It is a shame that all this has caused a rift between the two brothers, who by all reports were extraordinarily close after the death of their mother, and even though I don't want to blame Meghan for this, it is just too much of a coincidence. She knew what she was getting into and tear her husband away from his family and everything he has known his whole life seems a shame. I hope he will not grow to resent her because of this in the future, and find this rupture worth the price. Also, it is hard to sympathize with anybody who spends 3 million dollars on renovating a cottage, or believe she just wants to be one of the masses.
19
Interesting that you are assuming this all the woman’s doing? Very strange, especially coming from a woman. Maybe check your lens, it seems to be fogged with a thick layer of misogyny.
23
...you are both of privilege, use it wisely
4
Great to see that while the US is in political crisis The NYTs has devoted extensive coverage - sometimes extending to full-page stories - to a couple self-involved royal broohey celebrities.
Serious journalism there.
11
There is worry the two grifters will "will overly commercialize their ties to the House of Windsor." But that's the whole racket, right? When the queen dies, the family will make commemorative dishes, photos, and pint glasses and the British subjects will buy it up.
What will the people of Sussex do now that they've lost their liege and protector? These two non-essential temps have now escaped, but based on their branding, they just want to parachute out of the palace and never do any amount of good in this world.
10
It is disappointing that they could not use their platform to transform the people toward tolerance. The Obamas were disparaged greatly and they took the higher road.
14
@Lindsay
THANK YOU. SO PERFECTLY SAID.
The visceral anger and hatred expressed in the comments, the lack of charity or compassion, is indicative of the collective corrupted soul deep down too many share in these times in the era of Donald J Trump. It is a matter of degrees. These obnoxious comments by so many who claim to have special insight as to what is in the couples hearts and minds is somewhat shocking. And this is only a drop in the bucket of the onslaught the faced daily in England.
21
It’s pretty funny when British people speak so knowingly about how Harry and Meghan “feel” but when Americans do it, it’s hilarious. None of us “know” anyone in the royal family; we aren’t their friends or confidants so, therefore, all of this speculation is simply ridiculous. And a good laugh.
15
Harry and Meghan will enjoy their lives more without these ridiculous "royal" constraints.
The royal family should pack their bags and stop living on public money, IMO. They should live their lives like everyone else. No one is superior to others based on birth.
The palaces and castles and homes would all be more profitable to the British public if it was all turned into a theme park like Disneyland. They don't need a Queen for that!
9
Maybe we could send Donald Trump over to Great Britain to take Prince Harry's place. Then again, I wouldn't wish Trump on my worst enemy. I do hope that the couple does well for themselves. It's too bad that the tabloids couldn't restrain themselves but I guess some institutions never learn.
7
They are going to get residency in Canada, not the US. Will they travel there? Of course, many Canadians do.
2
The story is wrong. Most Canadians don't want to support these people. I don't know where the NYT got it's information from. Most younger people think the Queen should not be the head of Canada. It is a farce for these people to have a privilege that is different than every other Britain. This creates a two tiered citizenship.
14
@Jeff Green
Give them a chance. Sending the royals out to live in the Commonwealth is a great idea. We should send Prince Andrew to Australia.
10
Why is Andrew not stripped of the HRH? He is no longer a “working royal” if that was ever a defining element. All this underscores the absurdity of inherited titles.
15
@Dissatisfied. The Sussexes weren't "stripped" of the HRH styling. They have simply agreed not to use the designation. This is according to other sources as well as this very article (note the first sentence "will stop using their loftiest royal titles").
The Palace has created an inconsistency that they need to resolve. There are other members of the royal family (cousins of the Queen) who use the HRH styling and who are not working royals.
2
The demand for Harry and Meghan to repay the $3 million establishes a precedent for the future when the Monarchy finally crashes and burns on the slopes of Mount Brexit.
The Monarchy's properties, investment, art work and jewels will all be cashed out and repaid to the people of Great Britain.
6
If they want out, go. But how in the world are they going to repay $3 million if they are still taking millions from Harry's dad. And they should re-pay it. I wouldn't want to support a group of over-privileged people who got that way by accident of birth. And Meghan had to know what she was getting into when the married int the royal family. I guess she can go back to acting. The queen would love that.
2
@gmt. Both Harry and Meghan have personal resources. Any support that the couple receive from Charles is a family matter and shouldn't concern us. They certainly won't be the first couple to receive financial support from a parent, and they won't be the last.
11
@gmt The problem is that their very real need for security was not created by them..it was created by British culture and the media. It is a curse the British people bestow on every Royal, even before they are born, meet someone to love or have children.
Should they pay for needed security the rest of their lives? Or should the British state?
5
Sarah Ferguson was once a breath of fresh air, too.
She can do her acting thing. I’m sure he’s good at something.
Oh, taxpayers in this country don’t want to shell out for their ‘security concerns’. Stay in Canada, please.
10
I am inclined to have Trump designated as His Presidential Lowness, and allow him to maintain this title even as he decreases his state duties.
13
Yet, still the 1% of the 1%.
How many have this family hurt throughout the centuries?
6
@Randy L.
We can't all be perfect like Belgium.
4
Harry is 35 years old. Diana died at 36.
4
@Ben
I've been thinking about that. It's not unusual in people who lost a parent at a young age to develop a sense of foreboding or superstition around the age the parent was when they died. It makes total sense to me that he's been thinking about this for a while and thought, 2020 is the year to make a run for it. Also, if he really wanted to remain a royal he probably would have married a more "conventional" or acceptable to the snooty classes woman. He's been broadcasting his fatigue and disgust with the small island aspects of British life that killed his mother. If you've ever lived on an island you'll know what I mean.
12
Hello they are not giving up their tittles !! They are still Dukes. This is all smoke to distract from Andrew
6
@Maria. Why should they renounce their titles? The title was bestowed upon Harry as a part of a tradition where a member of the royal family receives a title when they marry. It isn't contingent upon being a working royal. In fact, there are several non-working members of the royal family who not only hold a title, but continue to use the HRH styling.
1
Jolly good and blessings all round. As adults we make hard decisions. Megan & Harry made a hard choice. It is curious to me that Megan bears the brunt of such a change. All the more reason to get out of merry old england, in the end a friend to neither of them.
14
Why is this a surprise or even a tragedy ? On July 4, 1776 we declared our independence from the Crown. Is any wonder that the 2 Americans who married into the British monarchy were forced to bow or get out?
4
@Irene Cantu Doesn't surprise anyone that has read history and sociology or even watches the news and analyzes why people are voting the way they are.
Do the children of Henry and Meghan forfeit or foreswear their royal heritage and entitlement or have the opportunity to reclaim and affirm it as they mature ?
1
@Suburban Cowboy. Archie and any future siblings have given up nothing. As great grandchildren of the sovereign, they would not have been styled prince/princess unless the Queen had decreed otherwise. Archie will still inherit the title of Duke of Sussex.
As the fount of honor, the Queen or any future king can certainly award additional stylings or titles to Harry's children. A future monarch could even add them to the payroll, but given that Charles is intent on slimming down the list of working royals, that seems unlikely.
2
@Suburban Cowboy
Good question. I wonder what's the answer. It'll be interesting to see what kind of a young man Archie grows up to be.
@kim
He might develop a North American accent. That's gotta be a concern for Harry.
3
How long before we see Megan sitting across from Oprah on a Super Soul Sunday?
20
So what?
14
@Robin she may find out that the public can be fickle. We many decide we don’t like our Royals up close, personal and confessional, we already have plenty of that. The point of Royalty is it’s rarity and mystique. Maintaining the interest of the public for 5 years, 10, 20 may be a struggle. It depends what they want. Meghan does seem to desire Hollywood celebrity but that seems to be the opposite of what Harry claims to want for his life. Time will tell.
13
@Aquamarine Just because you do not like them, doesn't mean that the majority do not. Let me state, that they do have a following. You on the other hand may not.
6
The forced crisis to negotiate an exit was purportedly due to an impending leak of their plans to the press. The royal family was apparently worried that Meghan would accuse them of racism if she didn’t get what she wanted, do books dishing dirt and an unflattering interview with Oprah.
Um, this tidbit isn’t well known, but Meghan and Prince Harry, after several tries, hired none other than the former press secretary to Hillary Clinton shortly after getting married. So the nastiness with which this strategy unfolded smacks of American style politics. Next stop—the Markle family. Will Meghan pay them off to stop criticizing her? Will someone suddenly commit suicide? Sounds ridiculous, right? Hmmmm.....
9
@JB Harry and Meghan have only received public support in Britain to leave their roles in the Royal Family, it’s the way they are going about things that is losing them popularity. Apparently the day before they released their statement - via Instagram - their staff spent the day begging them to wait and give the talks they were having with the family time to develop. The Queen personally asked them not to release a statement before making concrete plans with Prince Charles, Harry’s father and the future King. They ignored everyone and did it their way. Which is their prerogative, but they lost a lot of public goodwill that way and also made themselves look pretty unfeeling and ruthless.
19
I don’t understand people who are really into this royalty fascination and interest. This medieval tradition should have been abolished a long time ago, I for one do not believe anyone is born higher than other human beings and should be addressed as “your highness” and be looked upon on a pedestal.
603
@TL. The current monarchy is 950 years old. Much older than our country. So, it obviously has some value or it still wouldn't be in existence.
Lately, I've often wished that we had a head of state that united our country and was as admired around the world as Queen Elizabeth II.
106
@TL
CLueless aren't you?
THe ROyal family has been in power (at least in southern England since the 9th century) FOr the British it
* Represents continuity and history - their national identity
* Gives them a completely NON-POLITICAL head of state whose central role these days is overawing the representatives of other countries with soft diplomacy (their history, the awe-inspiring settings and pageantry)
* Gives them a completely NON-POLITICAL head of state who represents a unifying force
* Gives them a group of very prominent people who actually go out and 'meet the people' to talk about what the people are doing, are interested and their needs and concerns - to give them attention and praise for whatever they are doing (from flower shows to children's groups to historical groups etc)
And the prominent people have no personal agenda - not doing it to get votes or to show how "woke" and 'sensitive' they are to their peers. Not very exciting to spend the afternoon at a Guildhall with a group reving traditional dyeing and weaving but thrilling for those who are visited
* Hand out recognition for those who have made a difference or done their duty -- the Honours list - often called 'gongs' - a ceremony with much pageantry and pomp
82
@TL Why is this important? Why should we care?
14
Why, in the public eye, does Meghan bear most of the responsibility for the split? Harry, for years, spoke of his desire for a normal life, far from the maddening royal crowd. Could it possibly be that he married Meghan, even unconsciously, because he knew she not only represented a new world but would lead him to one. Maybe she's simply acting out his wishes, maybe she appear to have the reigns but, in reality, he's really driving the cart.
1083
@Catlin That's amazing insight. Beautiful.
47
@Catlin Unless you are able to understand the English & their historical foibles (believe me they are inbred in their very souls)It's hard to really understand why.I am Canadian and moved to the UK at 6 months old.I lived in many of the Commonwealth countries and saw their character from many points of view.I went to school there and worked there for 20 years.With the Royal Family I can only compare it with the Brexit vote.The boomers truly believe that there is still a British Empire where people still look up to them ! The younger generations do not have the same ties and things will change a lot over the next 20 years or so !
38
@Catlin There were countless times Harry might have chosen a less public, less royal life. But he had too much to lose by giving up his royal status and perks and wealth. Lots of privileged types bemoan their state, "If only I could escape this wretched life of riches and pleasure." but they don't. Methinks much of this is the posturing of the entitled immature. Do you really think Harry would really say, "I love this life. I have all the wealth I'll ever need, all the privileges one could hope for, and titles to attract the rich and famous and beautiful."
58
Good for them. Lots of new possibilities for them out in the real world. They deserve to be happy and free of all that flag waving which for them had little significance though I am certain that they will never escape the media.
The royals have often done good service work for their country and around the world, but for decades now it has resembled the British version of Patton Place, not a fun environment for Archie.
134
@just Robert - No, no, no. No member of the royal family has served as Governor General of Canada in more than 100 years. The post has been filled by Canadian citizens for the past 68 years. Canada stopped being a Dominion or colony in 1931.
Neither Harry nor Meghan are Canadians. Meghan's working visa from her years in the cast of 'Suits', shot in Toronto, has most likely expired. If they want to establish permanent residency here, they will have to fulfill the same requirements as any other aspiring Canadian.
Appointment to a vice-regal position in Canada is simply not in the cards.
15
@Bob Diesel Not that kind f service. Charles, Diana during her life as well as harry and William have worked for various causes that have helped society and people around the world perhaps as part of the royal outreach. It is part of their popularity at least to some.
10
@Bob Diesel also Harry is academically not very bright and went straight to the armed forces rather than university. I don’t think he would have the patience for all the written material and boring procedures that is essential to the position. That’s exactly the trope of work he’s trying to escape!
In the past he said he dream job would be a park ranger in an African safari park.
6
Let’s face it. The Royal Family is an antiquated, outdated institution that will lose much of its luster once Queen Elizabeth passes away, Harry and Meghan are smart to get out before they are forced out by a streamlined royalty. I expect there will be more exoduses once the Queen passes away. I don’t think Charles will hold anywhere near the amount of reverence as his mother.
734
@Ivy
I agree in principle. But for exactly the same reasons, it isn't fair to blame individuals who were born into the royal family for something they never had any choice about. It seems to me both Harry and William have played the hands they were dealt admirably. It was always going to be different for William, since (assuming the monarchy does survive that long) he will become king eventually. The brothers have had a different set of choices to make, and I can't really blame either of them for the paths they've carved out.
101
@Ivy As other respondents have noted, we Canadians (not "they") already have a Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, who won her position fair and square. To bump a more qualiifed woman for a less qualified man, whose only credential is birthright, would not go over too well in a progressive society like Canada, and we can be sure that "they" know this and would never be so impolitic as to make such a crass blunder. Besides, Harry wants to withdraw from that kind of role, not take it up.
32
@Ivy - There's also the looming matter of Brexit, accompanied by renewed Scotland independence fervor; why would Harry and Meghan want to be stuck in all the forseeable mire (as newly 'slimmed down' royals, thanks to Charles) and be forced to endure the 'royal rota' of providing the tabloids with revenues, while simultaneously being tabloids' pinatas? More importantly, why would Harry allow his child to grow up surrounded by that press abuse, as he saw in his childhood, much less Meghan putting up with it?
see: Buzzfeed, 20 headlines, Kate & Meghan, by Ellie Hall
40
The Queen as Commander in Chief has taken relieved Harry of his military duty. This is a gloves off slap in the face to a solider who has actually served in a war zone. The good Queen has gone batty.
@John no, I think many in the military were very unhappy of Harry’s treatment of the Queen in the past two weeks. Also, you are either an active Royal or not. How can Harry have those responsibilities while living in North America? She needs to give them to someone who is willing and able to fulfill the role. For example, instead of attending what I believe was a memorial service for a number of marines, after he had accepted the invitation to attend, he blew them off to go to the premiere of The Lion King with Meghan. Those decisions were not popular.
11
I don't know who this guy Mark Landler is but I doubt Harry and Meghan are feeling any distress for geting what they asked for: a divorce from the royal life. We're supposed to believe they are grieving their loss of "His/Her Royal Highnesses" and basically being fodder for rightwing, Murdochian tabloids eager for a distraction from the real problems of British society. Yeah, right. Fly free, little birdies. Go get your Netfilx money and goodbye to England.
4
@kim. They haven't lost their HRH stylings. They just won't be using them.
Who cares? What titles? Enough with this family of useless and parasitic fools.
3
Please, enough already about all of this! Didn't we fight a war a couple hundred years ago because we didn't believe in all of this "royal" silliness?
It is astounding to read the comments of people fretting about the "problems" of Harry and Meghan when there are so many millions of people who have *real* problems---you know, stuff like hunger, disease, poverty, homelessness, etc.
I wish Harry and Meghan well, as fellow human beings. But really, we've heard quite enough about them already.
5
@cfluder. It is quite possible to find this whole thing interesting, not to mention diverting, and still be concerned about poverty and climate change. Most humans can multitask.
7
This is much cleaner than the part-time thing...or is it? The Monarchy withstood a resignation more significant than this one, disrupting the idea of the Royals as Loyalty and Duty-based even when it interfered with personal desires, including who to marry (In the past, monarchs married other Royals.), so the abdication of Edward was huge; though completely unexpected/less-prepared, George became King- not a position he expected or wanted, but dictated by Duty. Then Elizabeth became a young Queen, bringing a dedication of Duty to her position that will be difficult to follow.
Edward’s abdication opened the door for other changes less significant, but seem like a big deal to people, because of what the Monarchy represents to us -a real fairytale, in this crazy world, that is never supposed to change—what if Sleeping Beauty woke up and, after her kiss, decided to become a lawyer? But for those of who dislike change and look to the Monarchy for its unchanging Ritual, and the illusion of stability, we are easily shaken by the least change.
I don’t believe Meghan and Harry will ever be regarded as “normal people” by the public. I do think they should be stripped of all titles, including 6th in line to the throne, and income...and I do expect to see one or both of them on Dancing with the Stars soon!
Even while feeling the disloyalties of their action which is none of my business and I have no real right to judge, I do wish Harry and Meghan the best of luck and a happy life.
3
While there may not be much notice in the press, there may be a number of staff re-assignments and early retirements at the palace. This had been a catastrophic public relations failure for the courtiers. The most popular senior royals have left the monarchy in part because of inherent racist views. Now the palace has revoked the Sussex's role as Amassadors to the Commonwealth; a role for which they are ideally suited. I see a dimunation of the Royal family in concert with their county ahead.
2
@John Millsap actually no she has not rescinded those roles, they still have their Commonwealth titles, except one for Youth for Harry. I agree with you otherwise. It is common knowledge that Charles and Andrew forced out the Queen’s most senior advisor three years ago. A very experienced diplomat he understood how serious the Epstein situation was for Andrew and forced him to step down from representing the Crown in business ventures years ago. But I guess the Princes didn’t want to hear hard truths and now the Crown is reaping the results of it’s incompetence. One aspect the courtier was attempting to do was coordinate “households” i.e. the separate courts of the Queen, Charles and William. It’s apparently Charles that often puts a spanner in the works of a single clear unified voice, so he needs to solve this issue quickly before becoming King.
4
Ah, if only we in the United States could get the Trump family to act in similar fashion and "give up state funding and repay at least $3 million in taxpayer money used to refurbish their official residence."
11
Kings and queens and barons and earls and whatever, throughout global human history, are merely the people who successfully pounded down their rivals to achieve power. It was no god who gave them a “divine” right, but better weapons, warriors, and chance. They are privileged because they manufactured those privileges. It’s about time people remove fairy tale concepts of aristocracies from their societies and governments. And I mean all peoples--I am so tired of hearing how the “X” class of people is better than the “Y” class of people, whether it’s in terms of parentage or bank account.
I wish Meghan and Harry and Archie a good life together.
2
I hope Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reading these NYT comments. They will be comforted to know that overwhelmingly most readers support them wholeheartedly, and wish them well.
5
@Merlin they also have the support of the U.K. I know nobody who doesn’t support them. No one likes the way they treated their 93 year old grandma who also happens to be Queen however. They could have handled this with a great deal more grace. The way she did, in fact.
8
Why can’t the English teach their children how to stay?
The monarchy’s familial squabbles increase by the day!
Poor Archie’s now embroiled in this horrible display.
Pray, why can’t the Royals simply stay....?
1
@Robert D. Diamant Perhaps they wanted to stay out and dance all night!
“Progressive role”?
I’m really beginning to dislike the word ‘progressive’. It usually means anything but ‘progressive’...and I can’t stand the whiff of sanctimony.
Meanwhile, since when is it ‘progressive’ to be subsidized by your parents well into your thirties and beyond?
12
@Susanna they also have at least 40 million in private wealth, plus receive 2.5 million a year from Prince Charles, so their idea of “financially independent” is different than you or I.
5
@Aquamarine
Precisely.
Progressive? Financially independent?
Oh please...
6
The monarchy is indeed important to millions of British and Commonwealth citizens--at its best a symbol of values like patriotism, spirituality, and public service; duty to family, community and country; and continuity with past and future generations, that transcend governments and party politics. Through its soft power and example the monarchycommands an emotional allegiance that in other countries accrues, sometimes more dangerously, to elected leaders. The sovereign and her family are essentially government diplomatic employees, albeit very privileged ones, who represent the country, and not themselves as individuals. It was precisely as mature adults "determining their future" that Harry and Meghan embraced that public role and its benefits. Eighteen or 20 months is a very short time for adjustment to a new country, marriage, newborn, and high-profile job in the public eye. And as an American, Meghan had much to learn about British culture--this has less to do with race than with cultural differences. Yet the Queen and government gave the couple a very prominent role (tours of the UK and two foreign tours), appearances with the monarch, inclusion of Meghan's mother, etc., and their pubic reception was overwhelmingly positive. Every influential public figure comes in for some criticism. One can sympathize with their private challenges in adjustment but understand why the public are disappointed. And a sad loss of a role model to the truly racially marginalized.
8
I would suggest that it is the Queen that induces a sense of duty, identity etc for most British Subjects, not the institution itself. Even the most fervent anti-monarchist acknowledges that Queen ElizabethII is a remarkable person.
As the UK becomes less united, the country will have to adjust to a diminished role on the World stage.
The ruling establishment, of which the monarchy is part, has worked tirelessly to destroy its power and influence. The process continues. The Sussex's predicament is just another step, albeit a significant one.
2
@Applecounty However, with the advent of Brexit the U.K. population has become extremely divided and very unhappy with these division. In the past few years Queen Elizabeth has gained in popularity by the unity she represents. The Crown has gained in power as the political establishment have become so incompetent at uniting the nation. Whether King Charles will have the personal qualities to maintain the Crown’s current popularity remains to be seen.
6
@Aquamarine I agree with your comment with regard to Charles. The vote to leave the worlds largest trading block, the EU, merely burst open the fundamental societal divisions that had grown to unsustainable proportions since Thatcher was in power.
Of course the British monarchy is largely ceremonial, having lost the right to govern over the heads of an elected Parliament early in the 20th Century.
It is debatable whether Boris Johnson would have survived as Prime Minister, even for a week, after he lied to Her Majesty about the need to close Parliament.
1
I wonder if Meghan has suffered from post-partum depression, which would be both compounded and made harder to ameliorate by the isolation imposed by royal status and by celebrity status and shame. I hope she makes contact, at least, with the brave Brooke Shields and other prominent women who experienced post-partum depression or anxiety. And that Harry connects with those women’s partners, some of whom may have, like Harry, had their own experience of major depression or ptsd.
6
Called Post Natal Depression (PND) in the UK?
3
They won't "use" the honorifics "Highness" - OK. But will they actually give up the Duke and Duchess positions granted to them by the queen when they married? If they are serious, they should follow the example of the Japanese royal family. When one of theirs marries a commoner, they lose it all - the commoner does not become a royal; instead, the royal becomes a commoner. Fair is fair. Otherwise they are still enjoying some of the perks but not the responsibilities. He didn't ask to be born but there it is - either you are all in or all out.
11
Now that their lives are not going to be lived as visible members of the royal family, I’m not sure on what their appeal will be based, since without the royal sheen they’re not individually that compelling. Their, and their advisors’ plans to build a billion dollar “brand” around them seems therefore a bit over optimistic. Maybe no one has told them that the reason people are interested in them is because they’re (were) working members of “the firm”, and that was primarily the source of their appeal and power.
The current PR narrative about how valuable, both monetarily and philanthropically, the “brand” of the Duke and Duchess will become, now that it is unencumbered by royal protocols, seems to me to be a vast miscalculation. That they, like the powerful “friends” they’ve collected (the Obamas, Clooneys, Ms Winfrey, etc. who, in my view, earned their power unlike the Sussex “Royals”) will hop around the world, generously spreading their golden touch to lift the people, solve lots of problems and share their exRoyal platitudes via social media (managed by tone deaf, in my view, PR agencies) for everyone’s daily inspiration feels like an overreach. I wish the family well but hope that someone in their circle of advisors will tell them the truth: that as exRoyals, they’re now not that interesting anymore.
27
@Jen yes, a great deal of hubris seems involved. The very appeal of the royals is their exclusivity and uniqueness. Neither of them are particularly outstanding as individuals. I wish them well but think it may be a lot colder out here than they imagine.
9
In both cases of dramatic departure from British royalty - King Edward and Prince Harry - an American woman was central to the story.
There have been many cases of marriages between elite British men and elite American women in the past 200 years, most reoresenting attempts to rescue a decaying name/estate by marrying foreign money, regardless of its often unsavory origins.
For Edward, however, his poor but grasping American wife desperately wanted British royalty, wealth and fame. She quickly proved too distasteful to the British public and too dangerous to the wartime British government.
For Harry, his American wife, who quicky became desperate to escape the royalty she married into, arguably became his best ticket out of the relentlessy intrusive, dangerous life in which his family has been entrapped.
Complete escape into ordinary civilian life is most unlikely to happen for Harry/Meghan.
But if more royals can see this as a moment to bail, then H/M could be helping Brits as a whole to unravel the unreality that their royalty has come to represent, including an opportunity for royals to cast off all the "charity" roles they have felt pressured to take on, to justify themselves: roles that effectively undermine regular charities, and give government an excuse to avoid responsibility.
Americans are hardly the ones to preach about government responsibility, having just elected the most corrupt, irresponsible govt in our history. Still...
5
There’s nothing more Royal then a man and woman sacrificing, . . . Title and Power for the ones they love. They are the New 21st Century Royals.
4
@TheHowWhy they are still Duke and Duchess, they have at least 40 million dollars in private wealth and Prince Charles plans on still gifting them 3-5 million dollars a year. I am not quite sure what this “sacrifice” is that you speak of?
3
Maybe with the death of the Queen they should just start phasing out the entire thing. The Windsor's will still be rich and living this life must be rather awful in many regards. You have to find a way to make yourself seem relevant and Charles has been waiting his entire adult life. The Queen's mother lived to be over 100 - does Britain want a new crowned King that is 80 years old? That is certainly possible. The whole thing is really kind of weird.
8
I am glad that Meg and Harry are ok, and I think they will be just fine going forward. I could use the good news.
7
Glad the British press are losing their toy.
648
@JB Waterman They will find another one.
12
@JB Waterman
I'm not sure the British press will cover them any less relentlessly now. If fact, I think they will hound them for a long time to come.
39
On the contrary, the gloves are off. All restrictions are lifted !
16
well, good luck to them.
and raspberries to the British press.
643
@Brad
Living large with dad (Charles) paying most of the bills that add up to millions, what's not to like about that?
Let's hope that Harry and Meghan, both of whom seem entirely immature and self-centered, don't embarrass the Crown as Andrew has, or in any other way.
39
@Mon Ray
Where did Charles’s wealth come from? Did he sell a start-up, manage a hedge fund, make a killing in the market? I must have missed those riches-to-riches stories.
21
@NA From his estate the Duchy of Cornwall which has been passed to the heir to the throne for the past 500 years or so.
12
I think the greatest impetus for this split is bitter memory of Harry's experience of his mother's death. Princess Diana was literally abandoned by the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family including her husband and his consort. She was made a pariah and then a victim both of Buckingham Palace and by the relentless pursuit of the paparazzi. Diana was hounded to death because no-one had the courage to put an end to the chase. No one claimed responsibility and certainly there was no regret by any member of the British press. Diana was fair game.
I don't believe that Harry ever accepted that. I think he harbors great resentment of his grandmother's and fathers inaction and ineptitude. I think he holds both of them responsible for the death of his mother. The palace failed Diana. Even in death I recall the crowd outside the palace demanding their "Flag" for the princess. The Queen failed Diana in life and then again in death.
For those reasons and because he is now witness to the instant replay of the loss of privacy and dignity, Harry and his wife are leaving Royal life.
I wish Harry and Meghan a happy, and long life. I hope they find the serenity and normalcy that both of them desire and deserve. And I hope that the craven British tabloids keep their distance. And I hope that Queen Elizabeth who is privately fuming finds a way to forgive herself for driving her grandson away. But I doubt it.
618
@Jack Frost Protecting their child is likely their greatest motivation. And I don't blame them. The health and happiness of Archie should be the driving force of every decision they face.
55
@Jack Frost when the Queen travels around London, she wears a seat belt, observes the speed limit, and her driver is sober.
Princess Diana is a victim of the discredited Martin Bashir. During that interview, Princess Diana said the Charles was not fit to be King. So one can understand why the Queen would not be on close terms with her former daughter in law.
One is entitled to their views, I just see it differently from a long distance away.
31
Elizabeth also ruined her own sister’s happiness
8
Only years from now when history is written will it be known what really prompted Harry’s decision to scale back and break free. But, neither he or Meghan are children. They are approaching middle age. She has been self supporting for year, a woman with a career, charting her life. He has struggled to find his way, with the military providing some direction for a time. But, when they met, something clearly happened and by ones mid 30s you kinda do know what you are looking for. Meghan gave it her best shot, but at age 37, having been independent her entire life to suddenly entire a repressed and constricting ecosystem must have been impossible for her. Being told what it was going to be like is not at all the same as living it. And for Harry, she gave him the way out of a life he strained with. The duty, the obligations, the requirements. He clearly wants out.
Good for them. Let them be free. For Harry it may prove more difficult to live apart from family, friends, courtiers, and home. But. Hopefully he will learn to be free and embrace his new life.
728
@Rachel No best shot. She performed royal duties for only 72 days after her marriage.
101
@purejuice
Come on, juice, that royal routine cannot be fun. One doesn't have to actually do it for even a day to see that.
24
@Rachel Well said. The prince couldn't wait to meet a woman with guts to free him from royal constraints. His wife and son have whisked him to the North American sunset.
29
What a nightmare it must be living your life in a preordained manner simply because of which family you were born into.
Harry and Meghan made the right choice in getting out of that antiquated system. Let William grapple with the boring details of those ceremonial duties.
Live, laugh and love, Harry and Meghan. Good for you.
371
@Ed 'What a nightmare it must be living your life in a preordained manner simply because of which family you were born into' - yes, if you are born disabled, or in a slum, or to addicted parents, etc. etc. Please, these two have had and continue to have all the opportunity in the world. I think they made the decision that was right for them and they will now be able to monetarily capitalize on their fame. Just watch them. As a Canadian, I think they made a great choice to live here, but if there is even a hint of Canadian taxpayers having to foot any of their bills (security), I am not on board.
126
@Ed i mean there are certainly worse nightmares to be born into
75
@Ed - Sometimes I suspect if Prince William could get out of it, he would. It can’t be easy having your entire life prewritten for you, nor can it be easy, as a parent, to know that at least one of your kids (in his case, Prince George) will essentially have the same thing happen to him.
I remember reading once that, when he was a little boy, Prince William told his mother that he wanted to be a policeman when he grew up so that he could protect her. Prince Harry apparently jumped into the conversation and said something to the effect of, “No you can’t, you have to be King.” Granted, a career in police work would probably never have been possible, but it’s got to be somewhat stifling and frustrating to not be able to map your own life simply because of birth order and your parentage. Prince Harry now has the chance, at 35, to do what most of us have done all our lives, and I hope he runs with it to whatever extent he is able.
31
I wish them all the best. If the British press wants to chase them over here, may the travel and trade costs associated with with Brexit be four-fold.
22
While tearing apart Meghan, the British tabloids effectively tried to reduce Harry to nothing more than a bland Disney prince who was a hapless bystander in his own life. I sincerely doubt that Harry has exercised no personal agency in the years since their relationship began. He previously discussed his desire to leave the royal life behind, and his role would otherwise be the ribbon-cutting "spare" for the rest of his days.
This decision to step back might be brilliant, or it could be an absolute disaster. However, it was their move as an adult couple. If the Internet world must stick with a trendy hashtag, let it be #Sussexit instead of #Megxit.
603
@Nick
Are you referring to the multimillionaire that hit up the Disney CEO (and his wife) in a greeting line to pitch his wife’s voice acting skills for a job? It seems he has the same skill set as Prince Andrew.
12
@Nick Oh, I love the sound of that .. 'Sussexit' .. let's go with that!
7
@Nick
Like that suggestion except it sounds a bit ribald.😂
3
I hope they are left alone to pursue their lives and do the good they intend. Welcome to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada -- Meghan, Harry and Archie.
276
@John Hello...they're not in Vancouver...
5
@John
I seriously doubt that a change of address will stop the paps!
7
@John
And do you think she really wants to be 'left alone?' She wants publicity, but only the positive kind. Let's see how she does in Canada in another six months or year.
17
I always liked Harry. This whole Royal thing and the British Press took the goodness out of him. Now he is free to be himself. And I hope they don't blame her for all that happened.
360
@SridharC
"Oh, I`m just wild about Harry
And he's just wild about,
He can't do without,
He's just wild about .....
..... gee, I guess that's his business.
6
@SridharC
Harry was filmed recently using his royal standing to cage work for his wife from Disney. He had no compunction about being heard doing so, defining true entitlement. Let's not be beguiled by his smile because he lives among a brood known for lack thereof.
Harry and Megan will soon attend endless LA and NY parties and lend their names to foundations from which they will draw endless gobs of tax-sheltered cash which will allow them to live...like royalty, but with none of the responsibilities.
38
@AG at least he did two tours of duty in Afghanistan for the British Army and did complain of heel spurs.
16
What a good deal for them! They get to forgo all of their responsibilities in exchange for giving up 5% of their annual income. They get to keep the Duke/Duchess titles, Frogmore, millions in income from royal investments and taxpayer-funded security. There is nothing financially independent about that. All they are now are a financial burden for the taxpayers who get nothing in return. They should pay for their own security.
466
@Sarah Taxpayers have gotten nothing in return from Royals forever. The vast majority of countries in the world do just fine without a king or queen to perform ribbon-cutting ceremonies or host tea parties for dignitaries. If this really were about the UK’s finance, parliament could pass a bill today to cut funding from every royal. Or go ahead and just abolish the monarchy. What value is the taxpayer getting out of Prince Andrew, friend to Jeffrey Epstein?
47
@Sarah.
" All they are now are a financial burden for the taxpayers who get nothing in return. They should pay for their own security."
Somewhat like all the Trump relatives who receive taxpayer-paid security 24/7.
166
@Sarah
london gets a. lot of tourists- i suspect you can justify the expense of the royal family just based on tourism dollars!
25
Good for them and good for their children too!
I totally and enthusiastically support this choice and I hope that they can lead a somewhat normal life.
They will always be celebrities of course, but perhaps they can escape the British tabloid press and the racism that they have endured.
After the hounding of his Mother, I totally understand this choice. I hope that they can find happiness, peace, joy and direction!
Good for them for escaping!
845
@Rax
It's not been so easy for them though.
1
@Rax The 'racism' issue is am afraid a non-starter: it does not exist. Except in the NYT, it would seem.
There are two issues - one - MM has taken look inside this bubble and said, 'wow, this is crazy in 2020..' and she's right. Second, H watched as his mother was pretty much led to her death by a rabble paparazzi. He has a wife and child - and the treatment of the same people has hardly changed. One doesn't have to wonder why he wants to protect her and his son.
I hope he finds peace in North America, though I doubt it. He's too English.
2
@Rax Racism is totally unfounded, imO
Meghan was welcomed and loved, not for nothing the two couples (William and Harry and their spouses) were called the four fab...
3
Princess Anne's children were not given titles. Harry was the "spare." Now that William has 3 children, Harry's only role is shaking hands and being a royal supporter of various charities. If they want to live a more private life, good for them. You can hardly blame them for wanting to avoid the unrelenting media.
1326
@jean valliere. Princess Anne's children didn't receive titles because their father didn't accept one for himself upon marriage. While the Queen could have granted titles anyway, of course, titles descend from the father.
33
@jean valliere
unfortunately, the more "private" they become, the more unrelenting the British tabloids will be.
27
@jean valliere Meghan not does it want to live a more private life. She wants to be free to pursue her acting and commercial interests without Royal constraints. You will see much more of her in the public eye now that she’s free to do what she wants.
67
That this drama is unfolding on the eve of Brexit is so astounding that it's disturbing. Everyday people are poised to have their economies upended yet this is when the Royals choose to make a splash. Talk about a disconnect.
171
@Jmc
While none of us really knows the truth, reading all the news makes it clear that their "hasty" announcement that "blindsided" the palace was due, yet again, to the British tabloids-- in this case about to leak the news the very same day. And no, the palace was not blindsided except in the timing. Negotiations were already ongoing for months. It would have been best if the palace had announced it, instead of them, but luckily for the profits of all news outlets, that better protocol did not happen.
46
@Jmc, I could be absolutely wrong, but I believe many people are so upset and unsettled about Brexit and Trump and the world's current goings-on that they will latch onto almost anything to escape the fear and uncertainty even for a few moments. We must take our heads out of the sand now and begin to address the root causes of the literally earth-shaking symptoms we are experiencing.
7
They will be just fine. Leave them alone.
Somewhere, Diana is smiling.
69
Because now it's her son who has given the Queen something else to worry about? Diana made the worst of a bad situation.
1
I just feel sorry for Harry. He lost his mother so tragically when so little. We can’t imagine all what his royal life has entailed.
Nevertheless, he’s not about to lose another woman in his life and I think he’ll do whatever he needs to do to keep his marriage not only together, but to keep happiness in it.
Wondering if Meghan had any idea what she was getting into....
240
This is a huge win for the Duchess. Any publicity is, after all, good publicity. She also has a rich, handsome husband, a cute baby son, and no further obligation to participate in tiresome, boring "royal life". As an added bonus, the Cult of Woke is blaming her departure on racism, so she gets-off with a free pass.
100
@MIMA I suspect the Duchess knew exactly what she was getting into. She was not exactly an 18 year old ingenuous Princess Di. If she did not, it speaks of a complete lack of sophistication that I do not believe can be attributed to her.
65
@MIMA Of course she knew what she was getting into. She was a worldly 37-year old divorcee, not some fragile ingenue. You think Harry didn't prepare her for the worst? All his previous girlfriends refused to join the royal family, knowing full well what that entailed. Anyone with two synapses to rub together would have anticipated the scrutiny they received. I have little sympathy for these two. Not looking forward to hearing/seeing them in Canada.
47
They should have made Harry the governor general of Canada. He would have had a job and a role. Canada would have benefited from a gaining a talented couple as the resident representative of the queen and head of state.
169
@Mkm In a word, No. We do not want a Royal as the Queens Constitutional representative. We have Julie Payette, former astronaut, scientist and someone who is fluently bilingual born and raised in Canada. Harry does not have a university degree, has not lived in Canada and has a career in civilian life ahead of him. I doubt his French is adequate for GG.
The smartest thing for Meghan and Harry would have been to put off their wedding a few months or even a year so as to negotiate their exit from royal duties before having gotten into the family business. Instead, they put themselves in an untenable situation which ultimately got them fired.
I'm very happy for them and could understand how Will would be jealous, but they should have gone even further and given up the "Sussexes" title as well. As Harry Windsor and Meghan Markle they would do just fine and even enjoy even more freedom and respect from the Canadian population. Next step for them is to figure out a way to pay for their security costs, because as much as we like them, the money could be better spent on improving the living conditions and education of our indigenous population in the far north.
357
@Mkm
Julie Payette, our current Governor General is a former astronaut and engineer who also holds a Masters Degree in computational linguistics (a field of artificial intelligence).
We're covered, thanks.
292
@Mkm
Harry can never be Governor General of Canada. Under the agreement with the Queen, Harry and Meghan can no longer officially represent her.
85
I wish Prince Harry and Meghan well where ever or how ever they choose to live in Canada. British Colombians have historically welcomed famous people. I think these people enjoy holidaying here; because they are treated no differently than the anyone else. As long as they don't expect to be catered to or receive special treatment and treat us with mutual respect, we'll get along fine.
George Herbert Bush and friends fished in Terrace, Kevin Costner, Robin Williams and many more have visited unmolested. Mel Gibson helped my niece break into her van after her two year old son locked her out in Smithers, B.C..
We recognize most of these people but respect their privacy and wouldn't dream of intruding in it. Paparazzi will not fare well here for the same reasons.
167
Congratulations and Best Wishes. Diana would be proud, and Happy.
217
@Phyliss Dalmatian Diana used the press...even tipped them off to where she would be appearing...I liked Diana...but she was for sure unstable.
86
@scarlett The press was using Diana to sell papers.....so what is wrong with using them, also?
1
Good for Harry and Meghan - and at the same time good riddance.
As being the spare in the dictum of 'a heir and a spare', Harry probably saw a limited role other than as a glorified flunky appearing at public events and overseeing the opening of shopping malls.
And with Meghan, as a bi-racial American, she was getting lambasted by the press in an exponential factor compared to what Wallis Simpson went through back in the 1930's. Yet, to Meghan's credit (or discredit), I think she finally realized what it would take for an American to make it in the Royal Family in a post-Empire Britain. Obviously should found it less than to her liking.
Basically, Harry and Meghan have consigned themselves to B list status among royals and more so in whatever celebrity endeavors they'll try to cash in on. That is, unless Scotland decides to break free from the UK and ask Harry to reign as king. Henry I?!
10
Harry has lost a lot. Stripped of his military titles, distanced from his family and the insular comfort of the crown, the position he held in the hearts of the British public for his whole life. I hope he is able to adjust and find a place for himself in his new world ---- I hope no one ever calls him "Mr. Markle". I hope his new life is worth it. For Meghan, who knows what she had in mind when she married a royal. Maybe more of a place --- maybe the place she wanted she discovered had already been taken by her sister-in-law, Kate. Eschewing tradition for the glam and empty glitz of Hollywood --- the American way. I hope they find happiness --- money and famous connections are the currency of America --- maybe they will have a reality show, " From Royalty to Reality In Thirty Days".
4
They will live a wonderful and happy life now. Raise a family, have careers and enjoy themselves. Harry lost his mom to the paps, why lose a wife? Anyway...Let's be upstanding, hats off and raise our glasses to the couple, their son and the modern era. Long live the Mr. and Mrs.
3
Meghan disowned her own father and her invalid half sister that is the reason for downfall of MM plus she wants to pursue her career in show business which she is more suited to? Harry is Harry....pure and simple
3
The problem with walking away from being a 'senior' working member of the British royal family is that it's a decision which doesn't just affect you, but a whole lot of other people.
Whatever the reasons behind this decision, it's a pity that the Sussexes presented their decision as a 'fait accompli', rather than working something out with the rest of the family.
The Queen is in her 90s. Prince Charles and his siblings are not young, either. This change leaves precisely two people - the Cambridges - with a huge amount of work.
5
Best of luck to them.
1
The Queen's statement can be read as an endorsement of Meghan and Harry's break with Charles behavior. Are we looking at King Harry?
It's all about Megan the Fickle. I feel very sorry for Harry. And in a few years she will think he ruined her chance to be the Princess she always really wanted to be and will divorce him. Then where will he be?
The Queen was too soft on them. They should have been pushed out completely and completely cut off from all royal funds, including Prince Charles' support.
8
All the comments making Diana to be a victim are misguided. She was a nitwit who did not know that husband is a verb as well as a noun. And she did not do the job she signed on for. She wanted all the perks without the work and responsibility.
When Pres. Reagan had a state dinner for her and Charles she was asked if there was anyone she wanted invited. The whole world to choose from and she might have picked Neil Armstrong, Jonas Salk, Viktor Frankl, Rosa Parks, Robert Noyce, Mother Tersea, etc etc etc.
And whom did she asked to be invited: John Travolta.
Is it any wonder her husband sought companionship elsewhere?
7
My sense for tabloid press keep your distance from Harry and Meghan. Tabloid do not keep their distance Royal Family will strike back firmly.
Are we now free of this foolish obsession with minor Royalty? Best wishes to them in their new incarnation but please do it on private!
2
Money doubtlessly played a role as this couple can turn rarefied air into cash. Sit on a few fund boards, do Amex commercials or a cameo in a hot movie will pay millions. This couple will be zillionaires before next Tuesday without even understanding the opportunity as wearing a pair of sneakers might be worth more than Switzerland.
2
I wish Mr. Lander would have mentioned the fact that the reason for the "abruptness" of the announcement Harry and Meghan made about their departure was that the British Press had managed to pry the information out ahead of schedule, somehow, as usual, and were about to break the story. And presumably Meghan and Harry wanted to be the ones to craft the message--not the press. To leave this out of the reporting is most unfair to them.
As for the press being about to break the story ahead of time, this is a perfect example of why Harry and Meghan are leaving...
2
I also want to break free from the life of living in palaces and country estates at the taxpayers expense and not having to work a real job. Someone help me escape this tragic difficult life!
6
While Harry and Meghan went about declaring freedom all wrong, meaning telling the world before their family, all's well that ends well. May they find the peace they seek and a way to fund their lavish lifestyle.
Princess Diana was treated so poorly by this family -- Charles' infidelity, the Queens' determination to isolate her led her to a life of depression and isolation. Yet she fought back and became one of the greatest mothers and philanthropic advocates (land mines, AIDS, poverty etc). She did this, in an era without social media. WOW - I know she is happy her son Harry is not letting the Windsors ruin his life and attack his wife. Harry and Meghan, Princess Di is looking down beaming with pride.
2
It is surprising to see so many comments from US-based readers about the lives of the British royal family and their coverage by the British pres. How do you know so much?! Do you regularly read the British press?
I have lived in the UK for many decades and regularly (ie daily) read a wide variety of British newspapers and magazines. The characterization of press coverage of Meghan and Harry as “racist” is simply wrong. Despite understandable initial surprise that Harry was dating an actress with an established career abroad, the press coverage of the engagement and wedding was very positive — as was the public’s interest and support on the wedding day itself — and there have been mostly positive subsequent comments about Meghan’s intelligence and poise, as well as her sense of style. Their missteps have been reported, too, but no more so than for anyone in their position. Many celebrities would be delighted to receive such broadly positive coverage.
For those of us who have observed the relationship through the British press over three and a half years (yes.... it has been only three and a half years since H and M met!), it is baffling to see US reports they have been “hounded” by the press.
The best thing the press could do now is to stop “reporting” on H and M and see whether they really enjoy (and can earn money) living as a “private” family.
6
Married less than 2 years. Gone, baby, gone.
This "plan" that they proposed 10 days' or so ago was not hatched within the past 2-3-6-9 months. It took lots of planning and professional research.
And, it's not done yet. Aside from whatever the "monarchy" decided to agree to, there are complex personal security issues, tax issues, citizenship issues, work permit issues and VISA issues.
Obviously, for at least a year, H&M had a team of lawyers and public relations people working on this "plan" to do some kind of 1/2 and 1/2 royal and not-royal thing ----- which was nothing more than an opening salvo that they knew the Queen and Charles would not accept. They knew that, in the end, they could not get everything they wanted.
And, yes, I think it was mostly Meghan. As far as how it played out.
It was an obnoxious social media, PR stunt concocted by Meghan and a team of people she is paying (unless they are doing it for free) who think they can make money off of her, with the permission and maybe excitement of Harry who wants to have some peace in his life.
Good luck. And, anyone who buys anything Sussex Royal branded is a fool.
10
It's something of a stretch to compare this with Edward V111's abdication. Harry is 6th in line to succeed, which in this day and age is never. Now you would be on the money it were Prince William backing out of the family firm.
1
They do not need security arrangements because of their private endeavors. They need it because of their royal association, something that Harry had no choice in. My understanding is that the commonwealth taxes it's citizens to support the royal family, and so their security should be covered under that same policy.
1
They can start to be financially independent by paying rent to the owner of the mega mansion in Vancouver. I understand that Harry et al will be meeting again on Monday to finalize the “financials.” Seems like they want a big cushion to jump start whatever they’re going to pursue.
4
They will not be completely financially independent since they will continue to get an undisclosed amount from Prince Charles.
The British tabloids will not let up, unfortunately.
I wish them the best.
2
Once Meghan was under the tent she realized that Harry doesn't have as much money as she thought. Their royal lives of attending ribbon cuttings and charities was boring and they would constantly be under the thumb of the Queen and could not have the glamorous life she wanted. She hatched a plan to earn her own money and gave Harry an ultimatum. He needs a strong female and was happy to jump ship to a life he never imagined he could have. In the end I admire her hustle but she will be the breadwinner and tire of him unless he pulls his own weight.
4
Funny that for these folks living "independent lives" means continuing to draw millions of dollars a year from his father. If Harry truly wanted independence for himself and his family, he'd stop taking any money from the royal family. But, Harry has never worked a day in his life, so he must be aware that he can never be his own man. Meghan can probably act again and earn the family income, but what can poor Harry do? He's never been educated or prepared for anything but life on the royal dole.This is the kind of acting out normally expected of teenagers, not middle-aged adults. Let them really try living like non-royals for a while and see if they can cope.
8
@Ms. Pea
Harry was in the military. And he does royal engagements. Not the most fufilling (probably the reason for walking away from it) work but work non the less.
2
Edward VIII was the king. Harry is so far down a line of succession that his chances of assuming the thrown are zero to none. He should be independent and not a part of the huge British dole system.
1
Unfortunately, everything this couple hopes to avoid is hardly over for them.
2
I wish them all the best and hope this change works out well for all concerned, Still, I can't help being a bit disconcerted by two thirty-somethings stating they plan to "work toward" financial independence. They have a combined net worth in the neighborhood of $40 million, so even if they do nothing but live off the income (a conservative 5% return would be about $2 million per year), they're way, way up in the 1%. Bit of a disconnect here.
13
It would be such a sweet surprise if they just went quietly into the night, stayed out of the limelight, didn't start hawking their "royal-wares" and lived a nice quiet life in Canada. The odds of that happening are about one in a million.
Let's just hope she keeps her promise and doesn't move to the States while Trump is in office.
23
Yes, how dare they go into trade... How absurd some of these comments are getting.
1
I would be surprised if this ends well. One does not just divorce one's family. Maybe Meghan Markle can and has in the past; but I sincerely doubt that Prince Harry can. I can't imagine how Charles and William feel about this.
The rupture of between the two brothers is regrettable- at least in family terms. It seems, by what little the public really knows, that William watched out for Harry while growing up and that the two of them were close. When Wills paired up with Kate Middleton, it was the brothers and Kate. Not so much when Meghan came along.
Maybe it's the two different cultures clashing.
Meghan Markle left her first husband with a text or something similar- maybe this is her way of getting out of things that don't suit her- quickly with little thought to the consequences of actions or feelings of others. It has worked out well for her so far. She is a celebrity.
And then there's their "Brand." Maybe they can make a fortune on being famous- kind of like the Kardashians and the Trumps.
Please- don't move to Los Angeles where the paparazzi feed hourly on celebrities- that would make this big break from the Royals and the media look a little disengenious.
Sorry to be a downer but, I really don't see how this ends well. It makes me sad.
Best wishes though. Maybe they will write a new successful story for the monarchy.
22
@vwcdolphins
Then there is the question of security. Moving to LA ups the risk, despite it being full of security experts. Diana foolishly settled for less than adequate security protection and we know how sadly her story ended.
Staying under the protective wing of the Royal Family isn't a reason to live in a toxic situation, as its been described, but I can't help but be concerned for their future safety.
4
On point, except that you're assuming it was Meghan who engineered the split from the royals. It's more likely Harry felt insulted the way he was constantly mistreated publicly, and who knows what snippets of insults and snide remarks whispered by family members that eventually got to him.
2
@vwcdolphins It may surprise you to know that, not only did the Queen's sister, Margaret, divorce, but also 3 of her 4 children are divorced (Charles, Ann & Andrew). So, Harry has had plenty of experience of divorce within his family, including a stepmother, Camilla. But the Queen also has 8 grandchildren & 8 great grandchildren, so it's a big family to absorb all the slings & arrows.
What Meghan couldn't overcome was the vicious racist British press which both she & Harry should've had a clue would happen, given what happened to his mother & 1000 yrs of the Crown sitting on top of inherited white rule which symbolizes the British state.
1
Harry will come crawling home after the divorce.
30
@sf
No way. He won't risk losing any portion of custody of Archie.
Who writes these headlines? Does accuracy not matter at all at The Times?
These royals did don’t “give up” their royal titles. They will stop using the titles in some circumstances. So what?
Also, can someone—maybe The Times—please explain to me how MM can become a royal and not be stripped of her American citizenship? I vaguely remember reading about a war against English tyranny and royalty..... What’s up with that? Why is she still an American? Unlike the British, we bow to no one.
5
@John Galt
The actor Christopher Guest, a native New Yorker, formally known as Christopher Haden-Guest, 5th Baron Haden-Guest, holds dual British and American citizenship. He formerly sat in the House of Lords. It’s unclear how much his British ancestry and time spent in Britain as a child contributed to the authenticity of Guest’s portrayal of Nigel Tufnel (“our amps go to eleven,” “Lick My Love Pump”) in “This Is Spinal Tap.”
Guest is a “noble,” not a “royal,” but it seems the current precedent is clear: there’s no problem.
@John Galt ....no-one, except Putin.
@John Galt I think, though it's not clear from the article, that what the couple is losing is not their titles (they apparently will still be Duke and Duchess of Sussex), but their "styles"--His/Her Royal Highness. This is quite similar to what happened to Princess Diana as a result of her divorce: she became "Diana, Princess of Wales" and lost the style "Her Royal Highness." In other words, although still in the family, they are out of the business of being royal.
He's an alien. Let's don't let him in since he's unemployed and all.
15
Britain’s black community has learnt a sad lesson - you can even marry a royal but still you will never quite be accepted as ‘people like us’.
10
Meghan does not seem to have black friends (except the famous ones she’s now acquainted with like Serena). She has aunts, uncles and cousins on her mother’s side that I see from photos that they released at first. They seem like nice people. Meghan never acknowledged or invited them. So, I find it interesting how many black people & minorities are so vocal in supporting. The only time that I have seen her with black & minority people is when there is a public event or they are famous.
10
@Ozziecrobat -- Meghan is not black. At least not all black. She married into the royal family and as such she had obligations. Instead it's Meghan's "my way or the highway". She has always used people and still does. Color has nothing to do with this.
10
@Ozziecrobat
Did you watch the wedding? Did you see how Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mother, comported herself with great dignity, and how Charles took her arm with equal dignity to go to sign the wedding registry? Did you see the photo of the beaming Queen with Doria, Harry, Meghan and Philip, greeting baby Archie? On what basis can you say that Meghan and her mother were “not accepted”?
4
The biggest crisis the Queen has faced since Diana’s death is not H&M stepping back, it is that her son Andrew seems to have reinforced a good many suspicions that he is a sexual predator and pedophile. Whether her grandson lives in Canada or the UK is inconsequential, and likely even a good distraction from creepy Andrew.
21
@Slats G I almost thought what does the H&M store has to do with all this? :)
They should all get jobs. Royalty is public welfare for Germans masqerading as Brits. End it mow and sell the castles to hotel chains.
13
Shameful that the British press hounded them out of Great Britain.
3
@Dorothy Nagelbach -- They need to develop a thicker skin. Besides, if the couple moves to LA, the British press compared to the paparazzi in the US will appear benign!
3
@Dorothy Nagelbach
if you lived in Britain and read the British press, you would know they were not “hounded”. On the contrary, they were given very positive coverage for most of their work and public appearances.
3
Misleading heading to this article.
They have NOT forgone their royal titles at all.
This couple will still be known as the Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Not much has changed really - just not HRH any more.
7
They said "Bye Felicia!". Now our opinion no longer matters. Good for them!
2
Tabloids like The Daily Mail have been vile in their treatment of Meghan, a poised, attractive woman who might have been an asset to the British establishment.
7
Ok go make your privileged path. Between losing his mother tragically at a young age, her difficulties with Andrew he’s got a lot inside. She’s likable and capable and had an unusual parent situation too. How Harry’s Nazi uniform pictures didn’t haunt him was surprising. I’m bored with them.
4
What’s with British Royals marrying Americans that’s bad influence on them? In fact, what’s with European royals marrying the Hollywood crowd that’s ended up wracking their own life? Look up Norway’s princess, divorced her husband of 17 years to be with a shaman that charge $400 a hour to spiritual cleanse.
6
They will take $ from Charles, whose income is solely derived from an estate he has because he is a royal, nothing he earned. Therefore they are still being supported by the people. They were and remain on the dole by birth, and are the ultimate welfare "queens".
20
Every multi millionaire and billionaire is being supported by the people. Where do you think all that money comes from? Paying people fair wages?
3
Reading through the comment section here, and watching the press coverage of “Meagxit”, I find it amazing that little attention is being given to why they’ve chosen to live in Canada and not the US. America’s black princess, after choosing to leave Royal life in the UK, choses to live in Canada and not return home to America. Think about it.
5
Hopefully this is the beginning of the end of the royal family and all royalty on the planet. No humans are better than any other humans and the idea of bowing down to someone because they’re in a “higher” position than you is repulsive behavior.
12
For people wanting to exit royal lives, surprising they are still keeping the Duke and Duchess title and money from Prince Charles.
12
No worries...their crashing at oprahs
5
Harry is certainly his mother’s son and, like Diana, no royal title taken away will diminish his special magic. May they have the happy ending his mother never enjoyed.
8
I am not sure why this is a big news! Guys, give them a break.
1
I say 5 years before she divorces him and he’s back in England. Will his dad restore his title?
14
Of course Harry will now be; Duke formally known as Prince.
8
@Jeff P
Ok. That did make me laugh.
It’s time the rest of the monarch died out and get bury with the queen, the people of Britain needs that yoke removed, how bizarre I mean this is the 21 century.
5
Can we stop hearing about these two now please?
11
Knowing this, I can die in peace.
5
I wish them well, but frankly, who cares?
8
Clearly this is the modern day version of the biblical Adam and Eve 
3
Correction! Harry and Meghan.
1
In the past eight days, the Times has published 13 articles, 2 collections of reader letters, an op-ed, an editorial, an explainer, an explainer for the Times Learning Network, an AP
story, and numerous news briefings -- all of them about the grandson of a woman who holds no actual power in a foreign country.
6
@Locho Incidentally she approves or disapproves the appointment of all high court judges as head of State. Also all bishops as head of Church of England. The power of the monarchy works behind the scenes but it exists if you look carefully enough as with the House of Lords by appointment of the government and HM Queen Elizabeth. No doubt it is more about pomp and ceremony. An English tradition like Guy Fawkes night every November?
@Simon Cardew Forgot to mention the Commonwealth an organisation of the former British Empire including India South Africa Australia and Canada; of which HM Queen Elizabeth acts as figurehead. Britain also represented in the Caribbean region.
From day one of their announced wedding engagement ,she was as a half black woman not welcomed in the Royal family.
Many in the British press would show her in the worst light even her feet were shown in the media and mention of her bunion surgeries .
She tried to fit in ,the flying saucer hats and all ,it did not work she now comes home to "free" North America welcomed here for being herself .
3
Thank goodness these wonderful people are now freed from the tabloid press, which Harry rightfully blames for the death of his mother Diana.
5
Would Harry get welcomed back into the princely fold should this marriage end?
3
The comments in this section blaming Meghan for the split is pure RACISM! It is not like Harry is unable to make decisions himself!
6
@InfinteObserver -- not everything comes down to racism. It certainly isn't applicable here.
While Harry is perfectly able to make decisions himself did it ever occur to you that he could be "hen-pecked"?
3
@Don Juan If he is hen pecked, then than it is up for him to break free of being hen pecked!
1
What a haughty, self-aggrandizing bunch of critical posters. Let the lovebirds be.
7
Not unlike their mother before them who helped change the world really when she shattered prejudices and physically touched an AIDS patient, Harry and William have chosen to help dispel the stigma around mental illness.
They also started to talk publicly about the shattering trauma of their mother's death. It's something that is permanent. They're forever altered by it, as is anyone who experiences trauma in their youth or childhood, particularly the loss of a parent and what they're doing for people by opening up and offering support on both, is incalculably valuable and also life saving.
As long as Harry continues to use his name and fame for this, when he so easily could have not, may he have the blessings of the ages. I just hope she really does love him.
4
@Wish What makes you doubt she may not love him? It seems that most people can’t resist throwing shade at Meghan.
Sometimes leaders not only have a right to step back. They also have a duty to do so.
I explain why in my latest lForbes column, “A Royal Question: When Do Leaders Have a Duty to Step Back?”:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bruceweinstein/2020/01/11/a-royal-question-when-do-leaders-have-a-duty-to-step-back/
1
Geez. Soldiers walking around in bear skin helmets as big as trash cans and with un sensible shoes. Woman in the royal family having to wear hats when they go out, so ridiculous.
It is time for the royals and Brits to wake up and join the modern era.
4
Perhaps they should have done this before that big royal wedding.
12
they’re need a to add a hyphen to their new website: www.suss-exroyal.com
10
I think Harry and Meghan have made a huge mistake -- one they (particularly Harry) will soon regret. Life outside the castle walls is brutal. Let's hope they know what the heck they are doing.
6
I believe Harry's friend's version of the decision by Harry and Meghan to escape the poisonous and Machiavellian atmosphere of Buckingham Palace. The leaking of the essay Prince Harry was pressured to write (by the Queen's courtiers) was too convenient to be a coincidence.
All the attention to Harry and his family took the world's eyes off the disgusting Prince Andrew. The Queen sacrificed Harry and Archie and Meghan to save her favorite, Andrew.
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/prince-harrys-friend-harry-and-meghan-were-driven-out-alleges-the-house-of-windsor-is-poisonous-and-machiavellian-2020-01-12
4
There is enough blame to go around---
The tabloids in Britain are vicious life-wreckers
The "Firm" hasn't done anything to reign in the tabloids
Harry rushed into a marriage
Meghan rushed into a family with huge obligations and restrictions
The good news---
The queen and Prince Charles are making a huge effort to not
make the same mistakes in dealing with messy family problems as in the past
They seem to be leaving the door open for Harry and his family
William and Harry seemed to have made a great complementary team. I hope they can still be close brothers.
3
@SLB Did it ever occur to you that Harry married Meghan because he loved her and wanted to spend his life with her? I think the non-stop bigotry, cruelty and hatred toward Meghan played a major part in their exit. I applaud him for removing his family (Archie and Meghan are his family) from that toxic environment.
1
It seems that American women are always trouble makers
7
Your Royal Highness? Oh please....High time this nonsense faded away. This may not be a completely democratizing situation making them “a normal family” but it’s a step in the right direction.
2
Harry, the Royalist formerly known as Prince.
1
I wonder if this "big news" would get as much attention if this happened in say, Ethiopia or Nigeria.
5
These people didn't give up their royal title, the queen stripped it. Just looked at their website, they still refer to themselves on there as "Their Royal Highnesses". No, the queen agreed to let them behave badly in order to make this go away and then later quietly told them they would not be using that title any more. Had they initiated giving this up, they would not have used it all over their website. Harry made a very bad choice in this girl...she has proved this again and again, with most of her relationships, with her family and friends. She has a Hollywood air of entitlement about her. Apparently she believes the PR about herself from the television show, which not very many people have seen. What we've all seen before, is the mediocre star who gets demanding and then walks off, because they think they were the show. Can you remember Suzanne Somers or Charlie Sheen? I know there are more like that, but I honestly can't remember their names. Wait, just wait until we get to the divorce. She's like Kim Kardashian with a Krown and no Klass. A perfect 20th century made for TV Royal. She'll be gone in a minute, time to change the channel.
12
@thewriterstuff -- to point to Meghan's character: just inquire on how she treated her other adopted dog? She left him behind for greener pastures. She is an opportunist. Unfortunately Harry being so besotted, will find out what she really is until it is very late/too late. Though I am sure his brother won't throw him to the wolves the way Meghan did her father and her dog.
3
Poor Prince Harry, he picked the wrong bride and now he can't get out of it.
7
@Oracle at Delphi -- This is what happens when you marry a social climber. Not that there were no warnings signs. The way she treated all of her exes, her father, and yes, one of her adopted dogs -- this should have been so telling. But love is blind. Until it isn't!
1
Once again, they did not “give up” HRH, rather they are not using the HRH.
4
What seems missed here, is that Harry (and William) grew up with a mother they loved who was literally mowed down....by the press. Diana's sons cannot but have mixed feelings about being "Royals". William will have the throne eventually. Can't Harry deserve wanting peace?
6
Cherchez la femme .... in this case cherchez l’american!
Best of luck to them
3
Wish the Trump children would follow suit. Sing Sing would be a good spot to relocate.
8
She is the Kim Kardashian of the Royal Family. On guard, watch her roll in her new ole
In their new life they will embarrass and degrade the royal family.
Two opportunists.
13
My goodness, all this hullabaloo because some people think their blood is more valuable than yours or mine.
It’s pretty ridiculous, isn’t it?
5
His or Her Royal Highnesses. It probably sounded cool when applied to the truly rough survivors of a War of Succession or the steely rulers of the Knights of The Round Table. But now it sounds silly, stupid and infantile. I would find it embarrassing too.
Also, this is a woman who has experienced some middling success in Hollywood, and a man who’s mother (at least in his mind) was murdered by the tabloid paparazzi. Add to this the tragedy of Prince Randy and other second-born royals like the queen’s own sister, and of course they’re going to get a life.
We’ll see how they do; I could see them doing a J-Lo style approach where you have a production company, a beauty-products line, perhaps menswear, blah blah blah. Financing won’t be hard to come by in LA and San Francisco. Stay away from the East Coast Wall Street people, they’re asset-strippers.
4
As Americans, why should we care? We should recognize no "royal highness". Their so-called "royal" status is a mere accident of birth. Royalty and aristocracy has no legitimacy in my little corner of the world. People who bow and scrape to highness only humiliate and degrade themselves.
4
@hermz1 -- "People who bow and scrape to highness only humiliate and degrade themselves".
How right you are!
1
The second image is gorgeously revealing. Camilla has just said something funny and everyone is laughing - except the Queen, who doesn't like to be upstaged.
How very different the royal family would have been if tradition hadn't initially insisted that Charles marry a virgin.
3
Now if only Prince Andrew would give up his titles ....
6
Harry and Meghan sittin’ in a tree
K I S S I N G...
Harry and Meghan. It’s clear to see
They upset the royalty
Do they think it’s a fun thing
To forgo the State funding?
3
@Very Confused -- Without money and a title how valuable his Harry to Meghan now? Just another bloke...until someone better comes along.
1
So they get to keep their titles ( even if they won't use them) and their funding from the Duchy of Cornwall. So they aren't giving up anything but they are getting the right to commercialise themselves. Nice work if you can get it.
5
Since the beginning of Harry and Meghan's marriage, many Brits have been shouting "how dare Meghan become part of the Royal Family! She's controlling and manipulating." Now, these same people spew vitriol about how dare Meghan want to leave the Royal Family! She's controlling and manipulating. Bottom line is that being a strong, bi-racial woman was NEVER going to be accepted. Hypocrites.
5
@Roho -- being bi-racial has nothing to do with this. Meghan should have known that she cannot have it her way with the Royals, but she thought she could bulldoze her way through. When she realized she couldn't she decided to withdraw. She is an opportunist, always was and always will be. Ask people how she abandoned one of her adopted dogs. She is a social climber, nothing more.
2
If anyone has a right to be mad at Harry and Meghan it's the people of Sussex, who have been left leaderless without their Duke and who are now defenseless against incursions from Hampshire and Kent.
21
Comment of the year! Brava!!
2
Let every man be the King and every woman being the Queen.
Let every boy be the prince and every girl be the princess.
2
If they are to be merely Duke and Duchess, and no longer Royal Highnesses, then what about their website and brand, Sussex Royal? Will they have to change it to Sussex Ducal?
5
Apparently not giving up without a fight...because this continues to be their signoff on their webpage....."Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex"...don't think they saw that coming.
8
@thewriterstuff -- "Their Royal Highnesses" does not wash in the part of the world. They want to be separate from the Royal family? Let them stand on their own two feet, without support from the royals whatsoever. Who needs royals anyway? They are leeches on society.
Oh, it finally happened! Good!!
Meghan Markle or any other American actress any no business in the Royal House of Windsor. As Prince Philip said, “You do not marry an actress.”
5
Those colonists always causing trouble for England! But their exploits will take them far - just look at the Khardashians.
2
How exactly does Harry qualify to immigrate to Canada? It’s not like he’s a scientist, or someone who has exceptional expertise. Shouldn’t he “get in line” the Canadian way?
10
@BWCA -- yes, he should get in line. Plus, living on Vancouver Island probably rubs many people the wrong way. We love Vancouver Island but not when there is a lot of security because of "this" couple. Weren't they supposed to do some work in Africa?
Please. Let's just stop for minute. And in light of everything else that is going on in the world, can we just STOP focusing of the outcome of Megxit. Good luck , goodbye. May they be happy and move on. So should we.
4
Good for them. Royalty is an anachonism maintained by media ( esp US media). Guess they'll have to rely on Instgram now.
2
Seems fair to me. Harry and Meghan quit their royal duties because they (I think mostly Meghan)thought it was beneath them. As one royal expert said "Meghan realized that royal life was she as a civil servant wearing a tiara and she didn't like that." IMHO, I am sure she liked wearing the tiara, she just didn't like the civil servant part. Why should British taxpayers keep funding them, if Harry and Meghan quit them. I love that they have to pay the 3.1 million back, that seems fair too. I think the "SussexRoyal" trademark is gonna be a problem since they are not HRH anymore. Somehow just "Sussex" doesn't have the same ring to it. No more Trooping the Color and standing on the balcony or state dinners anymore. Harry and Meghan wanted to be half in/ half out of royal life. But I think this information today pushes them 100% out of the royal family and life.
9
@Jordan Davis -- The pair just needs to take a reality check. Wherever they live if there is security detail they should pay for themselves.
3
They haven’t lost their titles, they are still the duke & duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry lost the “HRH” and that’s all. This is a good move for her but will prove disastrous for Harry. He’s given up the entire life he knows and his family for a woman who went to the UK in search of a rich & famous British husband to further her aspirations for fame and fortune. He loves Meghan but Meghan only loves Meghan.
7
@sfmom3 -- Yes, he was a fool for falling for her. Men fall for the wrong women all the time. I am sure that once he comes to his senses, his brother William will still be there for him. Meghan discarded her father who did everything for her. She used her boyfriends, husbands. She is a social climber. Now that they are on their own, sort of, who is not to say she won't take up with someone else more famous and with more money? Hey, is the guy from Amazon still available?
2
A gilded cage is still a cage. Harry, with the help of his beautiful new wife, found the courage to free himself. Good for him. Everybody wants to be free.
3
For two people who have so little actual impact on world, British events, world events, or, honestly, anything....
they sure do get a lot of press.
To be fair, the NY Times does report on Putin, Xi, and many other people who ARE impacting the world writ large.
But, these two?
If we don't report on them, it will matter not one whit to us, the world, and, also, probably to them.
6
Didn’t take long for her to get thrown out as a royal.
4
@Billie Lewis -- she did not get thrown out. They put up with her and all of her silly antics. It was her who was tired to the "royal thing" and pestered Harry to end it. Smitten and hen-pecked, he gave in to her.
4
Not that race relations are exemplary in Canada, but as a Canadian-born African American who’s married to a Jewish man, I think it’s important that Harry and Meghan’s son, Archibald, grow up in an environment that’s multi-racial and culturally inclusive. I have pictures of myself as a 5 year old girl at an Ottawa birthday party where we played with Asian and white friends. I’m 57 years old; all my African American contemporaries have bitter memories of their families moving to “white” neighborhoods and having KKK crosses on their lawns. In Britain, bi-racial English children of my age remember their neighbors smearing their doors with dog faeces. My most traumatic childhood memories in Canada was a white boy in kindergarten who liked pulling my pigtails.
Meghan Markle is a woman with an education and a thriving career of her own. She married a British Royal but that shouldn’t come with a mendacious racism, class and cultural insults peculiar to the British. No, not in 2020. No one in North America throws bananas at black football players. She’s smarter and more educated than Harry or most anyone in the British Royal Family. Unlike her deceased mother-in-law, she won’t be subject to “virginity tests, or left without alimony and a means of supporting herself should Meghan’s marriage, like 60 percent of all modern marriages, fail.
Bravo, Meghan, you’re your husband’s best thing.
6
Umm, yeah, she was on a popular television series and was worth about $1M according to most estimates. Meghan Markle has a university degree from Northwestern. I don’t remember Harry graduating from any university. Lady Diana had a few O’ levels, far from the graduation standards of the average 12th grader in American high school today.
As an undergraduate in summer school Exeter College, Oxford in the late ‘80s, the tutors there told a funny story about Harry’s uncle, Prince Edward, who had recently graduated from Cambridge: “The prince’s progress was middling, but his two bodyguards were getting on splendidly with their lessons.”
1
I couldn't care less. why are we spending any time on the imperial welfare family?
5
Bill Maher said it best: (pardon the paraphrasing) "Who cares? This is a ridiculous centuries old tradition. No one should have to call another person 'your highness', either."
5
I recognize a parental technique which is probably not much in use anymore, but which is a good lesson for any "child" growing up, or trying. "I don't like your rules, and I'm leaving". "OK, you do that, but I won't pay for this or that, because I disagree and don't think it's good for you or us. we'll always be your family, and love you, but we have responsibilities we have to meet, and will pick up more of them if you don't, so we can't mollycoddle you".
Grandma is not a helicopter parent, and she's got a lot of "children" including her subjects.
2
Not that race relations are exemplary in Canada, but as a Canadian-born African American who’s married to a Jewish man, I think it’s important that Harry and Meghan’s son, Archibald, grow up in an environment that’s multi-racial and culturally inclusive. I have pictures of myself as a 5 year old girl at an Ottawa birthday party where we played with Asian and white friends. (See my pinned tweet @UICProfWatch) I’m 57 years old; all my African American contemporaries have bitter memories of their families moving to “white” neighborhoods and having KKK crosses on their lawns. In Britain, bi-racial English children of my age remember their neighbors smearing their doors with dog faeces. My most traumatic childhood memories in Canada was a white boy in kindergarten who liked pulling my pigtails.
Meghan Markle is a woman with an education and a thriving career of her own. She married a British Royal but that shouldn’t come with a mendacious racism, class and cultural insults peculiar to the British. No, not in 2020. No one in North America throws bananas at black football players. She’s smarter and more educated than Harry or most anyone in the British Royal Family. Unlike her deceased mother-in-law, she won’t be subject to “virginity tests, or left without alimony and a means of supporting herself should Meghan’s marriage, like 60 percent of all modern marriages, fail.
Bravo, Meghan, you’re your husband’s the best thing.
3
“I didn’t know that was something a person could do.”
- King George III, Hamilton
2
Who would want to live in a country where the Queen is warned to check her silver after your mother visits or your baby is portrayed as a chimpanzee in a picture titled "Royal Baby Leaves Hospital"?
The fable about killing the goose that laid the golden eggs comes to mind about sections of the British media.
3
Harry is smart. At 93 the queen wants to rule. Who in their right mind would do that? She should have abdicated long ago in favour of Charles, who should have been getting ready to abdicate in favour of William by now. With everybody standing next to a coffin, I don’t blame the guy who wants a real life. Fairy tales are overrated anyway. For that we have Disney.
6
A bizarre and twisted family that I certainly would have no wish to be part of.
3
I’m glad these two are giving up their royal titles and taxpayer funding. Now it’s time for the rest of the family to follow suit and put an end to this ridiculous, anachronistic and hierarchy-based institution, which Canadians have to bear as well.
2
The little England aspect to all this corfefe is racism, xenophobia and imperial hangover. Strange enough, all the national energy exerted the last three years on leaving Europe, yet the whole country is fuming because someone has chosen, out of self respect, not take abuse from ignorant bigots cheered on by a misanthropic right wing media and national government. I've been to Vancouver Island. It's a jolly good place to raise Archie without all that aristocratic starchinness, best explemplifed by Charles wearing a suit while visiting disaster areas in the Caribbean. Who among us has the courage and cojenes to found a Republican movement? Over to you Owen Jones...
4
They tried to have the best of both worlds, according to the initial statement on their website. But the truth is, you're either in the Firm, or you're not.
I think that Harry and Meghan got a pretty decent deal, all things considering. They can keep Frogmore, their titles, even HRH was not officially stsripped away. Charles will continue to fund their antics for the time being. I think all this was done with a view to allowing them back in, in case their working life doesn't pan out. Or when they they don't make the finals of Dancing with the Stars.
8
I don't think this was to get away from the glare of the media. This is to walk directly into in and not have to abide by any code of conduct.
5
I wish them well. I wonder how Harry will adjust to all of this. He has been raised as a rich Playboy who has never wanted for anything used to living in Grand house's surrounded by servants and people bowing to his every want. At his age to still get 95 percent of his income from his dad is something. If the live here in the US I expect they should pay for whatever they need and also pay American income tax just like I do.
4
That this episode is billed as a "crisis" demonstrates just how out of touch and irrelevant the British monarchy, or any monarchy, is.
2
In a sense, something like this might have been inevitable. In front of Harry is his father, his brothers, and his nephews and niece. He is never going to be king, and his cadet branch of the family is probably irrelevant to any future line of succession.
It has also been stated that Prince Charles may want to scale back the royal footprint anyway. If his son is out of that picture, junior royals may have to earn their own way as well.
There is every chance that Great Britain is headed for Little England status. The decision ultimately reduces the royal cost to the British, and perhaps soon to be English, taxpayer.
The couple are starting out as multi-millionaires. They both have names and skills that will open doors. Economically, they will be just fine.
Once the royal tag is off, it will also be easier for them to fade a bit and become normal celebrities. The costs of security may not be as dramatic as one thinks.
This seems to work all the way around.
3
I am shocked at the number of posts here, mostly by men but also by women, that blame the split on the woman in the relationship. It's a toxic narrative that affects all women, everywhere.
Misogyny is alive and well in the world today.
4
I am puzzled that the model adopted for Princess Anne's children is not applied here. Admittedly they are further down the line of royal succession than is Harry, but they are still in it and they too are the Queen's grandchildren. They do not have titles, their children do not have titles and they lead quiet, normal professional lives.
In return they carry out few royal duties and do not to live in the glare of international publicity. Nor do they try to live as global celebrities hoping to cash in financially as members of the Royal Family.
When Zara, Princess Anne's daughter, was banned for driving for 6 months a week or two ago, there was no media frenzy.
All Harry and Meghan need to do is just become plain Mr. and Mrs. Windsor. However, Harry must realize that men twice his age will no longer need to stand up when he enters the room.
6
"And she said we must get together
But I knew it'd never be arranged
And she handed me twenty dollars
For a two fifty fare, she said
"Harry, keep the change" "
Harry Chapin - Taxi
1
The royal family has too many hangers on who are unemployable elsewhere (most have very low IQs). Princes Andrew and Edward should have been cut off at age 18. Harry likewise.
Diana apparently refused royal security - hence why she died - due to using her boyfriend's drunk driver (and not wearing a seatbelt). So security is important. Personally I think they should self fund it or stay indoors.
5
We can look forward to a monarchy right here in America very soon! Yay! ...
I think Harry is depressed.
2
Rupture? It seems the writer is getting just a "little" carried away and as far as security is concerned, for the time wherever they choose to reside while in Canada, I am sure someone other than the Canadian taxpayer will be picking up the tab.
Funny thing, while Meaghan was filming her television show, "Suits"she lived in a home she purchased in West Toronto that she lived in for 7 years and when she started to see Harry, he came to visit her several times, yet, despite him chatting with the next door neighbor over the fence, no one ever found out he was there. Of course, it was until the "Invictus Games" that summer in TO that people saw it was getting serious when they were watching an event holding hands sitting beside Barack, Michelle Obama and Joe Biden.
4
It is proof of and a tribute to the capacity of the British Royal Family to deflect scrutiny and manage the narrative.
Until Harry and Meghan's surprise decision to stop being "working royals", the main story was Prince Andrew's involvement with Epstein and his repeated intercourse with unwilling underage young women. More remarkable still was his reluctance to acknowledge that this was somehow unacceptable.
But then, a bolt out of the blue, the Sussexes announce their departure and all the attention shifts to that non-event. Because it IS a non-event, especially compared with what the Queen's second son has been up to. So, well done, Royal Palace!
But could we get back to the actual soul-destroying scandal?
4
Haters gonna hate. I don’t understand why they would have cared at all what others said about them. They had each other and a wonderful healthy happy baby. When you get to be referred to as H and HRH, who cares. I would have been laughing and just kept doing my thing and never let the haters have any impact on me.
3
The only accepted welfare is welfare for the rich cut them all off.
2
Would someone take a moment to help me understand why anyone cares.
1
The only purpose of the royal family is to cut ribbons and feed the tabloids.
Well, you kind of think, who cares? But, apparently Americans do.
I am happy for now no longer Prince Harry. I guess it has been coming for a long time.
God bless thhe couple. I find them wonderful and know that they will do good work across the world.
2
Good for them. If I were born in captivity, I'd want to get out of the cage too.
2
Where do we submit applications for the two open spots?
3
When your partner gaslights and separates you from your family and friends, then you’re heading into a world of hurt. Let Harry’s demise be a lesson to men everywhere to never lose yourself within a woman’s willful destruction of your agency and sense of self.
9
Why does anyone care about the royal family? These two seem like good, decent people. I wish them well. But honestly, why does anyone thing about this for a minute, other than to consider what a dumb relic any royal family is.
2
Where is woke nation? They are always on their high horse about being born into privilege... except when it comes to this?
2
How ungrateful if Mr. Windsor.if you grew up on taxpayer's money they own you. You can go off gadding at their expense. The american woman is to blame to. She is in her late 30s. She new what she was marrying into. Mr. Windsor must have a lot of money from his late mother. He should use it to pay off his wedding and other expenses used during his lifetime.
3
Let’s see what Archie has to say in a few years.
Perfect. Phase 2 of the American Revolution is now starting
1
Wonder if it's too late for Harry to go to college and then apply to law school? It would give him something to do.
Can someone explain to me why Canada is ruled by the British royal family? I don’t get it.
Because Canada is a colony of Britain. Canada is like the Falkland Islands or India before independence. It is a mere colony.
1
It’s hard to imagine Shakespeare turning this little episode into “Prince Harry”. Then again, Shakespeare did write “Much ado About Nothing”.
2
As is fitting for the House of Windsor, the best royals give up their titles while the worst ones hold on to theirs and sequester themselves from public view to avoid moral and legal responsibility for truly heinous and disgusting acts committed against children and women-- Yes, Prince Andrew, I'm talking about you.
2
Well, if media scrutiny is what they expect to avoid, it’ll be ten times what it was given they’ve stepped out of line. Naturally royal followers are going to analyze every and any means of their so-called financial independence. Princess Diana’s unfortunate end came after she left the Firm; of course there’s hope much was learned from this in terms of the quality of security the Sussexes will receive—better than a drunk driver..
Regardless, they’ve increased the intrigue of their royal soap opera and with it, media gape and glare.
3
Oh, please. This was not ever a constitutional crisis like the abdication of Edward Vlll was! As for 'the taxpayer money' for refurbishing Frogmore Cottage, it was already part of the Sovereign Fund over which the Queen has discretion re distribution. Frogmore needed work anyway. The payback to the Sovereign Fund is to stop any further talk about Royal Family public funding in general. Any idea how much of the Sovereign Grant goes to maintaining the revolting Prince Andrew in Royal Lodge?
5
The day will come when this becomes one of the biggest regrets of Harry's life next to marrying a spoiled Hollywood celebrity. If you truly love your husband, you do not tear him away from his family.
15
I would suggest tearing oneself away from reading "romance novels" found in the checkout line at the grocery store. That is, if the groceries aren't delivered from an online order.
2
Since they are coming over to our side of the ocean will we learn their last name?
1
It's Windsor. Actually they're a German family that changed the name to "Windsor" during WWI to sound less German.
4
I think “working Royal” is oddest two word combination I’ve seen all year.
6
They should sent an example and give their $50 million inheritance to the homeless .
4
Harry's mother escaped, now he's escaping too. To a place remote from the problems of Paris. The couple simply will not be the media draw that his mother was, and if they are the media will have to trek to a place that will not accommodate them. Good for you, M&H. ... I'm sure the couple had thought out this plan, as a back up plan, way in advance of the family conclave.
They were given fame through their toys family connections, he by birth her by marriage, which is not fame and fortune through hard work and sacrifice. quitting the royal family to monetize those connections is, well, distasteful. they’ve indicated plans to continue their “charitable work” which is spreading news about causes they deem important using the fame of royal connection. Yuck. cozying up to wealthy patrons of questionable morals themselves has already begun. summary, they are poseurs and grifters masquerading as ambassadors of good. the hypocrisy is breathtaking.
8
I read a couple of UK newspapers daily on line. The press coverage for Meghan was initially enthusiastic. I don't think I knew until very close to the wedding that she was mixed race - I had never heard of her or her TV series - and then some of the BTL comments I had seen began to make sense. Perhaps the press made more than they should of her family dynamics but to blame it all on press racism is about as foolish as blaming the ascent of Donald Trump on racist voters. I'm no royalist nor am I ever a defender of some of the tabloids: but take a look at the crass monetization of their status on which this pair is set before you assign blame.
9
I am more amazed at the admiration and adoration these two super weathy mediocre people are getting from Americans. I don't see this kind of adoration for your scientists, academics, social workers or good doctors. America's obsession with celebrities and third rate entertainers has affected American priorities and people's minds. It shows in the comments. Third rate mediocre Royalty, suit and suitless, should not be an American priority. There are bigger issues in the country and the world to worry about. These two mediocre wealthy people are going to be fine, and they are not going to give you a dime as they grab your attention and adoration. Stop the disgusting adulation.
19
@ExhaustedFightingForJusticeEveryDay It's amusing. It's a break from the constant barrage of awful news we're slammed with.
8
Much ado about very little, even if you see value in the monarchy, which is questionable.
Harry’s sixth in line with near nil to none of ever ascending to the throne. Nor would it matter if he drops out, as he has; they’d just go to the seventh in line. Yawn!
How can the royal non-royals support themselves? According to other mainstream media, Meagan has an estimate wealth of $5 million; and Harry has inheritance income of his own from both his mother, and the Queen mother, estimated at about $40 million.....hmm $45 million of their own money. They can pay back the $3.1 million of public money tomorrow and $41.9 illion, a nice tidy sum. They could lounge around very comfortably and do no work at all the rest of their lives if they managed their money only modestly wisely. Three per cent interest on $42 million is $1,260,000..... which is $3,452.05 per day, year round.
They don’t need Prince Charles to subsidize them, although they will be. And power to them!
5
The headline is misleading because the pair now known as Sussex Royal are not "giving up" their HRH titles. Far from it. Indeed, the royal family and the government probably pleaded with Harry to maintain his royal title. A careful read of the Buckingham Palace communication states that although the couple may no longer use their HRH titles in public, they will continue to maintain their style and dignity of a member of the Royal House of Windsor. The title of His/Her Royal Highness, the most potent symbol that one is "in" the royal family, is given for a lifetime - at one's birth or marriage - and it's why Wallis Simpson was denied it (King George VI apparently didn't believe her marriage to his elder brother would last). And the stripping of her HRH was the most potent symbol for Diana Spencer and the world that she was most certainly out of the Firm. Harry probably doesn't care, but his royal family and the government do care about the optics. It would be a constant embarrassment to continuously explain Harry's absence at significant events in the future when his father, brother and nephew is the king. After all, one can only be "Sussex Royal" when royal is your middle name.
3
Memo to the Royal Family - don't marry Americans...
The track record isn't good.
Memo to everyone, being a Princess is harder than it looks..
5
The TVE news service in Spain reported that Henry's net worth is over 35 million pounds and Megan's net worth is just under 5 million pounds. Financially independent?
2
With the combined inheritances from his mother and his great grandmother, the Duke of Sussex is a double-digit millionaire. His wife earned three to four million from her television series. Yet Prince Charles pays almost all of their living expenses from his own private funds.
So it looks to me like you've got a super-rich couple, who don't even have "duties" now--read, they are not tasked with work--and don't have to spend their own money because they are supported by dad. Wow. Afraid I have no sympathy.
8
So endearingly naive of you all not to spot that this is merely the next step in a byzantine but exquisitely-engineered plot to regain the colonies.
You didn't think we'd exit the EU and settle for nothing more than Little England status did you? With his lovely 21st-centry bride to provide full deniability, Harry is now poised to take up sleeper agent status in North America, ready to begin royalizing the continent at a moment's notice.
Canada should be easy; New England a tougher nut to crack - but if there's one thing the royals understand, it's the long game. By then, the South and the West will be ripe to fall.
First you lot, then India: if you didn't know what the Bullingdon Club was set up for, now you do.
3
Such nonsense in the 21st Century? This is truly "Much Ado About Nothing".
3
I’m going to miss them.........doing what, exactly?
3
A lot of Megan-bashing in the letters today. "He wouldn't have married her if he knew she didn't want to perform the royal duties." "She messed up the royal family with her crass American ways." "She's still going to cash in on her royal fame." People, they are a relatively young couple, probably in love, trying to live in a goldfish bowl. How about a little moral charity? As the young people say, haters gonna hate. Also, the fortunes and outcomes of royalty, in the end, are as insignificant as the Oscars. Best of luck to the pretty young people.
1
Meghan is “pretty “ so give her a pass? Pretty on the outside, but that’s enough for some. Truth will out.
2
I have a feeling he will regret this.
10
Royal duties are completely unimportant and irrelevant. It’s not like they’re quitting jobs as cancer researchers just before the get to cure, or walking away just before they solve international famine. The Magna Carta has no provision for “the pursuit of happiness,” but pursue it they should. Good luck to them.
Also, getting away from centuries of inbreeding seems like a good thing.
I love Canada and I hope they’ll be happy their. The haters will find something else to hate in a few news cycles.
1
I think you'll find upon further inquiry "uphold the values of Her Majesty" means the palace will stipulate the Sussexes' commercial and other endeavors must follow UK government ethics, the Nolan rules, and if not, they will further be fined or constrained. The Queen's response has been swift and stinging.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1226612/royal-news-prince-harry-meghan-markle-relationship-queen-elizabeth-ii-protocol
2
Why can’t they sell their titles (at auction) and thereby fund their new life?
And now everybody’s happy. She wasn’t very good at being a royal anyway and refused to play by the rules and abide by the traditions of the ages. as antiquated as they are, she knew she marrying into this environment. PS: she’ll leave him in a few years.
5
"The couple will no longer use their most exclusive titles “His Royal Highness” or “Her Royal Highness” because they will no longer be working royals".
"Working royals" . . . Best example of an oxymoron I've seen lately.
3
Curious, does this mean they still have H.R.H., but will not use them, or have they been stripped of the H.R.H. designation entirely?
Oh come now, it’s not in the same category as the 1936 abdication. That was the king of England relinquishing his role; these kids are six levels down the totem pole. Nancy Pelosi is closer to succession than they are. And as the “The Crown” aptly points out, what kind of life is it for people trapped in this limbo of a life, slaves to public demand and charity, unable to lead personally satisfying lives of their own? Let them be free of “the firm,” since William and Catherine seem happy to do the work.
2
Please stop comparing this to the banishment of the former Edward VIII and his wife Wallis. There were very good reasons for their permanent exile.
1
Reducing "His Royal Highness" to a job title seems like a serious miscalculation to me. If it's not yours by birth, well, then anyone can be royal. Not exactly promising for the long-term survival of the monarchy.
Assistant VP of Britain, anyone? Now accepting applications.
I could care less—we did something in 1776 to get rid of monarchy.
1
Meghan and her entourage has not understood European Royalty. We, depending on where in Europe we are (there are a handful of royal families) are the subjects of our Royal Family, but the Royal Family serve us. By jumping ship, this sad unnecessary event has deeply hurt the British RF, but it has also insulted the subjects, hence the negative press and comments.
I suspect part of Meghan’s plan is that she cherishes and wishes to protect her own image. This of course became publicly owned, as did that of Diana, Princess of Wales, the minute she said ”Yes” and any global sweatshop wishing to make tea towels with her image could get away with it.
One had hoped that this fairy tale Royal marriage would have had a better outcome not just for the couple themselves, but for billions of people across the globe. There was talk of them basing themselves and their charities in an African country, perhaps in Prince Harryks beloved Botswana. I am perplexed as to what they think they now have to sell, apart from their image (like the Kardashians) and frankly speaking, many would be happy not to see much more of them. It is commendable if they wish to undertake charitable ventures based out of Canada or Hollywood, but charities rarely pay princely sums.
I will buy their book however, if only to try to understand what on earth they were thinking.
4
It's sure going to be a boring and dull monarchy now. Good for them.
1
I've been surprised at Royal biographers and journalists saying that Meghan was somehow to be blamed for Harry's decision. Way before she showed up, twice Harry was blunt enough to say in interviews, none of us want this... and then caught himself. He had also mentioned that no 12 yo should be made to walk behind his mother's casket.
Those are serious statements, not mere momentary sentiments.
There is a video of Harry on Queen's banquet for DT, the President. Harry came but did arrive late. His face was tense, he was not smiling, he looked harassed in it. I am very sure he was given the royal dictate to show up at a dinner for a man, who had publically insulted his wife.
Folks close to him have always known he has balmed media/paparazzi for his mother's demise (and rightfully so). They may not have caused the actual accident but their hounding did play a major role.
And then the racist attitude towards Meghan, and publication of personal letters-- I am very sure both of them, have had it.
Also it has been quoted, reported on and documented that Harry likes interacting with people but hates the red tape and formalities.
Now, all said and done...
There is no such thing as Royalty in today's age.
It is all hocus-pocus.
What is true though is that they are very rich people who happen to be the progeny of folks who truly were kings/queens-in-power.
Such pedantic sentiment may not last this century.
What is soft-power or royalty, in this day and age...
no, really?
3
So they’d like to keep their privileges as a Duke and Duchess and the money coming from P Charles rolling in without all the rigamarole of Royal life. I guess that Sussex Royal logo and website needs to be revamped, too. Glad to hear they’re paying back the costs of renovating Frogmore Cottage. How about that Royal wedding? Cost a fortune even if Britain made even more from it.
2
Meghan is the Yoko of Windsor.
She loved being royalty when she got her storybook wedding and a lavish renovation to her “cottage.” That all comes with a price, and she knew that.
And the prince knew that, too. Being a royal is comfortable, but not easy. There will come a time when his father or brother is king, and they would have needed him to help unite Millennial Britons and represent them and their causes in the non-political way only their royals can.
But what he did was the most selfish thing. He just showed an entire generation that duty is meaningless and cashing out is the only royal prerogative that matters.
And Meghan. Selfish.
Hypocrites, both.
10
I believe Harry and Meghan have made the right decision, Harry on eggshells worrying about his wife thinking of his mother and Meghan because of who she is.The gutter press and every "columnist and their dog" would never allow them any peace no matter what, nastiness, concoted stories and sleaze being their bread and butter. Meghan had no idea what she was getting into, fundametally I believe the press would never accept her for being who she is, marrying into the Royal Family, whereas in her part of the world a person of colour is just that but not to the lower strata British in Britain. I noticed Meghan's painful hurt in her posture, the pained look in her eyes and what she did not say when being interviewed in Sth Africa by the journalist who had their approval. A good move with best wishes for continued happiness away vicious gossip and hope they'll be dealt with more kindly on the other side.
3
So millennial.
Me me me.
Have no clue about duty to family, country and the world.
10
The Royal family are a tourism necessity and a sham.
The question remains, What in fact are Harry and Meghan ( do they even have last names?) going to do for the rest of their lives? If he is not going to have “Royal” duties, and not enter the private sector, and she is not going to resume her acting career, then essentially they are going to go through life as “trust fund babies”. Not bad work, I guess, if you can afford it
1
@Slick
Abdicated King Edward and Wallis Simpson endured pretty boring lives, and in his old age, Edward showed a lot of regret over the break from his family.
The press would not make such a big deal out of this except mixed race implies something inferior. It also sells papers as racism is endemic throughout the white world. To many a mixed race princess is wrong. I have a Canadian 'friend' who is upset the couple are going to live part of the time in Canada since it will take some of 'his' tax money to pay for their security.
1
They are the only two "royals" I would even consider spending any length of time with, and only because they have rejected medievalism.
Good for them.
1
Meghan has at least worked for a living. What has Harry ever done to pay his own way? He’s unskilled labour lacking a college degree, making him rather unemployable in Canada, Britain or the United States. How long will Charlie’s largesse last?
Uber is a possibility, once he gets a handle on driving on the correct side of the road.
4
If they're happy, I'm happy for them. If they're not, this decision strikes me as cruel. But what do I know? I'm an American seeing the situation from outside, not a Briton for whom this matters. I only wish them, love, luck and happiness, commodities in too short supply in today's world.
2
How is it freedom if they keep their titles of Duke and Duchess that they plan to monetize and still get Charles’ duchy money? Independent my foor
3
Being a royal is akin to being imprisoned and kept from living one's dreams. Monarchs are relics.
Whether born black in an inner city slum or welcomed royally into a dysfunctional and anachronistic system of monarchies, neither child has a chance. Their lives are predestined and predetermined by society or ritual.
The human spirit is free. Nothing should hold back any one of us.
All the power to Harry, Meghan and Archie for making the move!
2
Poor Archie didn’t get to vote. He’s the trapped one.
1
Ok, I get Harry and Meghan's point---my children also wanted to break free of my wife and I--just like I broke free of my parents. But, in the normality of breaking free of your parents, all parents ask the same question, in several different ways---but, all the ways focus on money--where are you going to get the money to support your wife, do buy a car, to put a roof over your head---all those details that too often are skipped over when you fall in love with someone or just want to live independent of your parents. Let's be candid this is a couple who like my wife and I when we started out is not use to eating a lot of spam or taking public transportation everywhere. Security alone, will run into the millions each year. Granted, she could resume here acting career, and Harry, not certain what he is qualified to do, but, do not see how they support themselves financially---meaning no help from the Royal household. Will admit, along the way, my parents and my wife's parents helped us out---battery for car, washer/dryer, a tuition payment or two, some tickets to fly home---but, believe that Harry and Meghan's needs run a little bit more exotic.
Am I the only one that can see this as an internal rivalry issue between Kate and Meghan? I just think Royals have deep relationships with these tabloids and other newspapers thus control how their image is portrayed in that world. I think Meghan stepped on a few toes, caught a lot of positive public attention quickly resulting in Kate and her team sabotaging her rise by placing racist articles and mistreating Meghans staff.
To get engaged, married and in that speed have a son just made them more of a threat to William and Kate. Typical royal stories. This was about William and Kate’s future as King and Queen - not about Harry wanting out! Who believes that ?!!!
It was obvious towards the end when they separated entities, then Twitter pages, then publicity pics that there was a rivalry internally and a rift !
Meghan will do well. She has her contacts and she will figure it out ! But it is a loss for Britain that the Queen couldn’t manage her own family and let this rift happen.
@Stephanie, nonsense. I don't believe this can be blamed on William and Catherine. They were never threatened in the least. They will be king and queen. Further, they both seem like decent human beings doing the best they can with what they have been given and with what they have chosen. Slandering them will not help Harry, Meghan, or anyone. This has been a "perfect storm" of circumstances that is beginning to work itself out, hopefully for the good of all.
2
To whom much is given, much will be required.
3
I always thought there were more than a few red flags when I watched their engagement interview, especially how MM claimed she “knew nothing” about H. Whether she is a genuinely strong and intelligent young woman with tons of integrity or a first-class con artist remains to be seen.
4
Wow, it's like pulling an octopus tentacles from around your neck; you're trying to break free while it continues to choke you. Freedom does sometimes come at a price, but in the end it is always better to be your own person. Pretty sure his mother would approve.
3
The Queen is truly a class act. Having served UK for 70+ years with dignity and honor she has so much love and support for her family. She deserves a happy and stress free life; unfortunately Princes Andrew and Harry have brought a new set of problems which will continue given Markle's agenda.
2
Father of Meghan Thomas Markle published letter "a matter of public interest" according to DAILY MAIL to be settled in court causing his daughter to leave Britain and start a new life in Canada where she used to work in the movie industry. Britain now openly accused of racism but more complicated than that because his Meghan was not willing to fulfill the role as a royal or the constant public pressure of the job.
Thomas Markle public comments have made him a more credible figure because his daughter disowned him even after he paid for her college education. Nobody should be surprised Harry leaving his family in England. For his brother William it is a betrayal. The British monarchy is now badly damaged after Harry and Andrew fell by the wayside.
I usually don’t have sympathy or even liking for rich people. But I have sympathy for Meghan and Harry. Meghan was doing fine on her own. She earned millions and was active in a variety of causes. Harry served two tours in Afghanistan. Meghan could not have predicted the vitriol and hate that the tabloids heaped on her. I hope they succeed in finding happiness
4
Good for them. What good is life in a fishbowl? What good is it to be hounded 24/7 by a press which cannot leave them even a minute or two of privacy and wants to put them in the worst possible light to sell newspapers or TV ads?
Good for them. (I'd be happy to take Harry fly fishing on one of Oregon's pristine rivers.)
2
Prince Harry rather Harry made an enormous sacrifice to break ties with his family , forgo his years of military service and I certainly hope this works out for them.
Meghan was an American actor, one time divorced then married into royalty.
Harry lost his mom at a very early age more of the reason he is determined to protect his wife and Archie the newborn.
Hope they lead a long happy life .
4
Their real names are Meghan Merkle and Henry Charles Albert David. The UK's deserved Loss is North America's gain.
4
Canadians I know have zero interest in subsidizing the aristocracy. In case anyone is wondering, the Monarchy has $88 Billion in assets.
There is no reason why Canadians should pay for private citizens security, particularly those who leverage their celebrity and are multi-millionaires themselves.
If these poor little rich children of royalty want to live here, they can afford their own security.
3
Lets hope Harry has thought this thru to the point where he inevitably feels anger at his wife, for leaving his family for her, and his new family. Which will be viewed as mostly about her. That he recognizes that anger, what is it and what its really about (fear, insecurity, etc) and doesn't run from his new family.
Good luck kids, hope it works, and here's to not hearing about you all for many months, if not years. Less Royalty in the world is a good thing, not bad.
2
All this “good for them” talk. I find them unbearably selfish and self-centered. To think they could construct a website, let alone a life, without the world finding out is not just naive, it’s dumb. The Queen bent over backwards for Meghan but face it, royalty is a lot of rules. Meghan is a middle-aged product of LA — they don’t do rules. I would have stripped them of duke and duchess as well, since they are so clearly done with royalty — or the part that makes them do work, anyway — speeches and ribbons and tours. Take away not just the rules but the perks for this spoiled couple. The real shame is the rift between the brothers. There’s something going on there and it’s not good or attractive. Harry has been the weak and vulnerable one since his mother’s death and that’s understandable, to a point. We all have tragedies of some kind but can’t let them define us. As for supporting themselves? Impossible without trading off their images — Sussex socks and sweatshirts - sexy! — and their images are wholly dependent on being public figures, the very thing they say they are running from. I think this whole experiment will bomb. The one I say “good for her” is the Queen, who has done her job and done it well and tirelessly for decades. A loyalty to family and country Harry cannot begin to understand.
11
This will not end well. I feel so sorry for Prince Harry. He has been so damaged by the awful death of his mother and life as a royal is all he has ever known. While he appears to be a “nice guy”, he has no real-life profession beyond being a former soldier (who was kept out of harms way) and is giving up his honorary military titles (eg captain general of the Royal Marines). Meghan may also be a lovely person. But does anyone really think that she would have looked at Harry if he was not a prince? As for becoming financially independent, the only real thing they have to trade on is their royal connections. Certainly they can continue to raise funds for charities but the money they need to live their lifestyle is way beyond the skillsets either of them possess. They really are in a difficult position and it is not clear if they have the stamina to pull this departure from the royal cocoon off. I hope I’m wrong.
7
Lily why would you say she wouldn’t have “looked at Harry if he weren’t a prince”?
@LadyinSiliconValley
This is going to sound brutal. But in a nutshell - what aspiring actress (or one who might see that she is “aging out”) would go for a nice but balding, approaching middle age guy with no real self-determined job history, relatively little formal education, no professional background, and lives with his super over-bearing family? I don’t see how their life will be improved by coming to North America and continuing a life in the public eye. While Prince Harry was in the UK hammering out a solution with his family, Meghan was doing photo-ops in Vancouver. They are not seeking a quiet life away from public attention and media. The media will continue to hound them and Prince Harry will have cut himself off from what the security supports that are already in place. Their financial future could very well be more civil suits against newspapers not less. It all sounds miserable.
5
I am more amazed at the admiration and adoration these two super weathy mediocre people are getting from Americans. I don't see this kind of adoration for your scientists, academics, social workers or good doctors. America's obsession with celebrities and third rate entertainers has affected American priorities and people's mind. It shows in the comments. Third rate mediocre Royalty, suit and suitless, should not be an American priority. There are bigger issues in the country and the world to worry about. These two mediocre wealthy are not going to give you a dime as they grab attention.
6
Besides, they are redundant in a country that has the glamorous Jared and Ivanka!
2
Mostly what this situation shows us is how we, as a species, are quick to judge, condemn, praise and dredge up so-called evidence to present our wantonly arrived at opinions as facts.
A charming, beautiful couple is trying to find their way. After dealing with some behavior that some would characterize as racist and abusive and/or just plain overwhelming breaches of privacy, they decided to re-draw their relationship to the royal family.
Who knows what went on with the brothers or the grandmothers -- what resentments lurk, what traumas lie unresolved? We simply are not privy to those details.
I keep thinking of the moment in the most recent episode of The Crown when Phillip tells Elizabeth that there's a tradition of two types in the royal family: those who conform more easily and the individualists who are a little wacky.
Personally, I find it refreshing that H+M have let go of the need to be referred to as "higher" than other other people. That's my bias. Evidence, from my perspective, points to a couple with progressive views and an unusually well-developed emotional intelligence trying to balance the needs to express their true selves while respecting the traditions of ancient social order.
Then everyone went nuts.
3
“Emotional intelligence” as opposed to the other kind?
@Larry D
Yup. I've noticed an exquisite gallantry in the way they speak of each other. Further, they both seem to have a talent for coming across as authentic, honest and genuine.
1
When I read about the stark contrast between how Harry's wife was treated contrasted with how William's wife is treated, I was not surprised in the least that Harry and Meghan decided to leave that racist environment behind. I can only wonder how they lasted as long as they did.
6
Welcome Meghan and Harry to our exceedingly genuine world.
Living + performing at - UK's Disney World- 24x7- has to be tough and exhausting. Godspeed!
6
The queen and the rest of the royals need to understand that monarchy is an old outdated useless model. England is a constitutional monarchy and her role is merely a figurehead. The world works differently in 2020 than in 1620 or earlier. Accept it England and worry about more important matters of state.
2
@Yo Just imagine! If we Brits gave up on our Royal Family, we could have a presidential system instead, just as America has. Very twenty-first century! Then we could trade in our wonderful, dignified Queen Elizabeth for an undignified president like Trump. What a deal already!
4
I believe that the Royal Family as a "brand" is stronger with Harry and Meghan within the family circle. With the decision to push the couple away from the Family Tree, all lose. Harry and Meghan lose as a result of the separation from the Family Tree. Charles, Camilla, William and Kate lose as a result of the loss of a very important limb of the Family tree. Due to negative pressures of an unbearable and dangerous kind, Meghan and Harry had to make radical changes to their lives in pursuit of self preservation. The solution which they had sought had been a potentially win-win solution if given time to work out. The couple had hoped to achieve enough self sufficiency in North America that the press could no longer treat them as public property and targets of negativity without impunity. Yet they had not sought a total break. They had sought to spend part of each year working on behalf of the Royal Family. They had sought to maintain links with the Royal Family for the sake of Harry and their child. They had sought to be able to serve people and causes which are dear to them, through the auspices of this historical vehicle. The decision to cut this couple off in the way which has occurred reflects a lack of vision and understanding on a number of levels. As well the decision shows a total lack of appreciation for the sacrifices which Harry has made on behalf of this historical institution and family thus far in his life of thirty plus years.
6
Daykeeper,
As much as I tend to agree with you. You also fail to understand the constitutional aspects of this historic institution. How can a couple have “a progressive role” that touches on politics when the monarchy is constitutionally prohibited from commenting on such? Yes, they can help with issues of the climate catastrophes and bringing it to the attention of the world. But carbon taxes? Carbon budgets? Climate equity and justice? These issues are, rightly or wrongly, political. The Crown simply cannot survive if it is not seen as above such temporal and political matters.
“Becoming financially independent”, is a bloody great plan when it comes to being able to tell the press to sling their hook - but when you can be accused of profiting financially from your claim to royal birth? Again, their are constitutional issues that endanger the Crown. They simply cannot be allowed to appear to “half represent” the Queen whilst doing so.
There are constitutional issues for Canadians to consider too. The Queen is also their monarch. Unwritten within that constitution, of which she is a symbolic Head of State, is that she is away from the country. Canada is not some colonial Royal Dump, where Royals can be half a Royal and half not, it is an independent nation of its own.
The House of Windsor is indeed a global brand. But, constitutionally, it cannot survive half measures. And the bloody House of Windsor always survives
4
What are the “sacrifices Harry has made?”
4
Americans infatuation and obsession with British royalty is both puzzling and amusing. What is it with us and dynastic families. How did a nation founded on the rejection of rule by divine right (the doctrine that kings derive their right to rule directly from God and are not accountable to their subjects; rebellion is the worst of political crimes) become a nation where dynastic families are admirable. Its not just the Brits, look at our history of political and economic dynasties. The list is long and full of dysfunctional families that cause more harm than good. Yet here we are in the 21st century with a president whose family represents everything bad about family dynasties, whose supporters believe he’s gods chosen one and still we don’t get it. Dynasties aren’t amusing or admirable, a family or group that maintains power for several generations is the antithesis of democracy and not to be desired. Perhaps our infatuation with British royalty isn’t so harmless after all eh.
7
A stiff upper lip carries one only so far in life. After an over abundance of dress ups in royal regalia, I would think that only abdication would be the remedy, and life away from the trappings might beckon. Congratulations to the royal couple for the honesty and courage they have demonstrated. Welcome to North America.
8
Meghan Markle has failed in her role as an American Fantasy Princess. She certainly knew (and strived for) what she was marrying into. Instead, after a very short stint, she has played on Prince Harry's damaged emotions and dragged him away from his hereditary role and his family.
The ever-loyal-to-her role Queen and Prince Charles have treated her well. Instead, Meghan decided to snub the Queen during the holidays, and engineered the announcement of split with no respect for the Queen. She remained in Canada while Prince Harry was left to negotiate with his family.
It remains to be seen how Meghan and Harry will mend their split from the his family and any royal duties. However they do it, they will live well with the continuing assistance from Prince Charles. They are living in a mansion in Vancouver. They will no doubt maintain a team of servants. They will always be subject to the scrutiny of the tabloids anywhere they live or travel.
Remember how abdicated King Edward in his old age regretted the complete split from his family. It remains to be seen how Harry will handle his new situation. Hopefully this year will bring some appearances with the royal family in England to show that fences are mending.
7
@LWK
Abdicated Edward was heavily involved the Nazi party, as was Wallis Simpson. He was no credit to his own country -- there is even evidence he might have been a traitor. He might have regretted the family split, but I'm sure the family didn't, in the end. There is no comparison between the two situations.
4
Here were my thoughts when I heard the news about Harry and Meghan:
1. I wonder what I should fix my kids for breakfast.
2. Is Tom Brady really our for good?
3. That faulty gutter above the front door is just gonna get worse with the freeze coming in.
4. I know people like the McRib, but I’m still confused as to why.
32
As an African American woman, I was elated when Harry and Meghan married two years ago. Part of that, yes, was that one of the oldest all white institutions on the planet now had a bit of color. And I do greatly admire the British royals for all their decorum and devotion to their public.
But mostly that elation came from seeing a black woman find a man who was utterly devoted to all she'd worked hard to become. Indeed, 'becoming' is harder for women of color still, and will be for some time.
I love seeing photos of the Sussex family, but I'd also be happy to see a lot less of them (even nothing at all,) if I knew that was because two people in love had taken their lives back from an unforgiving, destructive, profit-hungry press and their apathetic customers -- customers who are far from bystanders in the destruction of this family. We royal romantics only wanted the happy ending, sequels unnecessary.
12
They have been criticized for the cost of renovating Frogmore cottage (which apparently needed repairs anyway), while no problem for William and Kate to spend over 7M to renovate Apt 1a in Kensington. Just saying...
Seems a smart move to make this change while the Queen is still in charge. Once Charles is king, the whole income of the Duchy of Cornwall goes to William, and the King’s Duchy of Lancaster income appears to be more tied up/subject to scrutiny and lack of discretion. Better make the change when the Queen is in charge and William not so much.
Megan was very successful in all her work in the UK and for that, got criticized for her American “work ethic” and “go-getter” attitude. Other “missteps” were in the direction of personal choices/privacy for the birth, christening, etc---private matters. Hard for an American to understand the tabloids’ assumption that the tabloids represent the British people and that the royals are actually owned by the people. (It used to be the other way around)
It seems clear that as an American, biracial, divorced, independent woman represents everything that is threatening to the past British royal traditions --- imperialism, supremacy etc. Megan embodies all that anxiety and fear of change, exploited by the tabloid press to make money off the Royals. Apparently only the tabloids can make money off the Royal Brand with impunity.
11
The fascination and glorification of the banal and bland royal family has long been detrimental and misguided. Good for them and I wish them the best but the constant news cycle about these wealthy and protected goons- I mean the royal family not Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in particular- has always been flabbergasting.
3
This new arrangement is preposterous. They should abdicate and be done with it. How is this deal possibly acceptable to the British people who, of course, have not been consulted?
4
Given the close ties which link Australia to the Royal Family, their every move is followed closely and reported ad nauseum in countless magazines, documentaries and all available msm outlets here down under. That being the case, I have yet to see racially based criticism of the Duchess of Sussex ever since she first appeared on the royal horizon. Any claim to the contrary now by the msm is a tawdry effort to generate further headlines to support its specious speculation on the reasons why this couple are choosing to change the direction in their lives.
Given the media's insatiable appetite for unfounded and malicious gossip, and the way it hounded the Duke of Sussex's mother to her death, is it any wonder that these two newly weds would seek to escape such a life of persecution and invasion of their privacy. That being said, how they navigate their way through the maelstrom of celebrity will show the world just how genuine they are in their quest for a normal family life.
2
The British Monarchy has long outlived its usefulness. It is far past time for them to stop living off the British taxpayers.
1
It is amazing to me that this story is considered so internationally important. Harry is never likely to become king, and so what if one less royal performs ceremonial duties? The real story is the racism directed at the Duchess- a reminder of what this all represents, underneath: tradition, yes, but also lily- white privilege.
I guess, as an American, I cannot understand how embedded the presence of the royal family can be in one’s psyche. I once had a British friend who was a communist, and worked many years for communist causes. But when I mentioned the Queen, she said “ Oh yes, the Queen- now and forever!”
5
Good for them! It is absurd for any adult to be required to ask permission of grandmother for their FREEDOM to live, work and raise their child where and how they see fit.
Meghan, as gracious and admirable a human being as she is, could not win, no matter what she did. They were smart to break away sooner than later because it would only have gotten worse.
4
I can't believe there are still kings, queens and castles financed by tax-payers money. It is the XXI century we are living in, right? Just checking.
3
This crisis began long long before Harry’s announcement.
2
It seems like a bit of a stretch to compare this situation with the abdication of Edward.
8
This ultimately seems like a battle between Leftist Harry and Meghan who care about themselves only and the more traditional William and Kate who feel a sense of duty and responsibility for others. Two different philosophies are separating.
6
@Jeff
Only in the extreme right-wing oubliettes of the USA could someone believe that a member of the Royal Family of Britain is a "leftist."
Bizarre.
4
@Jeff Name-calling about people you don’t know or ever will. Your choice of the word “Leftist” is particularly enlightening.
2
This “crisis” is equivalent in substance and import to my decision to use yellow or spicy brown mustard on my sandwich. There is no crisis. No one is born “royal.” It’s all made up.
3
First few posts are attacking Meghan. The public's carnivorous appetite for pictures and information about Diana killed Harry's mother. The public is also to blame for this. The nastiness toward Meghan is twisted. But it was towards Diana too and look what the British public did to her.
7
Good on all beings that yearn to be free.
We wish all to be free.
2
I imagine this decision to depart the constraints of royal life is not a recent one, perhaps predating their engagement. And who knows how Harry himself felt about his life, especially after his mother died. In Meghan, he may have found his way out. Their decision to raise their son as a private citizen, without a royal title, was probably a signal that this exit was coming.
Diana had tried to expose the boys to life outside the royal bubble, expose them to normal life experiences. Harry may have wanted that primarily for his own child and raise him with limited exposure to the constraints of royal life.
12
I know it's hard to consider members of the British monarchy as victims. but look what happened to Diana after the tabloid press turned on her.
The acceptance of Meghan Markle as a part of the Royal family by some of the UK press and population has been lukewarm. Some of the criticism has been over the top and uncalled for.
If it's gotten to the point where they now feel more comfortable living here, I, for one, welcome Harry, Meghan and Archie to North America. And wish them well.
24
Harry and Meghan and now not much different from Jared and Ivanka. Both are couples of inherited wealth who will make a ton of money based on their fame and brand. Meghan and Harry will likely do more good that Javanka but their lives of privilege and ease will be similar. What I find unsettling about Meghan, particularly, is that she most likely would not have married Harry if she said upfront that she did not want to live as a Royal or stay in England-it might have been a deal breaker. So she pretended she would do her duty and now she does not want to?-that is what seems wrong and I don't think it sets a good example. We need leaders and people of privilege to do the right thing, not the selfish thing; we've had enough of that recently.
30
It’s not just Meghan. She and Harry were not expecting the nastiness of the tabloids which have been brutal.
4
Why do you assume she pretended anything? It's possible she thought she was up for it and found she wasn't. It's also possible her husband was also itching to leave, and they came to decision together. You're passing judgment on someone for a situation you don't fully understand because you're on the outside.
13
We have zero idea if this was her idea, his idea, or if this was planned in advance or not. She is being blamed, but for heaven's sake, he's a grown man who can make up his own mind.
13
So its my understanding Meghan actually fulfilled her royal obligation for 73 days out of the 2 years since the marriage, a grueling schedule. It appears to me she never wanted to be a part of the family, royal or otherwise. Phillips in poor health and probably will not see another Christmas and they choose to break just at that time and spend it away from the family. Poor timing at the least. Heartless at worst. After all that is the Queens husband and Harry's grandfather. And one other point these are not royals meant for the continuation of the throne only off shoots significantly removed from the spotlight. Given time the press would lose interest in both and they could have sunk back into anonymity with only appearances at charity events and ribbon cuttings. Think Princess Anne. The idea that Meghan wanted a big royal wedding and then back away when responsibility came calling is just too obvious to me to let slide, but don't worry about them Charles has quite the bank account to fund them for their lifetimes.
48
@Schupbacha
I don't think the press will lose interest. That's because Meghan clearly plans to stay in the spotlight doing what she wants to do, which I suspect will be maintaining a high profile active in causes like women's rights, the environment, etc. I also wouldn't be surprised if she publicly supports a democratic candidate for US President. And there will always be show business offers.
2
Yeah it’s all Meghan’s. Let’s all hate on Meghan.
1
Meghan is American and unfortunately American crassness, when it comes to making money, will likely seep into all she touches. She doesn't understand 'noblesse obliges.'
35
@farhorizons Should noblesse obliges, whatever it is, be accepted when the low life tabloids of London has been pummeling Meghan for the past two years? Those tabloids in London are probably worse than the National Enquirer we have here in this country. I commend Harry and Meghan for the decision they made to be on their own.
2
Boy, are they in for some surprises. I wonder when was the last time they went to the supermarket or pumped their own gas. Best of luck to them.
21
@Mark - I’m sure they’ll be fine. Keep in mind that Meghan Markle has done both of those things before, and I suspect Prince Harry’s a fast learner.
21
@Mark
You can hire people to do those sorts of things and trust me, they will.
4
How about this. Leave them alone. Stop following them around. Stop writing stories about everything they say, everything they do, and just leave them alone. They have done nothing to be treated this way. And the press won't be satisfied until they crash their car in a tunnel. In the bigger picture, they are really just two people trying to live their lives. How about we do something righteous? And let them.
88
No doubt about it: American women are toxic to royalty - at least to British royalty. A "lesson learned" there for us all, I suspect.
12
Comparatively, Her Serene Highness Princess Grace, also an America actress, managed graciously, and persevered.
30
@Alan Sabrosky - what a shabby thing to say; are you personally acquainted with the Duchess? There must be something perfect about "American women" to many monarchs. Queen Noor and Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco immediately come to mind. What also comes to mind is how well-educated American women who later became royalty were. Intelligence and sophistication are prized traits in a spouse by some.
3
@Broman
Grace Kelly oozed class. You either have it, or you don't.
2
On what planet is “Duke and Duchess of Sussex” not a royal title? That they get to keep those titles is a nice win for them. They will always be royals. But without British taxpayer subsidy, it’s hard to see how they’ll make it on the Duchess’s income from the entertainment business.
15
A Duke is not necessarily part of the monarchy. It's a title given to someone managing and defending a certain province in the old days. It can be held by someone from the monarchy, but it can also be held by a military commander, or anyone who's been assigned to those duties. Depending on his assigned province, a Duke may not even be that important in political affairs.
4
Currently the Sussexes are worth over $40 million. I think they’ll be ok.
I am absolutely stunned by the vitriol toward Megan Markle on this. ‘What did she expect?’ ‘What’s the rush?’
1) You don’t know it’s all about her. You people sound like the British tabloids. All knowing and judgmental.
2) And SO what if is is mostly about her (which I don’t believe), isn’t Harry entitled to respond as he sees fit as her husband?
3) Their ‘deal’ with the Queen is between them. Who cares when and where they need to come back to cut a ribbon.
Lastly - will any of this affect your lives? Mind boggling that people have so much anger over a middle-aged royal couple who decided to make their own decisions.
Wow.
79
Right, it's not like any of these people have actual power or influence over politics. I know there's a lot of tradition around the British monarchy, but effectively they're about as impactful as celebrities. It's not like any of them can, say, order a missile strike on another country's general or threaten war. The Brits should focus on dealing with Brexit and directing their smug vitriol at their new PM, who deserves it way more than Meghan and Harry.
7
Bravo! Someone with common sense!!
2
@JMM
Since none of us know the royals, I would think of the comments here as observations on human behavior rather than anger. A lot of human behavior is predictable based on past observations. Often poor decisions are made in haste. There’s a lot that can be learned by analogy.
1
If the press never talked about the royal family we would be much better off. Most think the Royal family is hypocritical at best. More like make believe. So this couple are finally going to live their lives as a couple independently like the rest of us do. Epstein is gone who will be the next Epstein to tempt the Royal family.
4
Who really cares about the monarchy? What about about the taxpayers' money ? They paid for Meghan's clothes, re-decorating a quaint little cottage, security, travel and more. And how, pray tell, are they going to repay $3 million? Oh, Meghan is going back to "Suits" - yes, that will surely cover most of it. Wait - a tell-all ground breaking book that rivals with "The Crown"? That will do the trick if it has lots of photos (little Archie is so photogenic). Really? People are not that gullible. The "duchess" is currently living on an "estate on Vancouver Island...". Of course - the rent is very low - oh, the place is rent free? And the Canadians can't wait to shell out some well earned money to pay for this darling and so badly treated couple's security...
13
Canada isn't paying for them either. But also, don't have kings then?
Good grief! They’re currently worth $40 million. Megan buys her own clothes. Frogmore cottage needed structural updates to be inhabitable. Calm down!
3
Monarchy is nothing else than plain racism. It depends completely on the bloodline, who is married with who of which nobility and has offsprings with which partner and it all applies to the rules of nobility. Worse than horsebreeding. And this entitles the "Royal Family" not only to white supremacy but also to be above all white commoners. So all the discusson about the racism this couple has experienced is based on the racist concept of monarchy. Because people who support Monarchy do support and approve racism and it is dramatically more than a bad joke, that a prince is getting married with a women of color.
Of course they had to go.
14
It's an excellent idea to revise this arrangement next year. H&Mmight be bitterly needed by the Windsors with William and Kate completely stressed out with too much work. At that point they might decide to come back on their own terms. Who knows. In the meantime Harry could try and start a Hollywood career. He is charming and not bad looking at all.
4
Considering that 95% of their funding comes from Prince Charles and only 5% from the state, it certainly doesn't sound like they are making any great financial sacrifice. Obviously not an example of putting one's money where one's mouth is.
28
Prince Charles will continue to provide the couple financial support. So much for yearning to be financially independent.
23
Let’s withhold judgement, until we understand how they monetize their royal connections.
8
I think the queen & her advisers settled this matter in the best possible manner to avoid being smeared by Megan in a "tell all" book & interviews that would embarrass the queen. A true exit would be dad refusing to pay Harry 4.6Million pounds annually, allowing him to truly become financially independent.
Megan was never going to be accepted by the British people & tabloids as part of the monarchy. However, I have never thought it was racism. The main thing was that Megan was not British, she was American. She was also divorced & an actor. The fact that she was bi-racial was not a big factor, IMO. If Megan had been a Brit, they would have loved her.
The lack of respect that Harry & Megan showed the 94 yr old queen disgusts me. I firmly believe that Megan has been the guiding force in all of this exit ordeal, even though Harry was never thrilled about his role in the monarchy. Harry is not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, & could never have composed that website. He seems stunted emotionally from childhood trauma & lack of parental guidance. He is also 3 yrs younger than Megan, so he was perfect for her direction & molding. I believe that the monarchy will be happier with this couple living their own lives elsewhere.
23
PR blunder by the royal family. Harry and Meghan were the only royals that younger generations could fully relate to. Time for the Queen to pass the reins to Charles. Or even better, William.
4
@John
I'm souring toward Kate and Willy now. Harry is 6th in line, they'll barely miss him, and won't miss Megan at all. Harry and Megan made the right decision.
6
Indeed!! The Queen has been Queen for far too long. Had she given up the Crown when Charles first married Diana they all might be leading happier lives. H and M seem like nice young people and I hope things work out for them.
1
Ah, social constructs. Millions of people under the impression that someone's "highness" and "divine right," and race for that matter, are realities. All nonsense over which endless time and funds are wasted. Meanwhile the earth is in the process of melting and the worst human exemplars are in the highest of positions. Wake up people, and start to pay attention to what actually matters.
22
The British Royals are a mirror to an aspect of America's pop culture: blind adoration of money and the priviledged. Empathy is completely wrong placed on folks who get 2 million pounds per year just for being the children of rich parents, children who then whine that that is not enough. There is nothing about them that merits admiration. They groomed the media and now they supposedly reject the media. As soon as they road to financial success will get harder, they will woe the media. And the only thing they got to sell is their name. Only fools fall for that. And admittedly, there are many of those in America. There is a reason why they are camping out at Mulroney's house, not Trudeau's house. They are learning to copy the Trump success story: sell your name. Trudeau is a hero, and all those who chose modesty over entitlement.
15
I think we are living observers as to the adventures of Prince Harry, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
3
Seems as though royalty is something one should be able to opt out of. Doesn't look like a very appealing lifestyle, except maybe for the oceans of money. Good on them for setting the precedent. But he should no longer be in the line of succession.
4
Let it be known that Princess Megan, native born favorite of Los Angeles is encouraged and welcome to exercise her benevolent rule over her hereditary City and dominions throughout California by a grateful public and that we shall also extend said invitation to her esteemed betrothed Prince Harry. It will truly be a new golden age for all parties involved.
2
On the one hand I wish the Duke and Duchess had stayed, and worked harder at overcoming their understandable reactions to the horrible tabloid treatment of them. i wish they could have used their status and platform to work toward fighting racism. Such an amazing moment when they married, a biracial woman now a Royal. It felt similar to Obama becoming president. But it must have been so overwhelming, facing that level of hatred and bigotry, then seeing it directed at their infant son. And given Harry's history, his PTSD from the trauma of losing his mother, must also have been a factor in their need to leave their role and forge a new freer life. So on the other hand I do not blame them at all for needing to get out.The very sad part is, they will never escape racism, it is so pervasive throughout the world. I hope they will find peace, happiness, respect and a sense of safety wherever they go. I hope they can use their fame and status to do antiracism work, or other good causes relevant to their experiences.
17
@Ellen S.
Keep the faith, Ellen. There are more of us loving, good people than the others. Content of character is the only code for reading people. Skin shade or tone, an utterly ridiculous notion!
3
Sagas like the Harry and Meghan crisis (if only all public crises had as little impact on the rest of us?) are an inevitable part of royalty.
British royalty is in effect an exchange between the family and the nation. The nation gets a head of state and all ceremonial the duties that go with it, distinct from the head of government, and the family its board & lodging and job security. For all that it spends on the royals, I actually think the nation gets the better of the bargain because the family’s freedom is so constrained.
In fact, I wonder whether the Queen herself has sometimes wished she could shake free of the role her family’s history assigned for her, having had a taste of ordinary life towards the end of WW II as a military mechanic. It was said she was the only royal who could change a spark plug or a tire.
Many nations set their royals free years ago. They have parliamentary systems with a prime minister, and a ceremonial president to represent the nation.
But then, there are still claimants to the French throne, and it’s not too far-fetched to imagine that Putin’s apparent aspiration to be president for life could morph into naming himself Tsar. And I don’t think he would have a mere ceremonial post in mind.
Anyway, I just wish Harry and Meghan all the best. Who knows what might be ahead for them – King & Queen of an independent, back-in-the-EU, Scotland, perhaps?
00:15 EST, 1/19
4
I can't get over the photo of the family group . . . Megan looks so elegant and unfussy, a breath of fresh air. She stands out more than she fits in, in the best possible way. She could have helped update this institution if given a fair shot. We may be watching her and Harry in the early stages of doing just that, the hard way. Good for them. I guess I sound like an American. :)
10
I will never understand the fascination with the British royal family that so many white Southern people seem to possess, but when Meghan Markle joined the family, it was as if she’d done something personally insulting to so many of them. People who claim that the bullying wasn’t about racism are just flat out wrong.
I am a white Southern woman, and one of the last things my grandfather said to my father before he died was to please make sure I didn’t marry a black man. He died about 20 years ago when I was a teenager, but I have no doubt that this is still a common conversation. The racism is so entrenched, and it’s so ugly, and we are so quick to forget that British colonialism is the origin point of slavery, so it’s no wonder that Southerners and royalists seem to have so much in common.
Change occurs very slowly in systems that are dependent on class and race. People have well-defined roles to play in such systems, and we all have to know our role or we make people mad. In the South we have the additional dynamic of literalist evangelical Christianity. I have made people in my family mad for example by refusing to interpret the Noah’s ark story literally. My own grandmother says I’m not a Christian, and she drives me nuts getting people to pray for me. Breaking free from such a system is hard.
Harry and Meghan, I hope you know that so many of us are cheering for you and wish you happiness as you break free from tradition and carve out new roles.
20
I truly wish them all the best.
I also have no interest in a hereditary monarchy, much less swearing allegiance to the first-born progeny of a dysfunctional family from England. As for security, I hope the Windsors see fit to do what other billionaires do, and manage it themselves.
9
American divorcees are definitely going into British history as being trouble. Their is a lot of talk about how much pressure she’s been under but I wonder about how much pressure she’s put on him to make him take that decision.
10
They'll make millions in the fashion industry. Probably the best idea since the last episode of The Crown! Hollywood here they come!
2
It is an annoying and an incorrect statement to say that they have used “tax payer” monies for the renovation and or that they receive tax payer monies at all. 300 hundred years ago the Crown Estate Assests we’re loaned to the parliament and they were tasked with managing the estates on behalf of the crown. In return parliament would make money managing these properties of which a portion of that money would be given to the crown. Any left over would be remitted to the parliament. No tax payer money here.
However, the renovations monies came out of the portion that normally went to the parliament. Again, no tax payer money was used but parliament did have a smaller earned amount due to those renovations. Meaning that some programs that the citizens of Britain may enjoy may be underfunded.
So, please stop saying the tax payer money is being used here because it’s not. I question the sensationalist headlines used under this misguided “tax payers paying for the crown” nonsense and do lose respect for the reporters and news agencies that propagate this misinformation.
6
The bottom line: this couple is enormously wealthy and privileged and don't deserve a fraction of the attention and sympathy directed at them. They seem quite pleasant but, good grief, why is anyone lamenting their quandary?
20
Reading all the comments printed here , there are so many assumptions . Who cares?? They have made a decision to live differently but I suspect there will be even more publicity and less privacy ; if that is what they really want . I doubt very seriously they will be content to live quietly without the publicity and will make a living off it . At 38 Meghan is a bit long in the tooth for prime acting roles , I suspect Reality show like Meet the Royals or something of that ilk . Since the public in general get titillated by vicariously living thru a fake make believe of everyday boring family life of glamorous people , and inquiring minds want to know , they can make millions .
4
Will they also relinquish the multi-million inheritance? Seriously, there are better things to report on. Silver spoons aren’t tucked away in the drawer quite so simply.
7
I never heard of anyone rejecting an inheritance. Prince Charles didn’t reject his.
1
Many mentions are made of boring royal life ... the ribbon cuttings ... the meet and greets. Much maligned, but isn’t this simply interacting with the “regular” people whose tax dollars support the royal family? I’m not terribly informed on all dimensions of this situation, but the half-in model initially proposed seemed like having one’s cake and eating it too. Good for the queen to force their hand. They are already wealthy and glamorous. Hopefully they will move on, find happiness and do some good for the world. Meghan was an activist long before she met Harry.
8
Most Americans would balk at paying for needs or desires of British royals, working or not. We fought a war almost 250 years ago in order to free ourselves from having our taxes being used for and by the British, their government, their royals, dukes and duchesses, and the like.
Unless Harry (and Meghan at this rate) publicly, privately, and permanently renounce British citizenship and ties to the Crown and to her majesty’s government, American citizenship should be out of the question. Meghan should have lost her US citizenship the moment she married Harry and/or took a British royal title — whether or not she continues to use it or have rights to it.
When they live in or visit the U.S. they should receive only the regular protection/security given all average visitors or residents, nothing more and nothing less. In America, they are just celebrities who are not and should not be high-level US government officials. The latter are the only individuals for who the American people as a whole and via our taxes pay to have extra security. If they want the royal treatment, including security, let them remain in the broader UK where they can drink tea. We dumped ours centuries ago.
7
They don’t need your support. They have plenty of money to spend.
1
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are the only one—other than me—who seems to be interested in why mm was not stripped of her American citizenship the minute she married this dumb prince.
Is America so collectively stupid that it doesn’t remember that we don’t do royals? (Don’t answer that!)
I think MM gets a pass because everyone is so afraid that stopping this C-list actress of her citizenship would not be PC and perceived by the identity politics crowd as racism. What is the bottom line: America stands for nothing, even on supposedly fundamental, bedrock principles.
Thanks again!
1
There is a dark side to being royalty.You are constrained by hundreds of years of a kind of bondage. Not unlike animals in a theme park. Fenced in. Surrounded by spectators. Trump should also be constrained because he has expectations as well. Elizabeth gracefully accepted her role. Trump just ignored it all, but he may just pay for that. Harry and Meghan will have to sacrifice some privacy by being forever those famous royals that gave it up., The reasons why show up the British white supremacy streak.
I hope they will be able to disappear enough to do this. It will not be easy to be just normal people. They aren't.
3
Absolutely. No titles. Financially independent. Completely responsible for their own lives. Not rewarded or limited solely for who they are.
5
Again, so glad they aren’t moving to the U.S. The coverage of them would be relentless. Now, they’ll hopefully be out of the limelight and we can focus on real news.
8
Harry and Meghan have the best of both worlds now, no royal duties and Prince Charles' millions to support their adventure. Their departure doesn't merit a profiles in courage award.
13
Of course, Meghan was going to be the scapegoat for anything concerning the royal family: Like Diana, she was the outsider, and thus could be blamed for "not fitting in." This while Charles carried on an affair with his present wife. We all witnessed the outcome of her split with Charles--a tragedy that impacted Harry most of all.
I wish Harry and Meghan success with their new lives, and hope that that Archie and other children they may have are spared at least the toxicity that surrounds the royal family; whether those kids escape toxic media scrutiny--of all sorts-- is another matter. Tabloids, partisan news groups, influencers and divisive predatory groups on social media are just a few of the hurdles that the couple and their kids will face. Perhaps the couple has the stamina and moral courage to shape a more decent world--but the pair will be tested. They will also, I'm sure, find support that only a couple with their worldwide standing could enjoy.
7
Those who find fault with the couple, will never stop as the reasons have to do with their own character and personal biases.
Not having followed this saga, I saw Meghan's sister Samantha, on TV publicly pontificating how "Meghan knew what she was getting into", and other despairing remarks concerning her sister. To know intellectually can not be compared to the actual experience the pain of such a broad public onslaught of contempt has heaped upon the couple.
Meghan has obviously been experiencing intense pain her entire life as a result of her despicable sister and father. I hope that there is more joy than pain in there future together. I wish Harry and Meghan well.
8
As the UK Times says, the Queen acted to bring 'a swift and decisive end to an agonising family saga'. At 93, she is a far better crisis manager than many of the arrogant, belligerent male leaders that she has dealt with during her reign. And - despite the controversy-seeking rants by UK tabloids & some Canadian media - the vast majority of Canadians are happy to welcome Harry & Meghan.
7
This is a happy resolution for Harry and Meghan as well as for the royals. Godspeed Meghan and Harry, your lives are full of possibility and surprise!
5
As an American by birth (although the son of immigrants) I have absolutely no idea what to think about this. I can see that there are advantages to having a constitutional monarch as head of state. Besides Japan, England (well, for now Great Britain), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, all the Scandinavian countries have constitutional monarchs. They all seem to have a cohesiveness that we Americans are increasingly lacking. I'm not sure which is cause and which is effect, though. The Founders seemed determined that we should rule ourselves (the President governs, but does not rule). But since the Seventeenth Amendment we've been bent on undoing their work. Perhaps these past few decades have made us ready for King Donald.a
2
@Charles Becker To your last sentence, No, no, and NO!!
1
@Charles Becker To your last sentence, No, no, and NO!!
1
My very favorite pass time is reading/watching about the Royal Family. I feel as though I and many others have lived Harry's life through the eyes of a lens (dismiss paparazzi, please...I am speaking directly of documentary and accredited TV, news articles, etc..) Princess Diana clearly showed her boys it's human to laugh, have fun and "live life!" Sadly, Princess Di was cut short, Gladly, Harry is so much of his Mum. Harry clearly proved his "not so royal" capability through his younger years and also his very much Royal capability when his duty called. He is a grown, married man now and Meghan is the woman he fell in love with, married and have started their family together. Meghan is a strong, independent, self made woman of much dignity, grace and self respect-exactly the one Harry loves enough to make such a powerful decision so they can live a happy, joyous and free "from the bonds" life leaving behind the "stiff upper lip!" I wish all the Blessings life has to offer on their new journey, commend the courage it would take to make such an enormous decision and Pray the paparazzi stay put. Congratulations Meghan, I'm sure you are doing Diana so Proud...Archie has a wonderful life on either side of the coin and a perfect start. You are well on your way, may God Bless you All on your journey. ❤
8
as we see that , Meghan has split the royal family .That's all.
4
@Emre
With all due respect, living in Turkey might make it difficult to truly understand what being free means to others.
3
If he wanted to be an architect or a fireman, or professional soldier....that’s one thing.
But he wants to leave the royal family because of media pressure in order to create a lifestyle brand that only has (potential) value because of the media.
So, he wants to be a celebrity.
I wonder where he got that idea.
15
So on point.
In my never-to-be-humble opinion, this is a complete and utter disaster. Sooner or later, Harry is going to wake up from this nightmare and be deeply regretful. And, you can quote me on that.
14
Giving up lofty royal titles is not as hard as everyone makes it out to be. I stepped down from a somewhat "royal" family two weeks ago and now no one knows who I am. (to be on the safe side, I still wear sunglasses at night)
7
One thing though, I don't see why they have to repay £2.8M since they have rendered their service unless they continue to stay at the cottage going forward. If so, they might want to seek better accommodation without the hanger on.
1
Meghan was never accepted as an equal royal by the British press. It blamed her for coming from a dysfunctional family. It compared the two families as unequal and Megan as a manipulator. It should have admired her for achieving so much inspite of her dysfunctional family.
Parts of the country also did not give her due respect. She was a star even before she met Harry. Now being part of the Royal family she has become a mega public figure and a billion dollar brand.
These are out of the box times for which Meghan and Harry are the perfect out of the box star leaders. Together they have the talent to sizzle the world with their own unique steak.
As part of the Royal family they couldn't ever become a full blown business. Now they can fulfill their dreams without any restrictions and make more and do more for themselves, for Archie, for the Royals and the world.
They deserve our full support.
20
This royalty stuff is so medieval. This change reflects very well on the character of Harry and Meghan. Best wishes for a good future.
30
The average duration of marriage is 8.2 years in the US and 12.2 in the UK. Let's see what happens. What they are going through will put a lot of strain on their relationship.
21
I wish them every happiness. My gift to them is to stop reading about them in the press, or watching any media coverage.
55
They will be in California and Manhattan, I’m the press all the time with actors and musicians.
2
It was my understanding that the minor royals were limited from working in the private sector because it would be unfair to competitors who could not advertise their royal connections. I hope Meagan doesn’t get acting work which might better go to other actors. I am not sure what Harry is literally prepared for. I have a feeling we will be seeing his name on a few corporate boards.
I do hope Baby Archie gets the normal life his parents want for him.
22
She was a successful actor before she married Harry, so don’t worry about it.
For me, the moment I knew I had to leave as soon as possible, would be when my child was portrayed as a monkey by the British press, due to his ancestry.
A baby being treated like that should have brought a stern public rebuke from the Queen and other family members - but there was silence.
What kind of family does that?
Good for him to have the clarity and courage to leave all that garbage behind.
278
@Dr. M
The British press did not do this. It happened on Twitter. The man who did it worked for the BBC as a radio presenter and was fired immediately. He claimed he did it in mockery at the birth of another royal, leeching on the public purse. When it was pointed out to him the tweet could be construed as racist, he deleted it, saying he did not realise Meghan was mixed race.
14
Better than Michael Jackson holding a baby over a terrace!
@Jackson Wow. The lack of empathy and frankly the racism behind such sentiment. I don't blame them for leaving.
2
I just hope the tabloid press doesn't hound them in their new life -- follow them to Canada with their zoom lenses.
Tabloid photographers drove Harry's mother to her death. The press has only become more crazed in the intervening years.
It is entirely understandable that Harry should want to protect his young family.
This couple will surely need protection for the foreseeable future, if not their entire lives. And that security should be funded by the taxpayers, because it is the taxpayers who purchase the tabloids.
As for those who decry the irrelevance of royalty, why are you reading this story?
47
I am happy that Harry and Meghan will be able to pursue their lives independently from the royal family, however, taxpayers here in the US, in Canada or in the UK should not have to foot their security bill.
3
They won’t. Meghan and Harry will be spending money and contributing to the economy.
3
@EB Was it the photographers or the chauffeur?
1
The Windsors have always been unique in their pursuit of blunders, never thwarted by intellect nor charm. With the support of a Royal army of cunning advisers, smelly clergymen, wise men and women, any other dysfunctional family would go through life like a whistle. Not so the Windsors.
Blame the press, blame hysteria at the palace gates, blame Royalty itself. Now, for God sake, I wouldn't be surprised if the Canadians will have to doll out at least half of the millions of security dollars to protect a doomed enterprise with, of course, children being the real victims.
15
I disagree. Any family under that much scrutiny would start to show cracks. It is a very unnatural way to live.
3
Wow, did this go downhill fast. First off, I thought royals were supposed to marry other royals or near-royals. This is what happens when the script is not followed. Not only did Harry marry a commoner, but a divorcee at that. It''s likely that this union will
probably fail also due to the tremendous pressure that they
are under. This is some high class Jerry Springer stuff here.
54
@Aristotle
I swear to heaven I have never heard the word "divorcee" so often in the past 50 years as I've heard it since the flap over Meghan and Harry. My word. Who knew it was still possible to shame a woman for being divorced!
16
Especially when the entire Anglican branch of Christianity was founded so an English king could divorce! Meghan was never going to be forgiven for being American. I wish them the very best and hope they can heal whatever wounds have been festering in their family.
3
@Aristotle "Royals only marrying other royals" hasn't been true for at least a couple of generations. It's no longer 1900.
1
Remind me again, please, why we in the US should care about any of this? If I were paying for their lavish lifestyle I might be more inclined to be interested. Thank goodness I’m just financially supporting our own American oligarchs.
39
They cost 1/30th of your presidents fees and create 1000 times more goodwill for the country. Those numbers are simple.
5
@Luis
What the Brits spend to support their Royals is a "pittance" compared to what Americans pay to "subsidize" their Oligarchs.
7
@Luis yes we are....but unlike royalty we can at least look forward to the day that Trump&Family are a long-ago vague memory.
1
I wish them well, but don't want to hear any rubbish about financial independence.
For Harry, being financially independent will have to mean getting a job in the local supermarket in the town he finally settles in. Like all the royal children, in terms of book-learning he's as thick as a plank. Nor did he go to college. What do people with only high school diplomas (or the British equivalent) do? They work in the supermarket or a fast-food restaurant, that's what. If Harry is doing any other kind of work, and/or is generally living the life of a rich person, then he's using his association with royalty to make money, or is living off his parents' money (which, no matter how "private" Charles' fortune is, was amassed only as a result of being royal). What's financially independent about that?
Pshaw, what hypocrisy! Be a man, Harry--if you can.
96
I dunno. His brother and sister-in-law met at college.
1
You do know they have 40 million of their own money. And since you’re not paying them, why do you care?
1
@EB You do know he's a qualified helicopter pilot who saw active service in Afghanistan? I shouldn't have to tell you that if you are interested enough to comment. He's far from thick as a plank.
1
I wish them luck. I won’t be buying any SussexRoyal merchandise. But if Rachel Zane returns to Suits, I’ll happily watch!
18
"Suits" was canceled last year.
I just hope they continue to have security. Maybe if Diana's hadn't been taken away she wouldn't have died. In the U.S. we pay for security for all sorts of relatives of presidents, former presidents and wannabe presidents. Seems like a prince and his family, despite "stepping back" from royal duties, face just as much of a security risk.
26
We Americans provide protection for our presidents, current and former, and their immediate family members as a matter of national security. They had, have, may continue to have access to and memories of extremely sensitive domestic and international information, and their family members can be used as pawns as well. The protection we the people provide is as much or more to protect ourselves and our nation and national secrets from being shared or used improperly as it is to protect the person of the (former/current) president.
Harry and Meghan, however, have no such information or national security value, nor should they moving forward. If their welfare is concern for any government or nation’s security, it is Great Britain, and thus it is the U.K.’s responsibility, or at least their Sovereign’s, to provide whatever security or other needs the Prince and his family may want or need. Either UK or the couple themselves through their own hard work.
3
Thank you for this.
Diana was offered security, but she refused it because she believed that the Queen would use it to spy on her. Also, the bodyguard who survived the accident was employed by Mohammed al-Fayed, he didn't work for Diana.
1
The monarchy will be just fine. I applaud Prince Harry and Meghan. I am disappointed with the tabloids and how they treated both of them. I am saddened by the racism that is unfortunately endemic in both the UK and the US. I believe the Queen handled this very well. I think Harry and Meghan have a right to their life. I believe the monarchy is a wonderful institution, and that when it is time for Charles to take the thrown, that he will be a great king. The Queen has been a force for good in the world and has been an inspiration during her reign. God bless Britain.
179
@Todd The queen is indeed a remarkable woman. I think after what happened with King Edward, Princess Margaret and Prince Charles she has become flexible with royal traditions. At 93 the queen is doing her best to ensure the crown is safeguarded without alienating family members with differing views.
39
@Todd, I'm I the only person who never noticed (or cared) that Meghan is "part black"? I didn't know until she "came out." And remember, she's also half white - but I guess that doesn't count for those to define race using the antiquated "one drop" theory. These are tough times in which to be a human being.
20
@Todd You should be disappointed in the fact that MM has orchestrated the media's "intense" interest in her. You should be disappointed that the British taxpayer shelled out millions to refurbish a home that H and M won't be using, while the homeless rate in the UK skyrockets and the NHS is falling apart. People in the UK are angry for legitimate reasons.
17
I am a strong believer in Constitutional Monarchy as a form of government, but that doesn’t mean that I want the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in my back yard.
They’re welcome as visitors, naturally, but they’re private individuals now, and they can pay their own way, just like everyone else.
58
Who says they won’t be paying their own way?
2
@Global Charm Albertan here, and I share your sentiments 100%. If we have to help pay their security bill, there will be a revolt. But if the media is right, it looks like you will have Harry and Megan as neighbours. I don’t have to worry; I don’t think setting up house in -40 C would be to the Sussexes’ liking.
1
@GC — Why not make them feel really welcome by renaming half of your province! You can start by renaming Victoria! Now, let’s see, just what totem pole worshipping nation was there before you and most importantly: diid they only want you to visit!?
2
About time we move on from two people in a caste that founders of this country escaped from. There are far bigger news warranting our focus on instead of two people wanting to change their personal lives that likely will affect very few.....unless they still expect to be funded by tax money in the commonwealth. Not welcomed by more commoners than one would imagine......there are more important issues demanding the funding. What any royal family opts to do is their prerogative, serving their subjects or opting out and fade into our commoner world really matters none to any of us, just don't expect little people to support their decisions.
11
"The queen gave the duke and duchess Frogmore Cottage, a historic house on the grounds of Windsor Castle, to serve as their primary residence."
The Queen did not give Frogmore to M & H. The residence was renovated for them to use. It was thought she would gift this to them as a wedding present. But she did not. William and Kate were gifted Anmer Hall as a wedding present. Perhaps QEll had the foresight that giving Frogmore to M & H wasn't in the best interest of the BRF. Because she was certainly spot on!
32
@M.R. Whitney - Frogmore Cottage is within the grounds of Windsor Castle which is state-owned, unlike Sandringham House which is the royal family's private property, built at the instigation of King Edward VII on a 20,000 acre site purchased over a century ago. As such, the Queen really couldn't gift Frogmore as it's not hers to give away.
The article states that Frogmore will continue to be H & M's residence when they're in the UK.
1
I find the whole thing baffling at best and disgusting at worst. They are adults and should be allowed to determine their own path. By trying to control things, the monarchy only makes itself look like what it is: an outdated and antiquated relic from another time desperately trying to hold on to some idealized past to retain its own power.
16
@John
It's not baffling. A husband felt he had to choose between his family of origin and his wife due to conflicts. It happens every day, everywhere. It's a risk if the marriage crumbles.
2
@HotGumption
I was speaking of the monarchy's actions, not Harry's and Meghan's.
1
I commend Harry and Meghan for their decision to place their family future at the top of their obligations. And HRH Queen Elizabeth II should be commended for her decision to craft a solution that allows them to pursue this new course. My respect for the Queen and her heir, Prince Charles, continues to grow as they deal with changes in the world around them. Best wishes to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they proceed through their transition and their new lives!
190
@A Concerned Democrat - - - Simplifying this transition is the reality that London as we knew it for centuries is no longer an English city.
The hordes of third-world shepherds flooding that city with their backward society has reduced London to a wilderness for women and law-abiders but a great marketplace for knives, unfortunately.
1
@A Concerned Democrat : I know I'm picky but the Queen has not been "HRH" since her ascent to the throne, but Her Majesty, or HM.
1
@A Concerned Democrat After failing Diana so badly, the Queen owes this to Diane's son.
2
The last time something like this happened, it caused a crisis in government. Edward and Wallis were banned from the UK. I guess the royal family learned something from that.
Will Harry now just be Harry Windsor?
I wish the couple and their son the best.
1
@Liz - Prince Harry will remain a prince and he and Ms Markle will retain their duke and duchess status. What was stripped were the honorific His and Her Royal Highnesses.
3
I support them 100%. Someday, I hope to open a knitting and yarn store in Vancouver. My wife asked wouldn't it be great if Harry or Meghan took up knitting and came in one day? Yes!!!!!
28
@KnitinVancouver! Want to talk about relevancy? Wow, I am so overwhelmed. lol say I tongue in cheek.
Looks like this was a deeper split from the royals than they initially wanted. Good that it was.
The useless queen let de Pfeffel impose the obviously illegal, ulterior-motived prorogation, after which Brits voted for that actual anti-Semite[1] over an echo-chamber-alleged anti-Semite who could've even saved the country from Brexit[2]. At that point, HM legitimized that trainwreck, fueled by offshore-hoarders (like her) and bigots for their own benefit, and let Great Britain become little england.
Perhaps famous State Opening heckler Dennis Skinner[3] could've finally reduced funding for the royal family (or even outright made the UK a republic), thus resolving the family's and couple's problems in a binding, more blunt way. Alas, the people moronically gave more seats to the vile tories, chucked Skinner, and shut the door on that (and relevance).
Oh well. HM's loss, little england's loss, the couple's gain.
[1] Who also has a thing for skipping blacks when shaking hands and calling burqa-clad women "letterboxes". Yep.
[2] If Corbyn would've just made up his mind already.
[3] Who also backed Brexit, concerned about the rise of capitalism over socialism, but meh.
5
When even little Gibraltar wants to remain part of the EU, the decoupling of the UK’s member countries is in jeopardy. Likewise, instead of working to keep the royal house intact, polemicists and racists made life difficult for the young family. Though the Duchess must’ve understood the demands of public life. Now, they have to be careful not to get mix up, like Prince Andrew did with pedophiles Jeffery Epstein and Alan Dershowitz, with corrupt people. Perhaps life in Canada is the their best bet, not California.
12
Good! Now the British tabloids can go back to tormenting Kate, William, Charles, Camilla and the rest of the self-absorbed blue-bloods - they are so much more deserving.
The irony here is that Harry and Meghan are the two most "normal" royals. The rest of them have a long history of personal dysfunction.
I can imagine in time, we'll find out Kate was the agent who drove the wedge between the brothers out of jealousy of Meghan's and Harry's loving and healthy relationship.
To Harry and Meghan - well done!! Cheers!
62
@OldLiberal I suspect there’s more to know about Meghan.
1
@OldLiberal Well said. I think, though, that the jealousy was probably more likely triggered by resentment of Meghan's work ethic. Kate has long had a reputation for being work-shy. When Meghan 'hit the ground running' as she said she planned to do (Grenfell survivors, Hubb kitchen, animal welfare etc) she outshone Kate's more leisurely efforts. I'd go so far as to guess that Meghan could have been asked to slow down. She was certainly criticised for getting up at 5 a.m. and firing off emails on work-related matters.
3
@OldLiberal
Good grief, your imagination is in overdrive. Harry and Meghan the most normal of the royals? Harry suffering from unending depression due to his mother's death over 20 years ago? Harry who is projecting the same fate upon his wife due to the media? Meghan who clings to Harry like a lifeline in every photo I've ever seen of them together? Meghan, who after Archie's birth, whining about how hard motherhood is and how unfairly the media treats her? Those two most normal royals?
And you go on to blaming Kate for supposed rift between the brothers because she is jealous of what you call Harry's and Meghan's loving and healthy relationship?
All these fanciful theories by posters who don't have a clue as to actual personal circumstances.
I think this move came from information they got from their lawsuits against several of the more execrable tabloids. Like who has been calling up reporters with information on them. Also, the BBC called their baby a monkey. Buh bye, Granny.
46
quite possible!!
Can we please focus on a «Royal » who, while not trying to step back from a system that is fraught with incongruities, is involved in a sexual crime ring, should be called to testify in legal proceedings and should possibly brought to book for having sex with minors?
192
@Nancy Purves Pollard Makes you wonder if this Harry/Meghan story was timed to take attention away from banished Andrew. Innocent til proven guilty...but that picture.
1
In 1982, Canada's Prime minister Pierre Trudeau (yes, the father of current PM Justin) went to London to ask hat in hand the Queen Elizabeth ll to sign the new Canadian constitution replacing the old "British North America Act". Canada asked that Elizabeth ll remain head of the state because removing the Crown from all canadian laws would have costed a FORTUNE. Probably billions of today's CAN dollars. The Queen and the british government gracefully accepted to let Canada use the Crown's "brand" for FREE forever.
Before bickering about security fees for Harry and Megan, some pennies compared to the above, we should have that in mind.
Anyway there is already a voted budget every year for Royals visiting Canada, wich is still a constitutional monarchy led by the Queen Elizabeth ll. So no "additional" budget.
There are limits of being ungratefull the Queen of CANADA. She endorsed our constitution, the very least would be that we welcome her grand-children gracefully.
Last, if you think monarchy is an outdated institution, you may be right, but it shield us to elect a president like yours... Our PM can be unseated by a simple vote of our Parliament, unlike your president who seems to be above all of your laws.
694
@Tristan Roy
The top Canadian constitutional expert stated 2 days ago, that the Canadian constitution (1867 and 1982) has NO provision for ANY member of the BRF to permanently live in Canada. Visits - yes, and all costs covered. Permanent RESIDENCY - NOT constitutional. The long-distance Monarchy was premeditated for many reasons - thank you for reminding the 1982 facts.
There would be no constitutional conflict for
Mr&Mrs Windsor though. Since they did not give up/were stripped off / the royal titles, but "will not use them", this issue most probably will end up w/the Canadian top court to rule.
25
@Tristan Roy Not sure how the story of Meghan and Harry lead to bashing an entree country for electing Trump,
Look most of us are as horrified as the rest of the world. We are doing our best. We don’t need condescension from our friends to the north during this very frightening time.
32
@Tristan Roy
Amen, brother-above-our-northern-border. We’ve got Trump. Y’all get Harry and Meghan. I think you got the better end of that deal.
54
Royal Highness? Can you imagine being called that except on Game of Thrones. Good on you, Harry and Meghan. You two are true leaders.
13
Wonder what Prince Philip said when he was introduced to Meghan. Perhaps some choice impromptu words of the sort that he is singularly capable of spouting.
You only have to see two or three photos of Princess Charlotte to surmise that she too might one day decide to unburden herself from the trappings of palace life. She looks like she already knows things that she finds unsettling.
12
Ambition and courage of the couple exceeds the stupendous opportunity offered by the family business; layabouts restricted to a gilded cage.
Were 1% of the American youth as spirited, there would be no challenge the US could not rise above.
10
Does this young family deserves a life of their own choosing, as any young family?
Being royal does not take away your legal rights.
Sixth in line ought to be completely free to do as he pleases anyway!
9
At long last, Harry will get a surname that doesn't tie him to the land like a serf. He and Meghan will probably be able to choose it, too. Hooray!
5
@Erica Blair they receive in excess of 10 mil GBP a year - and you compare them to serfs?
1
Good on them. Any analogy to the late King Edward and Wallis Simpson is weak at best imo. Harry is NOT renouncing the throne -- especially since he's very far down on the list to inherit anyway. The monarchy will survive -- until the British [not the Americans] decide otherwise. Harry and Meghan will NOT be living in exile, NOT cut off from the world, and will NOT be estranged from the Family. They will be living their own lives, raising a family, and doing the work they think is important. The Queen is cool with it. I think she knows that the Harry-Meghan so-called 'crisis' is a piece of very fragrant cake compared to the smelly waste product of the Prince Andrew pedophile scandal that looms on the horizon. The People will probably embrace Harry and Meghan for their decision. The tabloid press will pout for a while, then turn to other juicy stories to wallow in.
15
From the Guardian UK:
"After 10 days of turmoil over the future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the outcome is, perhaps, not the half-in, half-out role the couple appear to have anticipated. Harry and Meghan have gone from 'stepping back' as senior royals to stepping down. They are out. And destined, it seems, to spend most of their time in North America.
They will be financially independent of the taxpayer, though for now they will continue to be privately financially supported by the Prince of Wales. They can keep their patronages, though Harry, a former soldier, will have to give up his honorary military appointments. This includes as captain general of the Royal Marines, a position he inherited from his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh."
13
How many years will it take until this makes it to The Crown?
16
@Joni Just started watching last night! SUPER! Cant believe it took me this long...
Meghan and Harry can do whatever they want. I want them to give up the taxpayer money and taxpayer security payments. Get off the taxpayer-funded monies and go do whatever you want!
20
@Sachit
Just like his mother was stripped of her security detail? Whether you recognize it or not, Harry (the grandson of a Queen, the son and brother of two future kings) Meghan and little Archie are still members of the Royal Family . I do not believe that either the Queen or the Prince of Wales will take a risk with their lives. So it's not your call to make. No one wants a replay of what happened to the late Princess of Wales. Such a tragedy would most likely be the end of the monarchy.
1
@Ron Landers they are welcome to pay for their own security. Otherwise a CANADA or USA are going to have pay for their huge security detail. Why should the poor taxpayer be landed with the bill?
1
@Sachit
Because they are still members of the Royal Family, period. Until I hear you demand that other prominent people pay for their security details, then your point is moot. I am sure that the Trump children, particularly Little Donnie and Eric, could afford to pay for their own protection. After all, they are the scions of a billionaire (maybe). Don't hear people crying about the millions spent on their protection, Or the billions this country spends on corporate welfare. So cry me a river, please.
The problem is that the tabloid business has a global reach. The UK organizations will simply pay people to stalk Harry and Meghan wherever they go.
The couple seem to think they will have a lower profile in North America as they did on some travels, but once they pick a spot to settle, what will stop dedicated royal paparazzi from following and setting up shop?
Tabloid photos and articles could easily continue to sell in the millions.
I wonder if the couple is underestimating the degree to which they are forever tied to the UK monarchy? And how it’s hard to get off the gossip circuit once you are on it?
11
I think in the age of media and celebrity Meghan and Harry are just going after the gold ring. Its one thing to want to control one's destiny, but to do so in such a dramatic way underlines that their motive is greed. But that's how the world is these days, so why shouldn't they get the gold ring? I think the Queen is the one that has shone how classy and kind she can be.
31
I don't see that Harry and Meghan gain much from leaving. The press will always follow them; everything they do will still be scrutinized.
But they are young, and this kind of dramatic move is a young person's style of rebellion.
We can never know what actually happens within any family; much less one behind palace gates, palace rules and secrecy.
So maybe we can just wish them luck.
18
If the Queen had any sense, she'd set aside that Victorian upbringing forced on her in 1952 by courtiers and step aside so she can watch Charles take over.
They've been living with 19th century protocols while her grandchildren live in 21st century reality. Good for Harry and Meghan to respectfully put an end to it. Hopefully this will enable William to loosen up as well. The British empire isn't coming to an end, but maybe the stifling rigidity should.
24
The pace and quality of messaging around the New Year palace reveal suggests that the royal separation has been given far more thought and consideration in the House of Windsor and among its PR retainers than hitherto revealed.
With so many 'spare' royals and only so much 'work' to justify their lavish retention the Windsors seem to have anticipated that a cash-strapped post Brexit public will be less inclined to support so many regal offspring from their taxes. European neighbors have managed less lavish lifestyles for their royals for many years.
One suspects that quite apart from the muddied aspects of future accommodation abroad, what we are seeing is a well considered marketing plan that embraces modern realities, including the need for better control of the brand and those under it (eg. Andrew). With so many royal folk in Britain with part-time jobs and lifestyles to manage it's gotten to be a little 'loosey goosey'.
Regardless of all the trials and tribulations to come a new generation of British royals will likely thank Harry and Meghan for breaking ranks to explore the prospects of clean air outside the royal cabin.
15
@Ian pretty telling that for her (Christmas Day, I think) recent address to the nation (UK) on her desk were pictures of her father, her husband, and William/Kate and family. that's it.
1
The queen has two other sons and a daughter and other grandchildren. Where were their photos?
I am just very happy to see that the Queen does not say Harry and Meghan will stay in Canada, but rather North American. We like them and everything, but truly, given the history of our country I much prefer to keep the statues quo and have the royals just for official visits. I would change my mind if I was assured that we will not pay for their security and they do intend to live as private citizens here, far from Rideau Hall. It reminds to be seeing.
15
There were times when Harry could not have pulled off an escape from a life as a prince, the son of the future king, the grandson of her Majesty the Queen of England. Thankfully Harry and Meghan can be free to pursue their happiness in life. I applaud Harry for his courage and Meghan for her love and strength.
28
I don't understand the concern of the English royals when we have our own royals so much more deserving of our hand-wringing. "Wannabe Princess Lara" makes fun of stutterers. All in all you're just another brick in the wall.
9
@starkfarm But someday our Trump Royal Family (especially those 2 sons and co.) WILL GO AWAY. PLEASE.
1
Props to Queen Elizabeth on how she's handled this situation. Spot on all the way.
Smart to hold them to this new arrangement for a year, thus leaving the door open for Harry to return to the fold. He just might.
48
@Sadie Smith
Maybe. But, could also be that the review after one year has more to do with seeing if H&M trade off the royal connection for financial reasons and how much they rely on that Duchy of Cornwall money that Charles has been giving to Harry.
9
Even though they are suppose to be role models, the Royal family is highly dysfunctional and highly dysfunctional families always want all the member to stay together as part of their collective misery because that's how dysfunction works. I should know I was raised in a family similar to the Kardashians. They ignore and abuse you when you don't do exactly as they say, but if you try and leave they disparage you and don't lend any support. Good on Harry and Meghan for figuring it out! Life is too short to live by someone else's standards.
28
I can understand them wanting to break out of the mold. Does Harry really want to end up like Andrew? I don't think so. They are never going to rule Britain (outside a catastrophe) and are choosing their own path.
11
I don't see how anyone can say they are NOT "half in, half out" the Royal Family. Last time I looked, Harry was still the Queen's grandson and Prince Charles' son -- ie, a member of the family. He will still be in the line of succession. He will still be a Prince of the Realm (ok to call him Prince Harry). He and Meghan will keep their other Royal titles of Duke and Duchess. When in Britain, they will still live at Frogmore "Cottage" on the estate of Windsor, though they promise to repay $3 million in renovation costs they should not have spent in the first place. Harry will forego public money, but except for security, there was not much of it. He will still get his reported five million pounds a year from the "Duchy of Cornwall," a sort of royal investment fund run by Charles. And he'll still have his estimated $30 million net worth derived mainly from bequests from his mother and his great grandmother, Queen Mary.
So what did he give up? The honorific HRH on his letterhead, the burden of hundreds of ribbon cuttings, and the need to avoid looking like he doesn't live in Vancouver -- or New York! What has he gained in exchange? The opportunity for him and Meghan to earn a gazillion dollars trading on their very Royal celebrity.
50
The Royal couple talked about having only the one child because they were mindful of their carbon footprint. Then they went off on a private jet for a weekend trip.
Megan went on about the hardship of motherhood. Parents all over the country, who didnt have nannies and house servants, rolled their eyes.
This plus other things gave fodder to the tabloids which in turn caused many Brits to sour on Megan.
As for family tensions, Megan isn't the first daughter-in-law not to get on with the familly.
So please, people, don't play the race card or the victim card.
97
@Kwokmeister I suspect you're exactly the reason why Meghan and Harry are leaving. Just because they are Royal doesn't mean they aren't human.
"Megan went on about the hardship of motherhood. Parents all over the country, who didnt have nannies and house servants, rolled their eyes...."
Being a first time parents is difficult for anyone, it doesn't matter what your background is or how much help you have it can be a difficult transition to make, and I can guaranteed that most parents haven't had to make that transition under the eyes of the vicious tabloids tracking your every step and disparaging your every move.
"As for family tensions, Megan isn't the first daughter-in-law not to get on with the familly...."
I would say that the Royals aren't your typical in-laws. I don't know anyone who is viciously scrutinized by both the public and their in-laws.
"So please, people, don't play the race card or the victim card...."
I say the race and victimization by the media is absolutley within their rights to claim.
For some reason the British media likes to tear their Royal subjects apart.
@Kwokmeister They may only want one child because of her age.
Harry will be back after his divorce in a few years.
2
Here in Australia, 50% plus of citizens want our English colony Down Under to become its own Republic NOW. Just wish we could walk away from the Royal family as easily as Harry and Meaghan.
And what are the odds that this international power couple will end up residing in Los Angeles California within 6 to 12 months? Pretty short in my book.
27
Watching the funeral of his mother, and him walking silently behind her coffin, all I could think was please let this boy find happiness and peace in his life. Such a public stage to grow up in, and grieve in, I would not wish that on any child. As parents, I think so many of his were rooting for him, and happy for them both as they set out in their life together.
All these years later, and he still has to battle the endless nibbling away at his life from the media groups that want to distort and disrupt his life. Good for them both. I heard his wife say in an interview that it is not just enough to survive, you must also thrive. Good for her that she came into his life and shared that opinion with him, instead of going along the pattern already set up by his childhood.
Good lesson for everyone, and I hope they can raise their child in peace. And kudos to his Grandmother for voicing her support, because at the end of the day, I think she wants happiness for them over fulfillment of duty.
43
They will be living in LA before Archie is enrolled in kindergarten.
36
Not that my opinion, or anyone else's, matters, but I have a great deal of respect for this decision and course of action.
I hope they thrive.
28
Happy the man, and happy he alone,
he who can call today his own:
he who, secure within, can say,
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.
a British poem 1650'ties
21
For most Canadians, this saga is essentially social page stuff. There were, however, some loose ends that needed to be cleared up if the Sussexes were to live in Canada during their transition from the traditional roles they fill in the UK.
Provided the Sussexes forego applying for landed immigrant status in Canada, simply visit for up to 6 months in any year, pay for their own security & cooperate with Federal & relevant Provincial, Local Government authorities regarding any travel in Canada where security issues are in question & they don't take remunerative employment in Canada, then it appears that all outstanding issues from Canada's perspective, including the 1917 Nickle Resolution of our House of Commons preventing persons holding aristocratic titles from being Canadians, have been addressed.
17
I am embarrassed by my fascination with their lives, but I do wish them well. As individuals they do deserve the freedom to live as they choose, but Harry is royal by birth and Megan is royal by marriage. Harry has no choice, Megan did. But she loves him.
The problem here is while they want to be free of the constraint of being royal, they find themselves wanting still the privileges and advantages of royals. Moreover, even as "stepped back" royals, they are still famous and in need of security which is expensive. How do they expect tax payers square with paying for security for royals who live private lives and making their own money?
Harry and Megan are intelligent and resourceful people. I think all of us just need to take a breath, be patient, and give them time to figure things out.
12
@Doodle How could they alter their lives in such a way that they don't need security? In this country presidents and their families get it, but no one is president who didn't choose to run for office. Harry didn't choose to be born a prince, with a target on his back.
4
@Laura That's precisely my point, Laura. Royal duties or not, they still need security. So whose burden should the cost be?
1
@Doodle
Well, do you have a problem with the tax-funded Secret Service details that protect our former presidents and spouses? Would any American want to risk any of them being kidnapped or killed? Harry did not choose to be a Royal (he, Meghan and Archie still are Windsors) and the media has put a massive target on his back and those of his little family. Given the billions of dollars spent by nations on their armed forces, quibbling over the money spent to protect them is coldhearted. None of us want a repeat of what happened to his late mother, Princess Diana.
1
Wow, that's quite a deal. They really don't get to give up a great deal in terms of living a comfortable life.
First they will live in Canada but expect they will live largely in the U.S. As a Canadian who feels the monarchy is no longer relevant may I ask my American counterpart who seems more enthralled with the royals to please take them off our hands. Thank you.
38
@GRUMPY I was raised in one of the oldest former colonies Maryland, where every name, even the state's name (from Queen Mary), county, and government association has ties to our former British colonial history that is no longer present in daily life: Queen Anne's County, Anne Arundel, Lord Baltimore etc... One one of our oldest islands on the Eastern Shore, we still make cakes in honor of a former queen, but never talk about who she really was! I never thought much about the American fascination with the royals, especially my generation's following of the two princes. I think history may have something to do with it, depending on where you are from in the states. I recently took my mother to England, where her father's family was from. She absolutely loved learning about her heritage, visiting the palaces, and her great-grandfather's rectory. For me, it was a bit stuffy, but I'm glad she had fun! As cheesy as it sounds, I don't think my family's individual fascination will abate, but I wish these two well! Everyone deserves happiness and to live life on their own terms.
18
@GRUMPY Agreed. The fawning and celebrity worship is quite a turnoff. And I thought it was the United States that cut itself off from the monarchy.
Sorry but we don’t want them. We actually fought a revolution here to get rid of them.
I'm not sure "Duke and Duchess of Sussex" can be considered royal titles at this point. Without the HRH designation Harry and Meghan are essentially no different than any other non-royal duke and duchess in the UK.
28
@LisaH
Good point. You're correct that there are lots of Dukes in the UK - some more relevant than others. I think in Scotland you can even buy a title that is no longer used by a once prominent family.
11
You can buy a title, but it is not a real peerage or even a knighthood. The titles for sale are left over from days when feudal lords ruled specific plots of land. Descendants, that never got the good titles, have split off the old feudal title from the land and sell it on EBay. Brokers have collected these titles and offer them for sale.
1
I'm not certain there are many dukes in the UK. I recall reading that there are maybe 12 or 15, though there are many more earls, baronets, viscounts (earls in waiting I think), etc. Not to mention sirs, ladies and on and on. Personally, I think all that nonsense should be done away -- always amazes me people still use those and think they count. I remember someone saying, vis a vis David Cameron's
wife (at time he took office), "WELL SHE'S THE DAUGHTER OF A BARONET!"
"They Love Each Other". is a song by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia. Harry and Meghan love each other. Case closed. Who are we to discuss their private decisions. They are a public couple who seek some privacy to raise their son normally, if that is possible. Good Luck to the both of them.
45
Ummm the British public has lots to say. It’s their money they are spending
16
What I find amazing about this episode is the enormous amount of chatter over the decisions of a couple of thirty-somethings who are part of an English institution that is at this point in history, ceremonial.
Let’s face it: the only reason the English are willing to put up with the Windsors (German in origin no less) is because they have made them the entertainment. Pomp and circumstance indeed. Who else buys and reads the British tabloids that are so profitable to Murdoch and Co.?
Like some poor circus animals, the English, and some Americans, demand that the ceremonial royal family perform to exhaustion, showing up at the nursing homes, caber tossings, haggis festivals and pudding factory openings in return for letting them stay in their palaces and country estates. And to provide endless salacious distraction.
Now with the effective departure of the entertainment economy boosting Sussexes, what to do with the rest of the royal lot? Except for the occasional married-in commoner, most of them are quite dull outside of their genuinely good works.
It’s interesting how there was a hope that William and Harry would be agents that modernize the monarchy, and thus of course, keep it relevant to the English. The Sussexes may just be giving the English a taste of 21st century, constitutional, ceremonial monarchy, but not in the way they expected it.
Let the Sussexes make their own way. Stop trying to punish Harry, Meghan, and Archie for being their own souls.
61
Can we leave them alone now? I have a feeling if we do they won't like it.....once they realize their star power is dimmed by not being part of the royal circus they might be screaming to get back in.
52
@Gabby K
Wrong. They'll relish hanging out with interesting new friends, ordering in pizza and binge watching Netflix. In other words, living a normal life.
1
Can he now run for political office in the U.K.? That would be a real table turner - let’s see what happens ....
12
I am actually surprised to read the negative comments from people who have zero inside information, and just react to what they read and hear from others who know nothing. Come on people, just be glad for their brave dreams and wish them well. Unless you are a celebrity or royalty, you have absolutely no idea what challenges they face.
50
Ironically the bookends for Queen Elizabeth is abdication. Her rock solid performance is soothing in this media age. It appears she has taken the road from lessons learned. Harry reminds us that childhood trauma is not easily forgotten. And he married a version of his mother, a good soul who is in way over her head and capabilities. I’m sure the muck of staff and family dynamics is the foundation of this drama. Let us wish them all the very best. Breaking away is hard enough without the world watching and judging. Thankfully, Prince William is the future. So far he and his wife show signs of continuing on the steady ship set by his great grandfather and his grandmother. I’m betting that Prince Charles will be amazingly in tune with the times once he is King. Remember he was an environmentalist long before most and is poised to give another strong voice for our planet. In the meantime, as this family works out their dynamics, let’s remember all of the good they have done. They are very rich and have used their status to shine light on the good works of others.
38
Always trouble when American divorcees get involved with British royal family.
59
You have to wish them well, but yikes! It looks like the rash action of a young couple that's already shown a lack of judgment with, for example, the extravagant "refurbishing" at public expense. Oh, well. Another somewhat sad sorry story of human beings thrashing about. And we'll all tune in now and then and see what happens next...
24
@CJN
I’m kinda doubting you actually “wish them well .”
1
First of all, this is only going to increase scrutiny on them. Secondly, she knew what she was marrying into. I feel sorry for him having to give up he’s life because she can’t handle a few pictures being taken. If you don’t like the attention, don’t marry the 6th in line to the throne of England.
40
@Mike
You're quite naive about:
1. British tabloids and how they operate, and
2. Prince Harry's opinions about #1.
1
@wavedeva
You mean that if you marry an English prince the British tabloids are going to take your picture? I’m SHOCKED! Thanks for straightening me out.
1
I always regarded this royalty stuff as an embarrassment, and I'm not british.
now, I will stop snickering, finally. Well done, Megan!!!
8
Apparently, Charles is going to subsidize Harry and Meghan. Isn’t that a round-about way of accepting public funds?
32
Harry is already worth upwards of £30 million. How much subsidy will he need?
14
@Susanna Prince Charles is one of the largest private landowners in the UK, thanks to the Duchy of Cornwall. (Which was set up quite a long time ago, in England's medieval past.)
1
And Meghan has a few millions of her own.
Who cares?? Rich people who will still be rich beyond our wildest dreams. Hard to care. But I will say this. When I saw that she was mixed race, I was pretty sure she'd end up dead so this is a step up from Diana's fate.
14
To my Irish sensibility, the idea of royalty is just very silly. Good for Meghan and Harry for making their own path. I hope they and their son will be happy.
19
Based on a lot of the comments being posted by Americans, I can see why they’d go to Canada. Get a life people. It’s okay to be intrigued by the English monarchy, but we (Americans) shouldn’t take this kind of stuff seriously. It’s really none of our business.
25
What more of a symbol does England need than this when we think of Brexit and nationalism juxtaposed with an unstoppable global world of interdependence combined with independence. I say good for Harry and Meghan. Their responsibility is first and foremost to each other and their son. They respect the queen and honor her. They are doing nothing that is close to being unethical or immoral. "For everything there is a season," and this young family's season is now.
17
I feel terrible for Harry who made a terrible choice in who he decided to marry. Anyone wanting to change an essential part of one’s identity is a wrong person to be with. I feel sorry for him and he will regret this decision.
109
Ever consider that’s exactly why he chose her?
22
@Iconoclast Texan
There's an old saying that if you lay with dogs, you get fleas. Harry's really itchy theses days.
the media had a terrible double standard with Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. The racism was subtle but cruel. Hats off to Harry for protecting his family. Now the press needs to leave them alone.
65
Not really. Kate and William went to college together, she comes from what is called solid English stock, she knew what to expect from her engagement and marriage, and she knows that someday she will be queen, or whatever she will be called when William is king -- and so her behavior has been very different from her young in-laws'. As has William's.
22
I hate YouTube. I very seldom watch YouTube.
And yet, I'd love to see Harry and Meghan become the world's most popular YouTubers. Somehow, that would provide such an instructive contrast to the foolishness that is royalty in the 21st century.
Also, Elizabeth II has clutched to her throne for much, much too long.
7
A sad day for the Royal family; yet inevitable. Left alone to reflect in the wilderness, Harry will soon realise his mistake. No longer a Prince, Meghan will move on to her next social climb.
78
In the wilderness ??
Haha.
Yes, but he’ll be too busy building igloos and hitching up his dog sled to think about all those “mistakes”. Don’t fret, he won’t be alone here - Canadians will be more than eager to help, Prince or not.
9
He's still a prince and she was never a princess
16
@Simon Paula very cheap shot at Megan. What is the point?
I wonder what Queen Elizabeth really thinks of this decision of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? It would have been fun to be a fly on the wall to hear what Queen Elizabeth said when not in earshot of the press. We will probably never know. She has that British “stiff upper lip” attitude only the British can display. She seems to be one fine lady.
27
@KMW The Queen is too busy with protecting her favorite son, "Randy Andy" from the long arm of the law, as she has done for decades.
19
Arrogant Americans seem to feel entitled to tell other countries how to manage their affairs. Also, a dukedom is not a royal title; it is a rank in the peerage.
30
Correct. But he is still a prince.
8
@John Agreed. And what's more, the British have never told any other countries (or citizens therein) how to do things. Lovely.
2
The move to Canada is to soften the blow of where they will eventually live: California.
Meghan's mother is there, and the climate is better.
Plus, that's where Hollywood is!
46
I remember watching Princess Diana's funeral, and the awfulness of 12 year old Harry walking behind her coffin. A quote from the BBC:
"Prince Harry said: "One of the hardest things to come to terms with is the fact that the people that chased her into the tunnel were the same people that were taking photographs of her while she was still dying on the back seat of the car."
Enough said. May this family find happiness and peace.
99
@Jackson I guess half the readers here have no idea what you're referring to. And most of the other half don't care.
But at least you got to dredge it up.
Was that fun?
Cue more spluttering and insults from Piers Morgan.
20
Yes, the most entertaining part of the entire episode! Piers certainly says what he sees.
3
@Brian I keep thinking he's going to have a stroke on camera, with how riled up he gets about Meghan. Luckily, I have full confidence in his ability to find someone else to be nasty and hateful about.
1
A middle aged man obsessed with a woman who spurned him. Putrid Piers Morgan. Friend of Trump. Enough said.
3
It is not just race. Meghan's father and sister have fed much of the media turmoil.
And yet it is the media which have given Meghan's relatives a platform.
It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the whole affair is media beat-up.
Pathetic.
20
@ken Indeed, most people wouldn't even care if the Aussie media hadn't insisted it is something to care about.
The only royal I worry about is sweet baby Archie.
I wonder how he will fare in all this down the road.
10
@Marge Keller
He'll be fine. Knowing his father did it for him will give him the courage to be just as strong.
Harry is protecting Archie and Meghan from the racism that makes it impossible for the family to live in Britain. Archie can grow up as a normal person, not a slave to courtiers.
3
No longer royal. He will be just fine.
3
@Elizabeth Carey
Well actually, he will always be a royal because of his bloodline.
1
Good for Harry and Meagan. It is a healthy step they are taking for their young family
22
I remember when Sarah Ferguson was "thrown" out of the family and thrown to the wolves because she was deemed "wild", and how Princess Diana was chased every second of her life and lost her life because she was out of the "family" protection. While Meghan must have been a little naive to think she could escape this, she and Archie will be better off away from the circus. As for Harry, it's hard to escape family, Meghan will probably have to let him go at some point. If she were smart she would not place too many demands on him, let him work out his issues. With Brexit coming up , the country will be in such a mess the pull for Harry will be great.
12
Fergie disgraced herself and The Firm.
18
I applaud them for rejecting the absurdly antiquated situation they find themsleves in. Why should Harry have to accept a destiny, simply because he was, by chance, born into it. I do appreciate his courage to chart his own destiny... I support them both!
20
@Lance Rutledge Those two didn't seem to mind their "situation" when it gave them access to privare jets, a multi-million dollar wedding, and a lavish couture wardrobe (including a $50,000+ dress for ONE engagement photo.
There's nothing courageous about either one of them. He ignored his grandmother's request to NOT release the news early, and his wife fled the country and left him to deal with the fallout alone.
38
Thank goodness this little episode is over so that it doesn’t continue to consume the media, social and otherwise. Part of me thinks this couple quite enjoy the attention; I hope they prove me wrong, and can fade into anonymity to have a truly private life that will not cost the Canadian tax payer a dime.
The Queen, who has given her entire long life to the service of her country, must be very disappointed. Hers is a sense of duty that has been truly admirable.
339
The monarchy is becoming more streamlined and does not need so many bodies. William and Kate’s kids are on the hook for a lifetime of public scrutiny and criticism. Good for Harry, Meghan and Archie for finding another path. Happy trails!
99
@Kay I think it is fair to say that Prince Harry served in British Army including two tours of duty in Afghanistan. That must say something especially with our monarch who did nothing because he had bone spurs.
159
@Kay
Gosh, Kay ...thank goodness for your opinion. For I know not what I’d do if you’re proven “wrong”.
Your opinion, as is mine, is entirely insignificant.
Can we just step aside and live and let live?
I doubt this couple will be knocking at your door asking to borrow sugar anytime soon.
44
"England expects that every man will do his duty"
Horatio Nelson
Apparently, the same goes for the women they marry.
But is very unfair to compare Harry to King Edward VIII. Harry wasn't in line to become King, and did not dump the responsibility onto a younger brother who was ill-equipped to handle it.
And no comparison is possible, between Meghan, who is very nice, and that cranky old used car, Wallis Simpson.
Finally, I'm appalled by the author dragging Prince Andrew and the Jeffrey Epstein into this article. It's is exactly the kind of thing the British tabloids would have done.
23
In fact, that "little brother" handled being king very well indeed, kept his family in London during the Blitz, reared a daughter who drove and repaired trucks during the war, and did his duty modestly and manfully to the end.
King Edward VIII was a Nazi. Good job that he stepped down and let his little brother show him how to be the king of England.
2
I'm coming out of the weeds to say that I do not share the hope that many here have stated. It's very odd. And explains the rift between the brothers. (I had read about it but didn't understand.) It is odd that she has truly fled with the baby. If this separation was the plan all along then why the 3 million into Frogmore? Or is extravagance just normal? Did Harry not think this Pump and Dump would be a problem? Not convinced this isn't an act of desperation. I am sad because they really don't have a home. Canada and then maybe the United States? And occasionally the UK? One commenter here suggests she will never return to the UK. The marriage won't last if that is true. It's too complicated to make sense. I wish them well.
21
@Anne R.
Frogmore needed the work. It still belongs to the monarch and will continue to belong to the monarch.
It's too bad Meghan and Harry got stuck with the bill, but the Queen has to throw a sop to the dogs who hounded Diana to death and seem to wish they could do the same to Meghan and Archie.
20
@Pecan My understanding is that Frogmore belongs to the estate of Windsor Castle. Not the monarch's personal property. Which is why renovations are funded by taxpayers, just as the repairs to Windsor Castle when it was damaged by fire were taxpayer funded. She can grant them the use of it, but it's not hers to sell or give away.
6
I wonder if Harry and Meghan will play themselves in the Netflix movie/series.
18
Ms. Simpson was twice divorced and that didn't sit well with the family at the time.
After abdicating, Edward and Wallis were basically people without a country, traveling around and have not made any significant contribution to any society or humanity that anyone is aware of.
Meghan Markle, currently in her late 30s, has B.A. from Northwestern in theater and international affairs. She worked and supported herself, paid taxes in the US and Canada until marrying into the "royals".
Being dragged continuously through the tabloid mud with none of the "royals" (except Harry) standing up for her - should be enough for anyone with a sense of self to reject all the pomp and reclaim their sanity and dignity.
Unlike Edward and Wallis Simpson, Harry and Meghan have a child together, they have a place to stay in GB and will probably have a place to stay somewhere in the US or Canada. They will continue their charity work and hopefully contribute to humanity in the long run.
And the British tabloids will find someone else to torture and demean.
39
Thank you that is very nicely said. Wallace and her husband were called governor of an island, a title but no actual work. They were very wanted by the Germans to find out British strategy in war time and actually possibly kidnap and hold them ransom. And none of the royals went to their wedding in France even.
5
This is entirely about money—lots of it. Meghan and Harry see the opportunity to spin their celebrity into a colossal business, but can’t do it if tied to their obligations as royals. They’re going to support a variety of issues that no one can fault—domestic violence, climate change, etc. Then people will be eager to buy their products to how their support. Undoubtedly they will be saying that all profits will go to these causes. Which they will, since their own income will be drawn before profit.
50
They already have enough money.
Congratulations to the couple for their achievement!
11
@R. Sokol
What achievement?
Their Declaration of Independence comes compliments of Harry’s multi-million dollar inheritance from Diana plus funds from the ‘bank of dad’...aka Prince Charles.
40
I can't understand all the nasty comments here. Can't we just wish this young couple the best, commend them for trying to achieve some independence - including financial - and trying to live a meaningful positive life while taking noble steps to help others?
They could have lived the rest of their lives in a luxurious bubble that most of us can't even imagine, never having to worry about a thing. I admire their courage and wish them the best.
However, after having read of the many insulting (racist) and hurtful things said about Meghan, I think I've answered my own question.
50
Really, they have to repay the remodel cost?? The petty royal family cannot afford to absorb the cost? As I recall, they have the money. This seems like a slap-in-the-face to Harry and Megan for having the will to establish what is correct for their life and future happiness. Why would they want to be part of this failing family of cruel customs that forced others to do the same in the past?
The right side of history is with Harry and Megan. They will produce more good in the world away from these strange posing monarchs.
7
@Nicholas
Why wouldn’t they reimburse the taxpayers the cost of the renovations? It is consistent with the way different members of the British Royal Family are supported. Only “full-time” working members of the family live for free in residences that are renovated and maintained by the Sovereign Grant. “Full-time” members represent QEII for numerous functions. They are essentially government employees. As such, they cannot have other external jobs, and any external income is, and must be, carefully scrutinized to ensure there’s no conflict of interest, or even the appearance of one.
Prince Harry and Meghan cannot be “full-time working royals” on behalf of the Queen and country, AND have substantially more time and freedom to choose and pursue other ventures.
The situation isn’t very different than what happens in the US when people quit relatively high-level jobs, regardless of whether it is a government or private sector position. A senior manager gives up a company car. A state governor vacates the executive mansion.
24
The Royal family is funded for by the taxpayers and therefore it was taxpayer money that paid for the renovation cost at Frogmore. It was more of a slap in the face for them to give that announcement without letting the Queen know first. And yes, can’t wait to see all the great things they get up to - countdown to Meghan’s Disney voiceover that Harry better the CEO for.
7
@Nicholas The media has largely ignored it, but my understanding is their home was already scheduled for renovations that the queen was required to pay for, as part of her obligation to maintain historic buildings. The vile British press just loved to blow it up as an "extravagance" to further pile on Meghan. I think their repayment is largely to get the haters off their back about it, so they can start fresh.
14
The chances of this couple being together 10 years from now isn’t even 50/50, I think he’ll regret this decision in the future.
73
@L Kennedy Less than 50/50? Where are you getting that from, or are you making it up?
8
Let's face it - the British tabloids were snarky decades before the word was popularized. Their treatment of Meghan was outrageous.
28
I would have more respect for them if they just owned it instead of blaming the press for their unhappiness.
Harry would want to leave even if the press gave him positive coverage.
It's understandable that he doesn't like being a royal with all the obligations but no chance to reach the throne. "I respect the Crown but I need to live differently" is all that is needed.
25
There was no way that they could have their cake and eat it too. They wanted to be private citizens, and now they will be. Along with that goes the responsibility to pay for their expenses and earn their own money to top up what is given to them by Charles. They will live well whatever the financial arrangements are.
As to their being in Canada, they will be welcome, but they should not expect Canadians to pay for their security. I am certain that PM Trudeau and MPs are getting that message from their constituents. It wiould actually be precisely the wrong message for Harry and Meghan to send if they pressed any entitlement to Canadians' tax dollars, especially as they are now former working members of the Firm rather than active ones.
They each have millions. They will be fine. One can only hope that they make more productive lives for themselves than the Duke and Duchess of Windsor did after he abdicated so long ago. They will have to walk the walk as well as talk the talk, e.g. private jets and lecturing about climate change are over.
27
WHAT ABOUT AMERICA'S ROYALTY?
In America, we have no titles. But we do have royalty: the ultra-wealthy whom FDR called our "Economic Royalists".
They can continue to get "state funding" like British Royalty via federal contracts, tax breaks, and a system of law that favors the wealthy over the rest of us.
And our American royalty is inherited as well. Social mobility in the US now falls below most other industrialized nations. Most Americans are either stuck into the economic status of their parents, or they're falling lower. Paths to the middle class have become narrower and fewer.
If you thought that the days of American royalty were over in 1776, think again. There's much more to do.
19
@Peck There's a difference. The royals have to do a lot of relatively boring things. It looks like a pretty hefty schedule. They don't have political power and their role is mainly to be in the public eye representing the country.
At my job I have to show up for meetings. Some are fine and productive. But many are kind of ceremonial. I wouldn't want to have to do that all the time.
American "royalty" has both wealth and political power. They don't have to perform ceremonial functions, etc. They are more like kings and queens of old.
6
@Kathleen. Very true! While Britain's royalty performs ceremonial duties (visibility is their function) and has no political power, America's royalty actually governs and does so invisibly.
There is more to this story than the public version. And the question of security will be worked out confidentially as it should. Harry has plenty of inherited wealth and the cost won't be an issue for him, but as he is and will always be the grandson of the Queen, son of the future King, brother to the King after that and uncle to the King after that, he's still an important member of the family and as such the "Firm" will be kicking in to keep him and his family safe.
27
I admire the Queen. I wouldn't want her life, very circumscribed. She has always done what she thought was right for her country. Charles, too, has hung in there for decades. Not much freedom, even though there's all those riches, what good are they. William and Kate are in this tradition.
If you imagine the country without them, it is a very different place. I think of how they are the stable part of the equation in maintaining a national identity. They don't rule or meddle in politics, so are a neutral force, perhaps maintaining stability.
I think of the U.S. right now, on a rollercoaster, feels precarious. It might be nice to have some tradition to fall back on, something stable.
I don't blame Harry and Meghan. They don't have a direct part in the above. Leave them in peace, and I think not subsidizing them is sensible. They have more wealth than most people and should be just fine in striking out on their own. It seems like they could have been more caring, but who knows what went on behind the scenes? I'll bet that the Queen will miss seeing Archie grow up, though. On the other hand, not sure I'd want to raise a child in a royal household.
20
Prince Andrew was banished because he had a disastrous interview with the BBC? Do I have that right? I thought he was banished because he slept with at the time, a 15 year old American girl that was forced to sleep with him 3 times amounting to rape and then told a farcical lie on TV that no one believed, that actually was a disaster! This slip was a blip on the Windsor radar and had the family’s support - it was upsetting, but they said they believed him - gulp and shock. Harry and Meghan want to go it on their own because the racist British media tried to torture Meghan and upend their marriage and THIS is the story that roils the monarchy - WHAT?!! Prince William was hurt - seriously? How about a solid, “I support you Bro and your choice” even if you don’t mean it. Talk of the Monarchy folding - okay? If it does over this and not pedophiles and past Nazi’s then so be it.
Good luck Harry and Meghan- Brexit isn’t scary but your moving away from the farm for 6 months and managing your own finances is the stuff of nightmares. Oh and Meghan, it’s all your fault, women always know everything even when they don’t!
28
I am fascinated by historical fiction from Shakespeare to Cornwell on the machinations of royalties, how they get in place and how they stay there, but this royal family seems to have won the reality show and they are there in perpetuity, and yet they don't have to do anything meaningful but be symbols. So the entertainment is kind of over now. I guess there were a couple of plot twists with the prewar abdication and then the first queen in 50 years or so, but what kind of new challenges can they come up with to justify their screen time in the 21st century?
7
Thomas Jefferson, writing George Washington in 1788 from France:
"I was much an enemy of monarchies before I came to Europe. I am ten thousand times more so since I have seen what they are. There is scarcely an evil known in these countries which may not be traced to their king as its source, nor a good which is not derived from the small fibres of republicanism existing among them.”
And Jefferson in 1810 to Governor Langdon:
"Now, take any race of animals, confine them in idleness and inaction, whether in a sty, a stable, or a state-room, pamper them with high diet, gratify all their sexual appetites, immerse them in sensualities, nourish their passions, let everything bend before them, and banish whatever might lead them to think, and in a few generations they become all body and no mind ... and so will every hereditary monarch be after a few generations. ... And so endeth the book of Kings, from all of whom the Lord deliver us..."
The press, including the Times, is promoting an interest in the affairs of these parasites rather than pointing out their irrelevance, and using their misadventures as a foil to the real high crimes being committed against the British working class.
30
@Don Barry many (most?) people in England like the Royals, working class or not...
1
@Don Barry. The UK is a functioning democracy and the people of that nation are fully capable of deciding whether the monarchy is irrelevant. As an American paper, the Times has no business getting involved in something that the British people can decide on their own.
1
For progressives who love to champion equality of all people, they're remarkably silent when it comes to this anachronistic practice. The words "Prince" and "Queen" should be left behind. It's a childish fantasy, and it encourages people to be a burden to their society because of all the ancillary staff needed to attend to their every whim. I don't want kids to aspire to be a part of the aristocracy. I want them to tear down that class system. Don't aspire to be a prince or princess. Be the next Obama. Be the next Nancy Pelosi.
41
@Randeep Chauhan It's the UK public who get to decide this, not us.
10
When Edward married the American woman Simpson, the problem wasn’t that she was an American, the problem was she was a divorcee. That did not sit well with the Church of England and Edward’s mother told him she would forbid his marriage to her because… Ms Simpson was a divorcee not because she was an American.
11
@Anthony Williams One credible version of the story is that Edward did not want to be king. That's the primary reason he was willing to abdicate.
14
@Anthony Williams
And the fact that her second husband was still alive.
I am somehow sad because it looked they all.where a beautiful family with a bright and hard future, but now part of the family has gone ! Maybe some character's weakness?
3
@Mary
Huh?
Don't ever confuse the outside of anyone with what may be inside.
1
Good. For. Them. This is the only ethical approach for those who inherit things nobody should have. Monarchy is wrong.
14
The New World is where immigrants have come to make a new life for 500 years. Our ancestors made the journey because where they came from forced them into Class, Sect or Caste. Ms Markle's heritage reflects all of the immigrant and forced immigrant history of this Republic still evolving. Welcome back to the Americas. And maybe a larger piece of anonymity and privacy.
13
@T. Lum. If you think Meghan Markle wants anonymity and privacy, you haven’t been paying attention very long.
17
@Lisa Stiles A Little Projecting on my part I guess.
It is their business. Period.
19
Are they part of the Brexit package?
15
But, Edward was king. Let’s let these two go on with their lives—as they wish. Just as we all wish to live.
17
Who said that the “sons have divorced’’? Please, the facts...
4
It seems like Harry is getting a harsher deal for wanting to have some space away from royal life than Randy Andy did for his sleazy relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and all the lies that followed. A subtle question of royal values, no doubt. It's hard for mere mortals to understand these things.
54
@woofer I’m not following your logic. Prince Andrew was essentially fired from being a full time working member of the royal family. He is no longer drawing what amounts to “ salary and benefits” from the Sovereign Grant. He no longer represents the Queen in ANY capacity.
Prince Harry and Meghan have essentially resigned their positions as full time working members of the royal family. They weren’t forced to do so. They will still represent the Queen occasionally. It appears it may be a similar situation to that of Prince Harry’s cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. They have private sector jobs. They do participate in some royal engagements, with, and/or on the behalf of their grandmother. They are not financially supported by the Sovereign Grant.
8
@woofer - what's so hard to understand? Sexism and racism. Prince Andrew is male and Caucasian. So was Jeffrey Epstein.
We fought a war to get away from these folks i am baffled to see how much time is spent on these very entitled and highly needy people. Don't cry for poor Harry and Megan, Oprah will take care of them now.
I mean think about it the Brits should be happy they got them off the welfare rolls maybe they will get real jobs, Right.
26
@B Mc. We fought for freedoms, not specifically to get away from the monarchy.
6
A difficult but wise decision by Harry. You can see the dysfunction of the family. Better to set off on your own path and succeed than to be the spare. Just imagine everywhere you go, you are treated like the B team. I am sure Harry will find a way to have a meaningful life away from the shadows of this elder brother. I wish them good fortune.
27
Why does the press insist on calling this a crisis? A crisis involves real harm, like the fires in Australia or the violence related to protests in Iran, Lebanon, Hong Kong and other places. Harry is not a slave to his birth and wanting to make adjustments to his obligations seems quite natural and not really that big a deal. What would be a big deal is if it were possible to get some of the press coverage to stop being so racist so they could make decisions about their roles without those decisions driven in part by such ugliness.
39
I agree! This isn't a crisis. It's silly gossip. It's still interesting to pass the time, but the media has been covering this with a fervor best reserved for things that actually affect people who have to worry about money.
14
I’m no fan of the monarchy but I do think the way the Sussexes handled their departure was disrespectful to the Queen. They took a page out of the playbook for instant fame and fortune at any cost. My prediction == they’ll have their own reality show in a year and brand the heck out of their “names.”
98
I still don't understand why people think it's disrespectful for two grown people to want to control their own destiny and to do that without prior approval from their 93-year-old grandmother, just because that grandmother happens to head an unequal hereditary system responsible for the pillage and plunder of dozens of nations. They're adults. They should be able to love their lives as they please, and the monarchy means nothing especially to Americans. We fought a whole war for this.
795
@Sebastiansmom9 they were already famous and wealthy, so your comment makes no sense. Also, as the Queen’s statement says, they’d been having conversations about this for months. So she wasn’t blindsided.
It was a tabloid reporter who got the story and gave Harry & Meghan 10 days to respond before he published it. He’s all over Twitter boasting about. Had he kept his mouth shut, this could have been handled better.
Finally, Prince Charles has licensed a deal with a UK supermarket to use the Duchy trademark. So when it comes to exploiting the royal brand...
23
Or perhaps Ms. Markle was tired of the lack of support from her in-laws amidst the onslaught of vileness from the British tabloid press.
27
i say good for them, but really wonder why Prince Charles should provide financial support since a) Harry reportedly is worth about 40 million dollars; 2) they will no longer attend functions representing the Queen. One wonders how much money Harry thinks he needs to be "financially independent". If he is not longer going to attend any functions or visit any nations on behalf of the Royal Family, one would think the income from his investments would tide them over very nicely until they can monetize their celebrity status in Canada. I must wonder if Will and Kate are jealous - Harry and wife are out of the fishbowl and every breath and move aren't dictated to by the "Palace". That must be a relief.
32
@dairyfarmersdaughter. How much the Sussexes are worth depends on which publication that one reads. $40 million would certainly be at the high end of the guesses.
I'm sure that Charles isn't the first wealthy father to contribute to his children.
10
I have read Harry's net worth is probably no more than $10 million (money left him by his mother and great grandmother) and that her net worth before her marriage was perhaps $1-$1.5 million
@dairyfarmersdaughter
Why? Diana. Harry’s mother. Google her name and you’ll see why Charles traffics in atonement money. The photographers were just the last to use and abuse.
That is great that the couple will be on there own but in todays world and they are well known who will have to pay for their security at least? When Prince Harry was in Afghanistan the ISIS wanted him because of his status. Now the other royals need to move out and be on their own so England can start spending the welfare for the rich money on people who really need help.
5
Thankfully, Buckingham Palace got on board and got their PR right. I'm no ardent monarchist, but I am an Anglophile, for better and worse. I would have like to see the Crown come to Megan's aid while all this was going down since the wedding, but it doesn't seem that they have it in them. Harry saw first hand, that he wouldn't be safe with his wife and family as long as he remained in the family business; perhaps in even greater jeopardy when HRH the queen passes away.
I was so outraged at the English media's degradation of an African American woman (Correction author: She's not mixed race. She's African American. It's okay to say it. In the United States, there is no mixed race category),
Now that the couple are released from servitude I think we're likely to see them both blossom. Harry, perhaps more so than Meghan; he has a steeper learning curve "outside the walls". I do wish them well.
37
@tyrdofwaitin
Meghan Markle is multiracial. It’s okay to say it.
Last I heard, her father is still Caucasian.
1
Now can we all just move on to something actually important to the real world?
28
Parasitic royals have as much value as the children of billionaires. None have earned their adulation or privilege.
Being born in 3rd base does not a triple make!
Cry no tears for the poor rich kid who have to make do living on the paltry tens of millions of dollars of wealth he already has.
30
I just hope that Harry and William can mend their relationship.
32
Wow! giving up "royal duties" and no longer being "working royals"...I am available to step in and help as court jester.
18
Meghan will leave Harry at some point.
He will also be too much for her to bear.
Just this way - tabloid deflected - it will be less of a sensation/condemnation.
20
When all give up royal titles then that will be the end of a vile anachronism. Short may all remaining “royals” reign.
4
Let me get this straight - they will pay back the refurbishments that were initially paid for by the British taxpayer. And everyone is “proud” of them for now paying for where they live?
Does every citizen get kudos for paying for their living arrangements? Where is my parade?
This whole thing is nuts. A very wealthy Duke and Duchess just gave up the majority of their duties and one of their titles (HRH) in order to make an enormous amount of money in the private sector.
Their royal duties were essentially to take care of Britain’s interests and promote charities and social causes in general.
Stop applauding them already.
175
@MMS25
Your are right on! Not only that, but the income that Harry and Meghan will still continue to receive for life comes from lands and enterprises that the royal family owns. How did the family get those vast lands and enterprises? They certainly never did any work and save to invest in them. They all came from the British taxpayers in the past and have been handed down to one generation of do-nothings after another.
Harry and Meghan are not giving back that inheritance. Now they will have to scrape and scrounge on the income from his current assets of somewhere well above $15 million.
28
They're getting kudos because they were originally essentially public employees doing work on behalf of the state, so their living expenses were covered. Now that they are withdrawing, they're agreeing to repay that money, even though it was incurred while they were actors on belaf of the state.
It seems some are just determined to believe the worst of two people in their 30s who want to live their own lives.
20
@Errol. Well, technically, the royal lands didn't come from the people. The people's lands and property came from the monarch. What the royals hold now is mostly land that they didn't give away over the past 1,000 years.
15
There are a lot of unsourced narratives about exactly what has been happening behind the scenes that is emblematic of how people uncritically process so-called news. This narrative that Harry and Meghan Markle were greedily trying to hang on to their money while shirking royal duties, for example, seems to get repeated as an absolute fact when it is essentially predisposed prejudice dressed as rumor then dressed as fact. No wonder our age has a problem with fake news.
27
@citybumpkin
There's lots of venom toward Meghan that seems quite misogynistic, and probably often racist. The narrative that she's like Yoko Ono breaking up the Beatles is offensive, the myth of the exotic evil seductress leading a man into trouble.
52
Good luck to Harry & Meghan. I hope they go on to thrive and find a joyous safe home for their family here in Canada or wherever they choose! Bravo to them. This took guts and courage.
43
How embarrassing and heartbreaking to go to such lengths to jettison everyone in your blood family. No subtlety or tenderness here. Diana was a rebel, but I suspect she'd be devastated to know her sons have divorced from one another. And, at some point down the line, Harry and Meghan will as well.
83
The idea that the sons have "divorced" is an unsubstantiated rumor that has not been confirmed by anyone involved. By furthering if and then judging people on the basis of it (for example, assuming that Harry and Meghan are to blame if it actually does exist, rather than assuming that William likely had his part in it too) you're sort of proving the point about why this couple wants to break free from the rabid eye of the media.
20
@Diane
Her sons have not "divorced," get a grip.
And predicting divorce for Harry and Meghan is just nasty. Why do people get such pleasure from wishing this couple ill?
21
Diana would be sympathetic. She too was hounded by the press and died trying to escape the paparazzi
Sounds like everyone would be happy if we stopped reporting on them forever.
39
I say you English got Brexit, but lost Meghan and Harry. Scotland will follow. Imperial hubris doesn't pay off any longer!
25
From the US where the highest title is citizen:
It seems like the Queen could have appointed him Governor-General of Canada.
He would have represented the Queen in that nation, a role he certainly has been well prepared for.
13
@David Gregory
That's is not such an awful idea you have there, David. Good thoughts! 👍
3
@David Gregory
Bear with me while I give you a brief tutorial in Canadian history and civics. The last British governor-general was Viscount Alexander of Tunis, who was given the post as a reward for his service in the Second World War — sort of like how Eisenhower became president. Alexander’s term ended in 1952, nearly 70 years ago. Since then, every governor-general of Canada has been a Canadian, starting with Vincent Massey (the brother of Raymond Massey of Dr. Kildare fame). Canada not having had a revolution, having a Canadian as governor-general is one of the key ways that we assert our sovereignty and independence from Britain, even as we recognize the Queen as head of state. Except for a few celebrity-addled twits, Canadians — and especially Quebeckers — would not for one minute put up with Harry as governor-general. The idea is a complete non-starter.
22
Crisis? Rupture? It's writing like this that caused all of this change in the first place.
Overly dramatic, and not sensitive to the reasons that caused the unhappiness in Harry and Meghan's lives to begin with.
It was the drama in the press that sucked the joy out of being royals.
I hope the press learns.
34
@Diane
It certainly seemed at least partially true, does it not. It is really quite sad, actually, and no matter how prepared one might be how easily people succumb to the pressures of public life and spectacle.
3
Living large with dad (Charles) paying most of the bills that add up to millions, what's not to like about that?
Let's hope that Harry and Meghan, both of whom seem entirely immature and self-centered, don't embarrass the Crown as Andrew has, or in any other way.
119
Immature? The ones who have been in the military and a successful career? The ones who want to find a way back to that adult life rather than being kept like children? Don’t think so. Nor do I think there’s a rift between the brothers. They have all along seemed interested in modernizing the monarchy. Although William is direct in line I have no doubt he has plans also for when he takes the throne.
55
You're from Kansas. We don't have a crown. Why do you care who Harry and Meghan "embarrass" by living as private citizens?
12
@Laurel McGuire Harry will continue to be "kept" by his father.
4
I’m not remotely British, so my opinion doesn’t count for much.
But what exactly did Meghan Markel think she was getting into when she married Harry? She would have been a fool to misunderstand what her responsibilities were to be.
I think Princess Anne is a good example. She carries out her duties with a minimum of fuss, stays out of the media glare, doesn’t participate in scandals.
Markel seems to me very much like Diana — she enjoys the spotlight, but only when it suits her.
218
Yes, Princess Anne is a good little woman - silent, proper, does exactly as she's told. Let's criticize Meghan for wanting to have a voice and contribute something to the world.
30
@Rose
About as far from a description of Princess Anne as you can get. Much like her mother and maybe grudgingly, she understands her duty and the family business. She did however have different goals for her children. Sorry but I have to agree with David.
15
“Only when it suits her”? As the world’s most photographed woman, there was hardly much choice. I say good for Harry, and good for Meghan. May they find anonymity and peace.
Firstly Prince Harry would never have become King, realistically speaking. Meghan is not the graceful Princess Diana, the beloved mother of prince Harry. I think the British Royals have basically shown these two the door of the palace and said don't let it hit you on the way out.
To say that the British Royal family with history of several centuries is not going to cow tow to some American Hollywood commoner who does not want to behave like the Royals or try to fit in and so some respect to the queen. If you don't want to say God save our queen then take a hike wherever is what the clear message is from the Royals.
56
@Girish Kotwal
Really ? So us Americans are commoners ? And shame on us for not saying "God Save the Queen"? Hogwash. The monarchy is so incredibly outdated and irrelevant. That certain people are better than others because they bred with certain people is a fiction I don't believe in nor care about.
@Trish from NY state. Yes really. To you the Hollywood guys and gals maybe God but to everyone else they are commoners masquerading as the American Royals. I don't think any non British person should care about any Royals whether the British Royals or the pseudo Royals of the US, the Hollywood types and I am with you on this but if one is a British subject, I think they should be loyal to the their Royals. Just like I think Americans should be loyal to their own country. If not they should be treated proportionately.
1
The real message here is that so called royalty in the 21st century is a fiction without a purpose. May the tale of Harry and Meagan be the beginning of the end of the British monarchy.
Down with the monarchy long live democracy !
20
@AH2
Actually, if you think about it, many successful democracies (indeed some would say today the most successful) are monarchies.
Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Canada, New Zealand, Netherlands ...
16
Who cares? I wish them the best and seems they made a reasonable and life affirming decision, but why are they in the news daily? Seems the media cannot let go. This couple's daily life circumstance might be newsworthy in English European society but why the daily report anywhere else? So even "royals" struggle with family legacies; beyond that, not much of interest, excepting a diversion from the daily trauma of news in this United States.
17
Probably for the best. They have their own ideas and are now free to pursue them without muddying the Royal waters.
11
If they truly walk away from the royalty gig, then all power to them. If walking away is just a tricksy way of cashing in on their royal connections, then the two of them gross me out. Apparently they have patented all sorts of Royal Sussex merch that they expect us to be buying and wearing, so I don't have very high hopes that they will gracefully fade into private life.
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@AnnH I'm not particularly interested in their royal standing either, Ann. But let's face it, somebody is. (Otherwise there wouldn't all that buying of "Royal Sussex merch.") So I figure it's none of my business. (Yours?)
As long as the "Royals" are happy and their public is happy and maybe a lot of newspaper readers are happy, I'll show more concern for today's troubles in the U S and Asia.
4
Prince William also took out trademarks - to protect his title from being abused by profiteers. This may have been the Sussexes’ intention also. But given that they gave up that title, I can hardly see how it matters.
Were they forced to give up their titles just to be free half the time?
That part is not quite clear.
I think they should be totally free.
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Sounds like they wanted to work part-time but didn't pitch it properly to their employer (the Queen) and got fired instead.
The price for bad decisions.
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@bob Perfect summary!
These two and the melodrama that they have created or are a byproduct of or are victimized by are not important - at most they can be called sad, maybe slightly newsworthy but that's about it.
Let's see- right now we have an impeachment going on that promises to be a horror show, issues that are developing with Iran, fires in Australia that are destroying that country - and the list goes on.
Whether or not these two have money, get money, move here, move there or whatever just doesn't matter.
Their issues pales by comparison to the issues of the real world.
We need to move on.
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I completely oppose monarchy and believe it needs to be phased out. That being said, I don't disagree with the Queen's decision. They wanted to leave "the firm" but keep the firm's branding and titles to profit off it. Tacky, to say the least, and that should be obvious regardless of how you feel about monarchy. On the other hand, a UK-based royal commentator on CNN this morning commented that "everything was going so well for Harry, born into royalty ... and then Meghan the meteor came along, the American divorcee". Nauseating. The entire institution and all of the disturbing events and stories associated with it needs to come to a gradual end.
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@Joe C "The entire institution and all of the disturbing events and stories associated with it needs to come to a gradual end."
Yeah, why can't they just have a simple system like...well, like ours. Ours has no "disturbing events and sories associated with it."
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It's so funny how this is being posed as "the Queen's decision" when really it sounds like what Harry and Meghan have asked for all along. A white hegemonic monarch swoops in and suddenly it's all class and grace and deference.
Welcome, Harry, Meghan and Archie, to the New World. You will thrive here. The U.K. may not thrive so well in the future really.
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The producers of Dancing with the Stars are salivating. The over-and-under among the London bookies is 3.5 years before they appear.
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Now that Harry and Meghan have consummated a divorce from the royal family, it's time to let them have the peace, privacy, and respect that the British tabloids wouldn't give them. The prince clearly suffers from PTSD from the horrors that media harassment contributed to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and sought to avoid the retraumatization that being married to a divorced African-American woman was creating. One can only applaud them for honoring their marriage vows and working to save themselves, their family and their mental health. As Spock would say, "Live long and prosper."
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@Paul Wortman "peace, privacy, and respect"?
You'd be taking all the fun out of it for folks here who have nothing better to do.
I found it interesting that they repeatedly said that Harry and Meghan would be living in “North America.”
I read that as they will eventually leave Canada for California.
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Ummmmm......Canada is in North America.
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@Laurel McGuire
That’s my point.
Why didn’t they just say they would be living in Canada? Saying “North America” gives them an out.
3
I hope good can come from their lives. They have an opportunity to do so. But then we all do, no matter what our birth status.
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No word on tax.
The Royals are exempt from tax in the UK (some of them do make voluntary donations in lieu). But regular folk do pay tax. And, by law, everybody resident in Canada is liable for tax on their global income.
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@Erasmus
Are you sure they are entirely exempt from tax? I thought that about 25 years ago an agreement was reached between the Queen and the government that she, and I assume Charles, would start paying some taxes. The amount was not revealed however.
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@Erasmus No, the Queen began paying income taxes sometime ago, maybe 10 years or so. Before that, you are correct. It's the main reason they have so much wealth, tax free compounding for centuries.
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@jeanne maiden
They are exempt tax. But you are correct, the Queen and Charles agreed some time ago to pay some tax on a voluntary basis (as indeed I noted).
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Congratulations to the couple for making a decision that suits their wants and needs and not those of the monarchy. Now they can forge an identity based on who they are rather than what they are.
We should be so lucky to have children of a famous parent/president in this country...
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