped significantly to, for starters, add needed relevance and inclusiveness to the Commonwealth; especially in countries where Harry and Meghan have a more personal affiliation and are popular such as South America and Africa. And then one wonders too, remembering William and Katherine’s rather floundering Caribbean tour.
This article is so scathing , I can only say the best revenge is the happy and full life the Sussex’s enjoy in Montecito - and in Los Angeles overall, with their young family, and good friends.
They most actively pursue worthwhile endeavors and we haven’t heard of significant missteps or any hint salaciousness except from vindictive Brits!
If you mean telling their story as they experienced it, and then having it dissected endlessly in front page headline snark by petty journalists and social media people who happily for $$$ fed naive and small minded readers( similar to trump voters) every rumour and innuendo around, then yes the list is endless…
and yes some of the Harry and Meghan revelations may be regretted upon reflection later in life…as for other missteps, most were of the sort that generally happen when venturing in new territory and ventures we all make, but theirs under insane world scrutiny .
I understand William is reframing things so Charlotte and Louis won’t have to go through what other royal siblings and their spouses have had to…very good news!
I don't believe for one minute that Markle intended to stay in the royal fold. Once Harry put a ring on her finger, she was already plotting to exit when it became abundantly clear that she would not settle for a secondary role to anyone.
I think at first she did. But she just was entirely misguided about what a royal life would be like. Or refused to listen or to read my first book The Diana Chronicles ! T
Bless you, how nice of you to defend Meghan on so little actual "diplomatic" work. And then I noticed you had to stick the knife into William and Catherine's (it's spelled with a C not a K by the way) tour in the Caribbean that only appeared to "flounder" because the Press decided to tweak some of the photographs and blame them for doing something the host country asked them to do. Which is their job. A job that Meghan didn't want to do.
I do wish Meghan luck with her merchandising efforts in Oz; my hope is that her business flourishes by leaps and bounds and occupies most of her and her husband's time.
Thanks, Tina! Insightful as always. I'm just not sure it's possible to get Harry and Meghan to "put a sock in it." Would love to hear more discussion on this! How about you and Tom Sykes get together and discuss it? That would be wonderful!
She is probably one of the few people who told Harry the ugly truth. He has been so coddled and indulged his whole life. He doesn't seem to recognize it. Add a toxic narcissist to the mix, yammering away in his ear, and you have a disaster.
Loved it but didn’t agree with the solution. Meghan is a jealous nut job. They should not be anywhere near the Wales family. It’s interesting how all you “royal experts” fail to recognize the
cult of personality that follows the Harkles. Cruel people that stalked the late Queen and the Princess of Wales. Harry published his ‘kill count’ that’s his problem.
Charles has apparently understood that to keep Andrew's pants on and his hand out of the Chinese till Charles needs to provide him with a house and a stipend and a chaperone when he leaves said house.
The only way the Sssxs can be kept from future catastrophic associations -- of which the pay-to-play Oz girlfriends' weekend is the harbinger -- is if, as you say, Charles gives them a house, pays fair protection fees. I'd think about making the condition no titles. That would get rid of Markle. Interesting how quickly Fergie ditched Andrew once he no longer had a swank house with a separate wing for her. Markle is the same, not even as good. Fergie actually showed up to flog the Wedgewood at the mall, yes?
"'They're not just for Thanksgiving,' said Sarah Ferguson, looking businesslike in a gray suit and closed toe shoes, holding up a silver-rimmed Wedgewood plate."
The spare problem has been festering for six generations. I'm interested in your tidbit that William is addressing it -- by setting up Charlotte and Louis as trust fund brats? How about teaching them how to work?
Rumor has it the Queen Mum and the Queen both remembered Andrew generously in their wills....if so, Charles is still paying him to keep him out of trouble.
Yes, agree Andrew must have got something from his mother who didn't want to see him in bad straits. His legal bills must be hefty. And we don't know how much debt. I think William's kids will be expected to study/ train/ work at real jobs with a cushion, yes, but as we have seen , if they are not particularly bright or gifted it's safer if they have family money.
Yes. I can see parents all over the world worrying about this kind of thing. My late former husband was a lawyer. His oldest client was a 95 year old philosophy prof who walked downtown several miles to hubs' office every three months or so to readjust his will to take care of a handicapped daughter -- then a girl 70. Hope Charlotte and Louis inherited granny Carole's iron will to work/succeed.
Great article and analysis. As for a future detente where Harry and Meghan agree to 'put a sock in it', the minor royals may agree to this (even in writing) but will wait until they get what they want (apartment, security, whatever) and then start sharing their 'opinions' again. I feel for William and believe the only way forward is to encourage Harry and Meghan to 'go away' and 'stay there'.
Tina - this is so brilliant. I'm about to interview Tom Bower for my Royalist podcast, and I am going to throw away my questions and read this to him. For those who don't know, Tina is the founder and godmother of The Royalist - she hired me and christened me with my marvelous name when she was founding editor of The Daily Beast in 2007.
Yay, can't wait.
I am so looking forward to this Tom. Love your podcast.
Tom that was a great move on Tina’s part. You’ve done an amazing job as The Royalist . I love Tina Brown . I liked her recommendation.
Brilliant interview with Tom Bower last night !!! The entire podcast was outstanding . You’re doing so well, Tom .
Amen to that T
I found your Substack through Tina.
Just seen this, Tom and thanks much and congrats on the Beast /substack hook up. T
Honest question: how deep of a hole does Meghan need to take shelter in for you all to let her be? To let her just do a Netflix series about cooking without trying to make it about the British Royal Family?
Problem is, Meghan only gets the shows by leveraging the royal celebrity and then the public doesn't watch them. Netflix has been supportive of letting her try to make something work, but sad truth is, nothing has except the doc about leaving the RF. . Thats not the haters fault. The work just doesnt catch on,
"Give Harry and Meghan a limited international role. Cough up a turnkey pied-à-terre for them in Buckingham Palace, where none of the rest of the family wants to live anyway. "
I beg to differ, Tina. While that offer wld satisfy Harry, a bolthole in Buck House would only incense his wife. She struggled to survive in the humble, rose covered, NotCott. Then Frogmore Cottage, with it's gorgeous, parklike grounds and $2.5 million reno failed to meet her palatial expectations. La Markle is a vainglorious, narcissistic nihilist whose arrogance is as untethered to reality as Donald Trump's. She has more in common with POTUS than orange tanner and bad hair days. If Meghan can't be the Queen of Windsor Castle she'll try to blow it up!
Note to King Charles: batten down the palace hatches! More Sussex “bombshells” incoming! If she can’t tear it all down, she’s gonna blow it all up!
I agree about Meghan’s ambitions Robin. Your description of the advance of the Sussexes in their short period of royal life reminded me of the old fable about the flounder (fish). A fisherman is harangued by his wife because they live in a humble cottage. One day he goes to the sea and catches a flounder. A talking flounder, who promises the fisherman that if he throws him back into the sea, he will grant him a wish. The fisherman asks for a nicer house for his wife. Wish granted. But when the wife finds out that there’s a magic flounder granting wishes, she wants more and more and more. The tale doesn’t end well for the wife because eventually the flounder has had it, and takes all of the perks he’s given the couple away.
A cautionary tale on greed told when I was a little girl about 60 years ago. Does it still work? If the Windsors continue to ignore the Sussexes, is it so terrible if they (the Sussexes) just merch their way into ignominious oblivion as far away from the UK as possible? That was the attitude with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and I think it kinda/sorta worked. As TB writes, there’s been so much awful stuff revealed about the family by writers like Bowers already. My feeling, dinosaur that I am and were I a member of the family, is that I might be tempted to say “publish and be damned”. That would be the attitude of some of the currently most-admired members of the RF like QE2 and Princess Anne (however, there is a generational problem built in there about admirers dying off.) I would also do my own very best to live my life so that the people who mattered knew I was a good person and valued me for more than the fact that I wore smashing tiaras. I think that’s where William and Catherine focus; only time will tell if their strategy is a winning one.
In social media era the noise of the Sussexes is so much more disruptive and pervasive than the Windsor era, unfortunately. It will continue until Prince George, and his siblings turn 18 and the world will be hypnotized by the glamor and challenges of the young gen, at which point H and M truly become background figures.
I suspect you may be right and that is what the RF has decided. Only difference today though is the ubiquity of social media, so much harder to ignore the endless noise from the two of them.
Making noise is what this erstwhile “little mermaid” does best!
The ONLY thing La Markle wants to do is wear smashing tiaras on red carpets with “paps” calling her name.
I think figuring out an income stream is her main priority now to keep up the Montecito manse etc
She’d like that income stream to be generously subsidized by the king. To that end, she’s chitterchatting about writing her memoir. Again.
WHO CARES?
It seems you do or you wouldn't be shouting :)
winking emoji
So many people, it always astounds me
Strangely enough, Judy, people do.
TB’s writing is always glorious and a delight to read. I agree though with the above comment because MM is vile, vicious, incorrigible and could fit easily into the clinical definition of a looney tune.
I remember her comment, something like there is only a helicopter accident between us and the throne.
Why not pay them seriatim only on the conditions that:
(1) They reside in the US or anywhere except the UK, but only Harry (and maybe kiddos) can visit for no more than a week at a time and have security when there;
(2) They have to keep, as TB says so well, a sock in it, with no written or oral statements about any of the Royals; and
(3) Any other irritating restriction on MM.
If not, the stipend ends.
Agree there must be an agreement ( i refuse to say deal as Trump has traduced the word) in return for money which the royals have always been so bad at, unlike the Kennedys who pay hush money every single time and it seems to work. .
Get her to sign an NDA. Lord knows she likes to hand them out.
yep. see above
Well if you're used to fine coastal California, even a British palace is probably a moldy old pile.
I agree with Tina's reasonable solution. It's rare to see such a sensitive analysis of these two unfortunates. When they married I couldn't stop thinking that for her entire wedding Meghan wore the same triumphant smile on her face that I did the day I received my bachelor's degree at age 48. "I did it!". I also remember thinking she will burn for eternity if she breaks his heart. Harry is the only one of the bunch with any charisma; they need him. William looks so unhappy. A fascinating, diverting mess, and a real live family.
Agree. Fear for Harry. There is a sweetness to him despite all the debacles.
I recall seeing a couple of years ago, an ABC reporter filmed talking off the record about how the Royal Family's PR machine bullied them out of airing an episode on Virginia Roberts account of her involvement with Andrew and Epstien. They're more than willing to play dirty when they have something to hide, and I don't think Meghan or Harry are any match for them. Andrew just got arrested not over Epstien, but over taking kickbacks and bribes. King Charles' Chief of Staff (Private Secretary) was caught taking bags of cash in exchange for UK Government honorariums. So low and behold, another water cannon gets aimed at Harry and his wife. Not at all suspicious.
William looks serious at appropriate times. He looks pensive at appropriate times. He smiles and laughs with his children when they are in their non-public times, he guides them when they are in their public times. He is at ease drinking with people in pubs, making pasties and, especially, sharing quiet asides with his wife. I don’t see the “so unhappy” but then I’m also someone who has to be reminded to smile so maybe I just sense a fellow introvert. Harry looks unhappy just as many times to me.
I say work towards Harry getting some solo British gigs for a tear or two, veteran related. Meghan may feel it helps their brand to keep his royal stature partially aloft,
Ideally, they could work out a deal with Harry to do some vets stuff in Uk alone and he could stay at BP. There may come a point when Meghan thinks for Harry to have a UK portfolio without her helps.
They wouldn't take that offer. At the end of the day, this is all retribution (via friendly journos like Tina) by the Royal Family for the loss of control of the two of them. Because Harry, as a combat vet, decided to put on his big boy pants and prioritize his family and their well-being over being a working member of that family. And that was his real sin, and why this keep raining down on him and his wife.
Instead of just getting over it and moving on to the next generation of the family, they're endlessly harping on Meghan for having the audacity to accept Harry's proposal of marriage, and make a decision with along him to not to spend the rest of their lives supporting an arcane institution.
The trouble is, Harry has found that the only thing he is really good at is being a Prince and all Meghan’s efforts have been leveraging the royal halo to create revenue streams that haven’t worked. I believe some kind of better exit could have been created for them but they were so impetuous and the Palace unimaginative
And I would agree with some of that. I think when they left, they did it in a huff, and complained way too much. Way too much “poor us” when they clearly have it pretty good. But at a certain point, they should be allowed to move past that. Meghan was an actress and a social influencer before she ever met her husband. What else is she supposed to do with her life, as a middle aged woman at this point, except what she knows how to do, which is media and entertainment? It’s not like she had never been in the public space before she married into the royal family. At some point, she needs to be allowed to try and work and earn a living without being totally picked apart.
Tina, are you going to publish a post about Harry and Charlotte Griffiths? I am confused by that whole last-minute reveal in court. Does it hurt Harry’s case? Does it really mean he lied? Knowing the little I know about Harry and all of the people he would have been meeting during that time, is it likely that, as he said, he really didn’t remember her? Should Sherborne have briefed him better before he took the stand?
This is so true, as to the approaching iceberg the Royals are facing. The problem is Harry and Megs will never "put a sock in it". Meghan wants to be queen and have schoolchildren greet her with flowers, have traffic cleared for her and she in return "should be paid for doing this" per her Australian tour back in the day. It is hard to know what to do when you are dealing with people who are delusional, narcissistic and refuse time and time again to take any responsibility. They have now gone through I believe 19 assistants in some 2-3 years. The sad fact is the Royal Family will have no better luck in dealing with them than the assistants did. If I were the Royal Family I would not be concerned over any future 'dirt' as H&M have worn out their welcome. Even this upcoming Australian faux VIP program of Meghan's is about how to live your life, motherhood, blah blah blah. No royal gossip. I feel the more distance between the Royals and H&M the better it will be for the Royals. Take the titles already. By Charles not taking the titles he is looking weak and ineffective which unfortunately will start reflecting on him. I am not sure I buy their "money woes". They have been gifted tens of millions from the Queen, the Queen Mother, Diana, and Charles gave them 7 million when they left to "start their new life". Harry does not pay inheritance tax. If they are brought in to the fold in any way it will get complicated, do they attend weddings, funerals, stand on the balcony? They will steal all attention from the Royals if they are anywhere near the Royal Family. Keep an ocean between them, take the titles and good bye.
Poor Charles i think is just exhausted with them at this point and won't want to strip their titles after doing that to Andrew. That may be left to William who i suspect won't hesitate.
So true, William will do it in a New York minute. Charles is overloaded I feel and now getting ready to meet with Orange Jesus! He has enough on his plate.
Yes. Charles is definitely underestimating the Sussex problem.
His unwillingness to confront the problem and to sanction his rogue son makes the king complicit in their destructive strikes against the Palace. While Meghan and Harry are failing in their various commercial projects, they are making measurable progress in destabilizing the Monarchy.
Charles uses his cancer diagnosis as a sword against critics and a shield from public disapproval. His health condition is not an excuse to abdicate his duty to the Crown. His tolerance of the Sussex's behaviour is misplaced. Without suffering consequences, Harry and his missus will continue to attack and to degrade the institution. Inaction is perceived as weakness; it will be this king's legacy.
God save King William!
You are a tough crowd! See above.
Not so tough. Just observant and honest.
I am not convinced that the family can even remotely trust the two, any close look at their history would suggest that they have incredibly bad judgment, self control, self awareness, ideas and discipline. These are not controllable people and the lure of Meghan and her Voice has always proven too tempting for her, no matter how banal that voice actually is. Although it may be hard to see, Meghan operates very much like Trump and that is a sign that that person should not be taken for their word. Although it is drastic and aggressive the only and best remedy is to dissolve the titles to make it clear that the Mountbatten’s of Montecito are their own separate organism not as a punishment but as freedom for them and clarity for the public. I think that we get too comfortable with the idea that Harry hasn’t molested children so he isn’t like Andrew, however, I think it is quite evident that he suffers from the same spare anger resentment and privilege that blinded Andrew and Meghan may as well be Fergie for the new ages. They need to have the titles removed, a full stop.
Well stated.
Thank you.
Yikes. This is becoming a lobby!
They’ll never put a sock in it. If their delusions haven’t popped yet they never will. I think a formal and final rejection is the only option
We nearly have enough for a demo on this issue. Fresh Hell says OUT
I got hung up thinking of what might constitute a limited international role for Harry and Meghan and came up empty. Meghan never had the required common touch and all the jam making and cookie baking in the world cannot disguise the fact. Harry did have the common touch, much like the beloved Diana, and simply blew it.
It all depends and only depends if they can behave and that will always be a question. They have to prove themselves with several years of complete discretion, perhaps, to be given the chance.
At this rate we’re going to need a 12-step program for disgraced royals. Weaning them off giving TV interviews, writing books, and making Netflix deals may be too much to hope for. I’d settle for no more podcasts. One day at a time.
As a princess she did well with crowds. She probably sopped up the adoration, but it seems she welcomed by the masses. I suppose the limits on what she could get away with as a trial worked in her favor. Shoulda kept her job.
They were both superb at it, but hated it and said so. Now they realize it was so much easier to win adoration in that role than as celebrities required to produce hits to be valued.
Ooohh… where does one order a bespoke toilet seat? How many fittings are needed?
As Donald Trump. He is sure to have one .
Presumably cast in solid gold… 😂
The biggest mistake the ‘ firm’ or whomever made was not setting the Sussex’s (Meghan) up for success in the first place. Harry and Meghan would have helped significantly to, for starters, add needed relevance and inclusiveness to the Commonwealth; especially in countries where Harry and Meghan have a more personal affiliation and are popular such as South America and Africa. And then one wonders too, remembering William and Katherine’s rather floundering Caribbean tour.
This article is so scathing , I can only say the best revenge is the happy and full life the Sussex’s enjoy in Montecito - and in Los Angeles overall, with their young family, and good friends.
They most actively pursue worthwhile endeavors and we haven’t heard of significant missteps or any hint salaciousness except from vindictive Brits!
No significant mis steps? There isn't world enough or time to chronicle them here!
If you mean telling their story as they experienced it, and then having it dissected endlessly in front page headline snark by petty journalists and social media people who happily for $$$ fed naive and small minded readers( similar to trump voters) every rumour and innuendo around, then yes the list is endless…
and yes some of the Harry and Meghan revelations may be regretted upon reflection later in life…as for other missteps, most were of the sort that generally happen when venturing in new territory and ventures we all make, but theirs under insane world scrutiny .
I understand William is reframing things so Charlotte and Louis won’t have to go through what other royal siblings and their spouses have had to…very good news!
I don't believe for one minute that Markle intended to stay in the royal fold. Once Harry put a ring on her finger, she was already plotting to exit when it became abundantly clear that she would not settle for a secondary role to anyone.
I think at first she did. But she just was entirely misguided about what a royal life would be like. Or refused to listen or to read my first book The Diana Chronicles ! T
Bless you, how nice of you to defend Meghan on so little actual "diplomatic" work. And then I noticed you had to stick the knife into William and Catherine's (it's spelled with a C not a K by the way) tour in the Caribbean that only appeared to "flounder" because the Press decided to tweak some of the photographs and blame them for doing something the host country asked them to do. Which is their job. A job that Meghan didn't want to do.
I do wish Meghan luck with her merchandising efforts in Oz; my hope is that her business flourishes by leaps and bounds and occupies most of her and her husband's time.
I think no one hopes Meghan's business flourishes more than the royal family!
Thanks, Tina! Insightful as always. I'm just not sure it's possible to get Harry and Meghan to "put a sock in it." Would love to hear more discussion on this! How about you and Tom Sykes get together and discuss it? That would be wonderful!
"Pity that Chandauka didn’t run the rest of Harry’s life."
OMG! that is great!
I do kinda admire her for telling him the truth.
She is probably one of the few people who told Harry the ugly truth. He has been so coddled and indulged his whole life. He doesn't seem to recognize it. Add a toxic narcissist to the mix, yammering away in his ear, and you have a disaster.
yep see above
Loved it but didn’t agree with the solution. Meghan is a jealous nut job. They should not be anywhere near the Wales family. It’s interesting how all you “royal experts” fail to recognize the
cult of personality that follows the Harkles. Cruel people that stalked the late Queen and the Princess of Wales. Harry published his ‘kill count’ that’s his problem.
It certainly didnt help his standing with the army.
Giving her the benefit of the doubt for a last shot at redeeming the situation.
Meghan is not often right but she’s always certain. And that will walk them both off a cliff
Certainty is the kiss of death for so many in the Influencer tribe.
Charles has apparently understood that to keep Andrew's pants on and his hand out of the Chinese till Charles needs to provide him with a house and a stipend and a chaperone when he leaves said house.
The only way the Sssxs can be kept from future catastrophic associations -- of which the pay-to-play Oz girlfriends' weekend is the harbinger -- is if, as you say, Charles gives them a house, pays fair protection fees. I'd think about making the condition no titles. That would get rid of Markle. Interesting how quickly Fergie ditched Andrew once he no longer had a swank house with a separate wing for her. Markle is the same, not even as good. Fergie actually showed up to flog the Wedgewood at the mall, yes?
Yes, Tampa Bay Times, 1999:
https://archive.ph/Oiid4
"'They're not just for Thanksgiving,' said Sarah Ferguson, looking businesslike in a gray suit and closed toe shoes, holding up a silver-rimmed Wedgewood plate."
The spare problem has been festering for six generations. I'm interested in your tidbit that William is addressing it -- by setting up Charlotte and Louis as trust fund brats? How about teaching them how to work?
Rumor has it the Queen Mum and the Queen both remembered Andrew generously in their wills....if so, Charles is still paying him to keep him out of trouble.
Yes, agree Andrew must have got something from his mother who didn't want to see him in bad straits. His legal bills must be hefty. And we don't know how much debt. I think William's kids will be expected to study/ train/ work at real jobs with a cushion, yes, but as we have seen , if they are not particularly bright or gifted it's safer if they have family money.
Yes. I can see parents all over the world worrying about this kind of thing. My late former husband was a lawyer. His oldest client was a 95 year old philosophy prof who walked downtown several miles to hubs' office every three months or so to readjust his will to take care of a handicapped daughter -- then a girl 70. Hope Charlotte and Louis inherited granny Carole's iron will to work/succeed.
Wow TB, your last but one paragraph is genius….I could not agree with you more……bloody well said..👏🏻👏🏻
So happy it resonated! T
Great article and analysis. As for a future detente where Harry and Meghan agree to 'put a sock in it', the minor royals may agree to this (even in writing) but will wait until they get what they want (apartment, security, whatever) and then start sharing their 'opinions' again. I feel for William and believe the only way forward is to encourage Harry and Meghan to 'go away' and 'stay there'.
William knows that when his own kidx come of age the spotlight moves from the Sussexes forever