Throwing away your family is disgraceful, regardless of how inconvenient can be. Your grandparents are in their 90s. Shame on you. Go away.
24
You cant pick your relatives, but you can pick your friends
3
All of you, please stop talking about Meghan as a victim of racism. She was warmly welcomed by the family she married into and has, predictably, turned it into an opportunity to get the acting roles she has coveted but would never have been considered for - Hollywood is full of pretty faces. She has a tiresome sense of self-importance. What brave people do is carry on and let their good intentions speak for themselves. Meghan is far more interested in getting attention via social media or any way she can. She cares about herself above all and that comes across. Enough with the whiny self pity. All of you screaming of racism need to direct that energy to real victims of racism. People who are or have been denied opportunities - not some obnoxious brat who is ravenous for fame any way she can get it. I feel very badly that the two brothers no longer seem to be speaking because of this conflict. Were Meghan truly interested in doing the right thing, she would not make a big, resentful splash on Instagram about her “brand.” She had a choice to marry into a thousand year old tradition. She chose that path. As for true love, she didn’t seem to love her last husband very much - he wasn’t propelling her to the fame she feels entitled to. In a different way, she is as horrible as Wallace Simpson and every bit as manipulative. And, last but not least, yes - I am a feminist. I don’t think Meghan is though. She just talks a good game.
32
Misspelled Wallis Simpson...oops.
1
@Denise Until you live your life in the skin of someone black, you cannot speak on what is, is not racist or manifests as racism.
23
"Build their brand?" I doubt either uses that ridiculous phrase to describe their lives or future goals. Give this overused catchphrase a rest. Please.
16
Most of the British tabloids and their incessant readers have all pinned this step back from senior royal life on Duchess Meghan. They conveniently forget to report that Prince Harry has spoken of how the life he was born into was not what he really desired and this was all before he met Meghan. Many American readers have bought into this British media lie too but it is always convenient to blame the black person for any offenses.
In comes the American woman and the British tabloids, aka the Murdochs of Fox News pounce. Hmmm, the British people, monarch supported colonialism and imperialism? Interesting that on this Commonwealth Day, the last vestiges of Britain's colonial past remains, separated by class, definitely race. In many Commonwealth countries, there are vast regions of poverty. The thought of bowing to another person because of their status seems extraneous to me as a free black woman. Britain, UK and particularly the House of Windsor is perhaps one of the biggest cons the world has ever seen. M&H were an asset but sadly, the racism, xenophobia from the House of Windsor and stale British press, people drove them away. The royal family did not defend them at all. Even when Archie was born, he was called an ape, they said nothing. He is a great grandson, grandson, nephew to the ruling monarch. The use of "exotic" in the article is offensive. Black women, most WOC are always seen as exotic, different, forceful. Strong black womanhood is not a negative or exotic.
15
I wish newspapers and television stations would do what the Sussexes say they want: leave them alone and stop covering this story. For all our sakes.
18
I love Prince Harry. And of course I love Meghan now. These two are the most colorful and FUN royal couple I have encountered. I am great BIG super fan of Princess Diana and I am now drawn to her son Prince Harry. I love Prince William too but the boisterous and maverick personality of Prince Harry is what is drawing my attention everytime I read the news about this royal family. He does not contain anything and is very honest, straighforward and true to himself. That is what a royal should be. Can't stand the stuffiness and secretive life that they had been living since. They need to come down and be like the rest just like Princess Diana did. More power to Prince Harry and Meghan!!
3
why describe the tone of the sussexroyal post as "churlish?" it wasn't. their annoyance at being held to a different standard shone through but there was nothing mean about it. the only "boo" i can say to harry and meghan is their leaving baby archie in canada! they should have brought him to see his grandmum.
just looking at the intro photo makes me think the royal family missed a great opportunity to annex meghan's beauty and harry's star power.
1
Meghan is looking exceedingly sharp!!!!!!
3
Can't have two roosters in the hen house.
2
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are fortunate to live in modern times. They still have their heads and they did not get a new home in the dungeons of the Tower of London. The Brits are a tough, brutal lot. Always have been, always will be. It was the Palace intrigue that drove them out, make no mistake about that.
6
Harry comes across as vulnerable and immature. Meghan comes across as opportunistic and attention-seeking.
A match made in heaven.
21
I think some of you here and millions of others are totally overlooking the rampant racism that Meghan encountered daily while she lived in GB. Did you even stop to read the trashy racist tabloid comments that were published daily? And do you think for once Harry should have stood by and put up with that abuse to his wife? I applaud him for not caving in to that. He knew that "stiff-upper-lip" time was over, especially after what he saw happen to his mother. I say welcome to North America Harry and Meghan! We certainly have our warts, but I believe Canada and the U.S. will treat them with the respect they deserve, not from their status, but their actions and who they really are as people!
10
The problem with anybody royal retiring from being a 'senior working royal' in their 30s is that it blows a hole through the lives of other 'senior working royals'. What about the quality of their lives ?
Being royal is certainly not all fun. But is 'building a brand' - which inevitably involves commercializing and marketing oneself, and embracing the life of a celebrity - likely to make somebody happier ?
Good luck to them. They're going to need it.
7
There is no elegant way of phrasing such an inelegant exit so here it goes: Bye Felicia.
13
The Queen has always hurt the ones she should have loved.
6
Instead of "his friendship with the disgraced financier, Jeffrey Epstein", perhaps you meant to write "his friendship with the convicted rapist, Jeffrey Epstein."?
9
I want to compliment the title of this article:
Prince Harry and Meghan Exit Britain, Stage West
The pun on traditional stage direction gave me a smile. Other titles of articles in the NYT and other publications also contain puns or other humor and add delight to catching up on the goings-on in the world. My understanding is that there a publication usually has a certain staffer who writes headlines and my hat is off to those who serve in this role while adding wit.
I also notice the art work that accompanies articles and that is usually great too.
12
Who bloody cares!
They're all a rather dull, uninteresting lot of coddled individuals who need to look for jobs!
14
I wish them luck but there is a 1936 precedent for somewhat similar behavior with a very, very, very bad outcome. While I don't expect Harry and Meghan to pay homage to any notable Fascists anytime soon they may soon become just as irrelevant as ex-King Edward VIII without the backdrop of the House of Windsor.
17
"disgraced financier, Jeffrey Epstein" ??
Why don't we refer to him as what he was. A Rich Predatory Animal that feasted on the dreams of young women, and then exploited them into ruin.
8
Through all the ridicule and bile these two have had to endure and the stiff cold family he comes from one powerful fact emerges - this man really loves his Wife and Child. Think about that before taking cheap shots.
12
@Howard McLaren
Completely agree.
3
Meghan and Harry never looked happier. Good for them!
7
When one considers all the bile and viciousness directed at these two and the stifling protocol of a cold family one powerful fact emerges - this man truly loves his wife and child.
Think about that.
3
Let us (the U.S.) take a moment to give thanks for the Boston Tea Party and all it represents.
Trump is the worst of the worst and his multi-million dollar golf boondoggles, paid for by Americans who pay taxes, are obscene, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm a fan of the UK and have spent a fair amount of time there, but the idea of paying for a sprawling master-race monarchy dripping in diamonds and Rolls Royces is something I'll never understand. The royals should be curtsying and bowing to their funders, not the other way around.
10
Harry should be able to do what he wants, as long as he isn't on the public dole. The way the royals are in England, what the couple did will never be forgotten, or forgiven. I wonder if some years down the road, Harry will look back and regret the decision.
11
I was disappointed when I heard that Harry and Meghan decided to remove themselves from the Royal Family, although I can understand Harry's reticence given the tragic circumstances regarding his late mother's demise as a result of being hounded by the paparazzi. Harry was a Royal rising star and had so much to offer in carrying out Diana's legacy. I am saddened that William and he appear to be on divergent paths which has affected their brotherly bond. I hope that they will find a way to get past whatever has caused them to lose the closeness that Diana engendered in their upbringing.
4
A celebrity lens is applied to members of this family and that is a flawed perception. Royal family members, whether is appreciated or not, perform specific duties and roles and are expected to live within the confines of specific rules. Harry & his wife chose not behave as expected, so they are out with the alleged bare bones lifestyle still paid by Prince Charles. Their choices were counter to Harry's family centuries of duty and expectations and that is not really something that should be admired. There was a reference to liking dull and that makes sense when taking any royal family as a whole, whether we American appreciate or understand their roles, as they do not belong to the celebrity class that Entertainment Tonight and their ilk worship.
7
She showed up dressed as Robin Hood! It's the kind of stunt you'd expect on SNL. What do they expect?
12
The question now is which one will be the first on Dancing with the Stars.
15
Just a question - how many people get the reference -"Exit Britain, Stage West?"
1
But Andrew gets to keep his title of prince - while able to
"step back" from his previous royal duties.
His security is still paid for and he still collects $$$ each month. Oh, and avoids criminal investigation.
That says it all. God speed to this brave family in their escape.
10
Parliament decides on the designation of prince. It is in a law. The Queen cannot remove it or bestow it. The only way to lose it is to become King. That is why King Edward VII did not revert to prince.
4
All those women say they want to be royals but they don’t, Wallis, Diane, Sarah and now Meaghan, why don’t they leave the poor lads alone.
7
It was clear from the outset (that over-the-top wedding for the bride's second marriage) that Meghan needed to be center of attention. When it came clear to her that she could not be center-stage in the royal family, she persuaded Harry they needed to get back to North America, where Harry's cachet as a prince could get them center stage. After all, no one else in the US is married to this level of royalty. Her comments ("Harry and Archie are royal and our family will always be royalty" or words to that effect) tell us all we need to know. Poor Harry. Could only imagine a worthwhile life for himself as the spare, through an act of defiance: hence his marriage. Let us hope this ends well for Harry and Archie. I feel confident that Meghan will get what she wants from all this, maybe already has.
17
To the British tabloids, this is nothing but clicks and drama. Who cares. I guess being subjected to vitriol and racism in the national press is ok as long as you can walk in a palace. This is about petty dynamics that blew up and out of control because some people don’t want to be outshone. Lots of inside baseball stuff coming out, especially the sexist behavior of many make royal reporters, and constant leaks. Look, the Royals will carry on, the succession is not affected,and the Sussexes will figure it out. The noise will die down and they can focus on there future away from the tabloid frenzy. There are bigger things happening in the world.
3
Harry and Meghan Markle are going to give the world a big update any day now.
They getting a place in Malibu.
Archie is transitioning!
Meghan wants to play a superhero. I'm thinking the Wicked Witch of the West would be more appropriate.
13
I can't get over the feeling that Meghan's behavior, and Harry's loyalty to her, are selfish and immature. Meghan agreed to live in England, join the Church of England, be a Royal and do her part, but she couldn't take any negative press-perhaps some of it deserved-so she just does a runner. I also see a parallel between Harry's mother, Diana, being at odds with the Royal family and the press throughout her marriage and the same thing now happening with Meghan. It's as if Harry is repeating his childhood traumas, trying to work through unresolved emotions. It's not the best way to do it and it can lead to misery, but time will tell how he and Meghan come out of this.
17
It is not the same. Diana was lured in as a “sweet girl” when her husband was in love with another woman and continued his relationship with her all through his marriage to Diana.
14
@CJ I'm sorry but I don't think any of us need to judge somebody else's decision as to what they are willing to sacrifice or not. I think if you reflect on this a little bit more, you will probably see that you are buying into a narrative fed to you by a tabloid press that is hostile to the people involved.
9
@Denise
Diana was purchased to make babies as the Virgin Mother of the next generation of royals. She knew not what she was getting into. Lets not forget that first we are dealing with Human Beings, not titles. Canada is a fair place to raise their son and be free from the relentless British tabloids. I hope they have more children. I wish them the best of everything. I hope for their family to see them in a fair light. They have hurt nobody. They are a wonderful addition to Canada and will probably do much to expand the British Empire with being representatives of the Queenery living in the West. How can any of us not wish these people anything but the best and a supportive family to help them transition. Lets stop being cruel and be more loving in what we do and say. If you cannot be kind and civil, just be quiet. Who am I to judge anyone. All good things to Harry and Meghan and their future.
6
I have to believe that this tension between William and Harry is because William always expected Harry to be by his side during this weird life they share, and it's a shock and disappointment to him to realize that's not the case. But I never understood how they were going to modernize the monarchy, like support more high profile causes? Wear more glamorous clothes? Strictly control their privacy? Hug people more? Have a polished Instagram account? Will and Kate give access to their private lives when it's expected and shut the door completely any other time. They might be "dull", but I think they've been baptized to recognize their most important asset is stability, just as the Queen was raised and Charles was raised. They know that they can't afford to be any other way. At the end of the day, I hope H&M get to lead a happy life, but I won't hold my breath on thinking this arrangement is perfect. And in a decade, all anyone will care about are the next generation of royals.
14
It was often said that my father left the old country and came to
America to get away from my mother’s family.
3
...so the Queen keeps Andrew & exits Harry & Megan.
4
Thanks for the update. They will be just fine wherever they go. They are privileged and members of the 1%. As they age, the media will lose interest and they will fade into the sunset and the memories of youth.
11
And with that Diana may finally rest in peace.
4
The British welcomed her with open arms, but once she and H began proselytizing about climate change and carbon footprints, while flying here and there, the British resented the, "Do as I say, not as I do." Also, after their return from Africa, where they saw horrendous conditions for women and children, and the poverty they endured, they came back to Britain whining about how M was never asked how she feels. It reeked of hypocrisy.
26
That purse! Good luck to this family....and god save that cute purse!
3
Based on these comments (and zillions prior), so many of them caustic and hateful, it's like people are confusing Meghan and Harry for characters in their beloved Harlequin Romance novels. They're here solely for the drama and synthetic controversy.
Meghan and Harry's lives belong to them and just like every reader and commenter they have the right to live them and raise their family as they see fit. Fail, succeed, stumble, learn, grow, etc.
It's not like they broke laws and committed crimes--like, say, pedophilia or sexual assault--and expect to continue living a life of unfathomable privilege at the expense of UK taxpayers. That scenario, if it ever happened, would be legitimately reprehensible and worthy of outrage.
11
@MM I only wish they would keep their lives to themselves, instead of giving TMI interviews and getting all the camera time they (at least she) can muster.
11
Nod to Meghan on the outfit from Handmaid's Tale, right down to the nude heels. The parallel couldn't be more apt, as June struggles to free her family from Gilead for the relative safety of Canada.
There is a reason that Harry joined the military and served his country from afar. There is no freedom in the gilded cage of Little Britain, with its love/hate relationship with the royals. I don't doubt the Sussexes wanted to stay in the UK, but that this was made impossible by a media and a public that couldn't come to terms with a modern family; mixed race, mixed cultures and mixed values.
5
@Zack Harry joined the military because it was expected of him as a prince.
7
I wish them well, but enough already.
8
Trudeau reneged on his initial promise that the Canadians would pay for their security while resident in Canada, but the public said 'No way'. The British taxpayer is now lumbered with an estimated $25 million annual bill to protect them, even though they are expected to make many times that in the USA.
9
@sugarwoman Don't be so sure that the monarch will approve that security fee. Let them pay for their own security, especially if they keep putting themselves out their for the public.
7
"brand" is a word used on corporate media to sell something, and i'd like its use to be seen as a sick symbol of our addictions. people are not brands...zombies are.
8
Why does it always seems that MM is always looking like she knows where the camera is. Harry looks like he is doing business, but she is always looking to see if someone photographed her.
34
Seems like you are trying to imply something through your comment. She is an actress—trained to find the camera. Or one could say the camera looks for her.
10
Here he is a former “royal” and he and wife are trading on his family’s reputation.
WRONG. Spend a little time and look up his military reputation. He went to Sandhurst (think West Point) and after graduating, he fought to be deployed to the Middle East, and in 2007, he was deployed to Helmond Province in Afghanistan, with the job of being a forward air controller. Anybody else remember Helmond Province? Not exactly a back line area. When under attack one time, he ran to a .50 caliber machine gun and defended against the attack. After a year in Afghanistan, he rotated back home, to train as an Apache helicopter pilot. After that he returned to Afghanistan on active duty, and according to people who were there, that included a lot of combat missions.
And his wife; she grew up in Los Angeles, of mixed race. Not exactly a bed of roses. Her father worked in Hollywood and her mother as a social worker. A 11 she started a campaign to successfully get Procter and Gamble to change a commercial to be less sexist. While going to college, she interned at the American Embassy in Argentina. She became an actress but faced a problem, “I wasn’t black enough for the black roles and I wasn’t white enough for the white roles.” She eventually prospered and the rest you should know.
I see a pair of emotionally strong people who have decided that the role their genes gave them shouldn’t define their lives. And making a bold choice, decided to live as they wished. I wish them well.
31
Thank Goodness!! Now if the Press would just stop pushing these two on us......... Although, watching her head swivel for the camera, I doubt she'll easily let go of the limelight!
32
The expression on Meg’s face just says it all. She got what she wanted very, very quickly. Harry looks a little shell-shocked.
38
It’s now a brothers’ drama. Which one is being true to their mother’s life and death? Will Will feel guilt creeping up on him? Something tells me Harry has pulled the thread that will unravel the entire monarchy.
4
All these replies are, well, so American!
9
Royal biographer refers to Megan Markle as exotic. I can see why they wanted to break free.
I guess the Brits are happy that they can now go back to gushing over Kate and Wills.
Good luck and prosperity to Harry and Meghan. They may not be 100% "royal" on paper, but they will be much happier than those they left behind.
Princess Diana would be proud of her ginger son!!!!!!!
13
It’s not nice to say ginger.
4
Give it a break. These people are not radicals nor North American Royals. Don't give them this much attention. They are privileged, didn't earn their wealth and are very mediocre except in their fashion and hand waving. Please go away! And NYT shouldn't become "People" magazine.
28
And we should care about them because...?
13
Nonsense and blather. Enough of wasting precious news space on "royals." Royals are not newsworthy in the least unless their actions are illegal. They need to stop preening and we need to turn away every time they appear. Since the Crusades England has been a leader in violent, thieving, privileged, national aggression (India, Africa especially). They got some sympathy because the World Wars killed a bunch of commoners, but the UK as a whole deserves jail time.
7
All the more power to them in their new life and aspirations. The only thing that bothers me about this couple and their quest for a new life is their retention of their titles -- Duke and Duchess and their desire to keep Royal attached to their name and to be referred to as His and Her Royal Highness. I read these were huge negotiating issues on their exit from the Royal family. I realize they were forced to give up HRH titles and Royal but why not voluntarily give these up if your wish is truly to live a normal life and give your kids the chance to live in anonymity and freedom in North America. Many other Royals have done the same. These 2 love the titles and the fawning admiration that goes with it as well as the money-making opportunities that these provide.
19
The Royal Family were stupid to remove them from with their activities - they didn't like American PR. Who cares? And Harry and Meghan hated the awful racist tabloids. I agree. But I wonder now what they are probably doing. Are buying a big house and expensive bodyguards? There are so many w rich and figures will 'causes' - I hope they won't in the not real world of 'good works.' Do such people like Bono do anything? I prefer the intelligent Nobel Esther Duflo who understand poverty, and George Soros (hated by right ideologues). Harry was great as a soldier, and because he was cruel by treated by the stupid Royals. I want them to have to have a real life. Think about the Danish, Swedish and Netherland royals who know what they do. Enjoy and know...
1
Only an American woman would whine her way out of being a royal.
26
Why is this even important at all in today's world. Such a joke...
10
So much blame all around: palace intrigue, the rotten tabs. Bottomline: Harry knew precisely who and what he was marrying. He probably couldn’t believe his good fortune: an ambitious showbiz biracial American from absolutely nowhere — his ticket out! Diana is smiling from the grave. A fascinating story.
7
Am I the only one who thinks they're going to regret this?
23
If you were a black person, you might actually understand what Meghan was going through. The royal family never once stood up for her.
9
@PABD They didn't much stand up for Diana either, until she died. You could leave the race issue aside.
8
Racists always assume their intended targets will never fight back or stand up for themselves. The assumption was that the couple would stay in the royal fishbowl and hence remain easy targets.
Meghan, you showed them. And that fantastic, bold green outfit told them you’re the boss of your own life. All you were missing was a headwrap. I suspect that’s to come.
8
Congrats to both for charting their own course. Rather than speculating, the world should wait and see what develops.
In addition to both Prince William and Harry, who appear to be well behaved and dedicated, without a doubt Kate and Meghan are two of the chicest and most stylish women in the world.
All the best to them.
2
Build their brand...sounds like they just want to swap one “face of...” role for another. I know it’s the current buzz phrase, but really?
How about actually working for a living? You know, doing something productive rather than just showing up being your “product”. That has a nice ring to it.
12
Dear Harry and Megan,
Setting up house in Canada is no small matter. There will be a lot of work involved and, well, most Canadians have jobs.
Perhaps you would consider hiring a friend from south of the border? Not easy to hire nonCanadians up there, especially from the U.S., but guessing you have a few connections.
Can cook, clean, program computers. Will work cheap.
Free, even.
Sincerely, Pea
4
Work is when the Forman knows how long you’ve been in the bathroom.
7
"Patch together a new life..." Poor them.
11
Harry and Meghan I wish you good luck and a happy life.
No go away and stay out of the papers.
We do not care for you and your drama.
12
American love these two rebels while the Brits and I’d say most people on Eurasia hated them for the disrespect they shown to family and country. Different stroke for different folks and that’s why I guess they moved to Canada and will probably spend most of their time in Hollywood after the headwinds died down.
5
Give it a break. These people are not radicals nor North American Royals. Don't give them this much attention. They are privileged, didn't earn their wealth and are very mediocre except in their fashion and hand waving. Please go away! And NYT shouldn't become another gossip and celebrity magazine.
10
Besides the controversy, drama, regrets, and speculation, the bigger question I can't get out of my mind is:
How does she walk in those razor thin, altitudinous stilettos?
I'm in awe...
4
My only regret is not bringing Archie along to London, if only for Great Grandma, The Queen, to be with him perhaps for the last time. I think that’s selfish and sad !
5
@Barbie Meyers I would not have taken my 10-month-old on a crowded plane right now. You would? With highly contagious viruses easily spreading in close quarters?
2
I'm sorry, did the royal biographer use the word "exotic"? That comes across as super racist and probably a large part of why Meghan did not feel welcome.
13
I blame Sinatra's "My Way" for all this childish willfulness. The nub of it is, you can no more reject your Tradition than deny your parents, i.e., without suffering the unbearable lightness of being.
2
Well now that she's got her own brand going maybe Meghan can afford a better stylist. Today I thought she looked rather like an Aer Lingus flight attendant -- with another of those beanie caps perched on the side of her head, then an overdone , caped ensemble that seemed to engulf her small frame, and all matchy matchy.
16
Well now that she's got her own brand going maybe Meghan can afford a better stylist. Today I thought she looked rather like an Aer Lingus flight attendant -- with another of those beanie caps perched on the side of her head, then an overdone , caped ensemble that seemed to engulf her small frame, and all matchy matchy.
1
William Shatner gave this advice to Trekkies on SNL in 1986. It applies to royal watchers IMO.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUL7q8eyig8
1
“Prince Harry and Meghan Exit Britain, Stage West”
Although not “pursued by a bear,” unfortunately even in Canada they and Archie will always be pushed by the hounds of the tabloids.
2
Given world wide stock markets imploding, dare we say regarding Harry and Meghan,
Exit, pursued by a bear?
4
@dc1955
Hah! What did the Russians have to do with the royal departure? Anymore of this wit and I'll do more than shake spears at you.
Harry’s had a sad life.
1
Alas, my respected hometown paper, the NYT, is adding to the nonsensical reportage on these two young 'uns. It's even worse here on their home turf. They are not betraying England, sabotaging the (anarchic and expensive) monarchy, acting selfishly. They are building a life that makes sense. Like all who set out on a journey of leaving home, they deserve support along with respect for their courage.
5
It remains to be seen how much they are worth after leaving the Royal Family. Remember all those russian Grand Dukes ending as cab drivers in Paris.
5
my prediction: GigaFactory5 to be announced in Canada for production of the TESLA-SEMI with the SEMI-ROYALS in charge of hospitality and publicity
1
As someone raised in the Commonwealth, Ms. Markle's obvious manipulation of Prince Harry is conspicuous and nauseating. It is reminiscent of Wallis Simpson, who tore asunder centuries of tradition with her American-style ambition and self-serving, manipulative practices. I am deeply underwhelmed by Meghan. She seems like a world-class gold digger to me.
22
@Jeffrey Gillespie, but Amdrew’s continued acceptance is fine with you, one supposes?
3
@Deering24 Not remotely, your comment says more about you than it does about me. Andrew is an entirely different conversation, and a significantly less frivolous one.
2
Really shocked at the cynicism in so many of these comments. I mean really, who’s to judge another’s life choices?
1
@WS When you ask, demand to be seen, you invite being judged.
6
@farhorizons I don't think you can really say that Harry "demanded" to be seen - he was in the public eye from birth, willy-nilly. Children of most celebrities can escape the limelight fairly easily and live quiet lives if they want, but as an heir to the throne it's not that simple. I admire him for getting away. After all the concept of a hereditary monarchy as a meaningful entity is pretty silly by now.
1
I feel for this brave young couple. I too was once young and disobeyed my traditional family. How much harder it must be for them, with hundreds sniping.
Notice that Prince Andrew has survived, with his money, entourage and private jets intact, despite the fact that he is a true disgrace to his family and his expenses could be much better used for England's many poor.
Harry, who has done nothing wrong and many things right, including standing by his wife, has been deprived of wealth and status. Are there others besides myself who hope that the royal family--long an anachronism--will be seen as the inbred parasite on society that it is?
7
The Queen has given Harry and Meghan "... a bare-bones severance package"? Prince Charles has been giving Harry and Meghan 2.5 million British pounds a year to live on, the same amount, and sometimes more, that William and Kate get. He has agreed to continue giving this yearly allowance, which is paid out of the Duchy of Cornwall, a semi-public property portfolio meant to support the Crown Prince and his family. So please, Harry and Meghan are and will still be richly funded because of their royal status, to the tune of more than NZ$5 million per annum. Talk about lifestyles of the rich and famous. Poor little rich kids!
20
"..honoring the British Commonwealth at Westminster Abbey.." Dear subs, you are in the wrong century, it is now called the Commonwealth.
1
I never watched her TV show so I knew very little about her when she married Harry. Despite all the negative tabloid media I can't see she's done anything wrong. She is very attractive.
Living under the microscope would get old in a hurry no matter how you try to prepare for it. I can't blame them for wanting a much more private lifestyle. I hope it works out for them.
2
I have read that their brand includes a high-end scotch, Ex Crown Royal.
2
I was very sympathetic to Harry and Meghan ... until it became clear that they released their statement about “stepping back” without consulting the Queen. Things went downhill from there, with the couple renting an extravagant $14 million dollar mansion in Canada, refusing to fly back to the UK when Prince Philip was hospitalized, releasing an impertinent statement saying the Queen didn’t have jurisdiction over the world “Royal.”
Giving paid talks at big banks was the cherry on top. I see disrespect and opportunism here.
19
They don't want to be Royals anymore (which does entail some work) but still they want to use the Royal imprimatur to "create a brand." The former royals who became Beckhams 2.0. Yes, the British tabloids are indeed hideous and initially rejected Kate and gave her a hard time. She ran the gauntlet and is now golden. A knee-jerk move to LA – and they think Royal life is vacuous. Good luck.
9
It is wrong to say that Harry and Meghan "once symbolised the future of the Royal Family". They were always going to be marginal figures. Harry is currently merely 6th in line to the throne, and is not in the direct line of succession, which will pass through William's children. Perhaps a life of opening provincial leisure centres and schools did not appeal? Most people here, disgusted by their self-centredness and their rudeness towards our 93 year old, much respected Queen, are glad to see the back of them. We shall see how their future career as only slightly superior Kardashians pans out.
18
If I were any mother or mother-in-law, I would be pretty upset if I got this kind of news through Instagram. Pretty low and tacky.
18
Not sure this will end well.
What's Harry actually going to DO with his life?
I cannot imagine this man born and raised in core of England will be happy in self imposed exile.
Does not feel right.
10
"Exotic" written in the NY Times. To say I'm just a little disappointed to see this would be an understatement. I see the word "exotic" as a code word and I'm not happy about it.
8
It is unfortunate that the author did not note the clearly racist press coverage Megan experienced. Although the 'Exotic' vs. 'Dull' (in red) says enough.
5
Name recognition will get them by financially, the world will not fall apart either.
1
The other day on a cable station a reporter from London who was covering the couple ended her statement by saying that t Megan was just five clicks from trailer trash. The American anchor quickly ended the interview.
Racism has no bounds so I can understand why Megan and Harry want a life in another country where being white is not the favor of the month.
Wish them much happiness in their lives
5
As an American woman of color in London, I'm increasingly aware that British racism exists alongside -- and arguably entirely separate from -- a distaste for many Americanisms, including our enthusiasm, ease of offering uninvited opinions, hugging, and general freedom from the weight of class-identity and stodgy traditions. Meghan indeed endured racism from the press. (I cringe at Junor's use of the word "exotic" here to describe Meghan -- which we know is an intentional or unintentional code for "not white", and serves as yet another example of how the English justify the narrative of little England). But what is often overlooked is that Megham is unabashedly American. The shift in the press' embrace of Kate now that Meghan is leaving is indicative that English royalists are relieved to no longer be confronted with what they find very offensive American sensibilities in their daily tabloids.
17
@AN Martin I'm American and find some "American sensibilities" very distasteful. Meghan wasn't an ingenue when she took up with Prince Harry. (Would she have if he'd been Harry Jones?) She knew or should have known what life in the royal fishbowl would be like. Myself, I think she loves fishbowls.
8
It is much easier to escape poverty than affluence. Unfortunately very few people forge their own lives after being born into wealth, which can lead to life where you are beholden to interests besides your own. Good for Harry and his wife, this will surely be best for his family in the long run.
I was all for Meghan & Harry bringing fresh interests to the Royals BUT she fought too impatiently against the traditions instead of learning about them for the sake of her husband & child. And it was cruel to deny Prince Charles seeing Archie.
Kate who is English took years to learn the traditions, opted out for a little while but love conquered.
Peter & Zara Phillips 1st cousins of Harry do not have royal titles and can do as they please so if M & H want freedom they have to accept to be like the Phillips (Princess Anne's adult children) but instead they got upset at having to give up "HRH & royal".
Good luck to them in the US & Canada but they must pay their own way and they do have plenty of money.
Interestingly over the past few decades the royals have been more favoured in the US than in the UK & Commonwealth countries.
8
I think the U.S. audience do not really understand the concern and bond the Commonwealth countries have for the English royal family. A lot of even the older demographic in my country (Australia) want a Republic, but even so have untold respect for the Queen and her extraordinary workload and the ties particularly in wartimes. I think that here there is a sadness and irritation that this respect was not shown by her grandson over what is a difficult time for a very old lady. Their so called "exit" could surely have been left till after the Christmas period which came with the illness of her husband and the downfall of one of her sons. People of the countries who are related to Britain I believe probably think that the whole "exit" and events prior have been deceitfully done and in rather a Hollywood extravaganza way and have been done to extract the most sympathy for the Harry and his wife and the most humiliation to his family. I felt sad to see the last event they attended particularly it being a Commonweath event. I also feel sadness when I see him now as a seemingly very much quieter version of the one I have seen previously. Almost as if the air has been let out of his tyres.
19
Princess Di engineered her own escape, back in the days before ‘personal branding’ was a ‘thing’. Who knows the discussions that went on behind the scenes but Harry and Meghan seem to want to have their cake and it it too.
11
They certainly have been getting bad advice on how the Royal family works. But isn't Harry supposed to know?
Meghan is clearly running things here. She is smart, but how long can that work?
10
This is of course all of an earth shattering irrelevance.
Even if it is possible to come up with valid arguments for the monarchy as a societal structure, reporting about the trials and tribulations of the younger siblings of the heir to the throne once removed is of a mind numbing fluffiness.
I wish call-me-Harry and Meghan all the best, but I don't ever need to hear anything about them again. Please.
By the way, how is it going with call-me-Harry's uncle, Andrew-the-no-longer-required-Spare? Wasn't he supposed to cooperate with the Epstein investigation into the longstanding sexual abuse of underage girls and elucidate his own role in this?
3
Another day at the British Museum with its outlandish and anachronistic pageantry. Why, for example, has the clergyman to out-dress the Queen? Enough. I digress.
Godspeed, Harry, Meghan and Archie!
Harry & Meghan will be fine on their own, but the Royal Family? Not so much!
1
For the most part, Canadians are far less 'star struck' than Americans. That is part of the appeal of their move here.
Canadians are far from perfect, but we are a more reserved and private people than Americans. We are not like those flashy, needy Kardashian people. Most Canadians would find the stalking of people in the news to be a bit crass. Talking of money is considered in poor taste.
It has been said that that in itself is part of the reason they are moving here, with visits on occasion to America.
That and the fact that the Duke of Sussex apparently has many fond memories of being in British Columbia with his late mum on holidays.
3
I give the marriage 5 minutes. Harry made a big mistake. Meghan knows she did. Problem: Meghan should have thought long and hard about what she was doing before she said "I do." I hope she does not ruin poor trusting Harry's life forever.
12
I hope we hear less of them in serious news outlets and we confine their celebrity to where it belongs.
4
Think what it must be for the younger child eclipsed by a father and brother in line for the crown, and behind a bunch of little kids. Margaret didn’t take too well to that role; who would?, we re only human.
4
I cannot imagine living in a goldfish bowl as "the royals" do. Money and privilege yes, privacy, not at all. Good for them to
attempt to forge their own paths.
1
I feel very sad that Harry's birth family is so cold and unfeeling, both towards him as well as Megan. The Windsors seem quite dysfunctional as a family. I wish them both well in their new lives in Canada, and hope that there will be an eventual reconciliation with the family in Britain.
2
Imagine living in a family where your in-laws have a say on basicaly anything you do, plan to do or even wear? Your sister- in- law always gets to stand in front of you in public blocking the sight with her enormous hats? And a 93-year old granny, while nice, dictating every step in your life that you may or may not want to take? Exactly the type of life Diana refused to live three decades ago - and was punished for it.
H&M live happily ever after in beautiful Canada.
4
Meghan and Harry are more regal than the rest of the family! To many of us, they will remain ROYAL!
6
One wishes them well .. but, understands the implications of missteps and the very tricky road they will have to navigate.
My friends in the UK were uneasy when Harry found and fell for an American .. they somehow understood what was going to happen. No one ever expressed any negativity about race -- The US press did. In the UK it's more a class problem (with everybody).
I don't see this working out very well --
9
When Meghan Markle married Harry I was so proud and excited for someone of such a different background, from Compton even, to be able to make such a change and be involved in traditions that most people in this country don't understand.
I don't think she is stepping up to the plate or fullfilling her part of the bargain, and she had to been aware of the responsibility when she married him. to not be there for the Queen in her elderly age. I wish the best for them, and hope they will return to England, but whatever they do I so hope their marriage survives.
23
They just look so happy and in love together. Meghan is absolutely gorgeous and her outfits are so beautiful. Too bad for the British to loose such a lovely and sincere couple who brought new life into the British Royal Family. Their loss.
28
Everyone seems to know everything about Harry and Meghan. I don't know much, but I do think they have every right to withdraw from the Royal Family. I also think they do not have the right to capitalize on their (former) association with the Royal Family. Go... and be happy.
28
Is it only me - or does it seem like the royals have lost the two most interesting and charismatic people? I mean the queen and Charles are like death warmed over. William and Kate are nice enough - but not interesting. Harry and Meghan are the real deal.
Perhaps instead of sweating over SussexRoyal, they should trademark Ex-Royal. Or forget the whole royal thing and just go with Harry and Meg.
43
That’s obnoxious. Treating people like they are dull and uninteresting when you know nothing about them.
Everyone on this thread (aside from me) only appear to care about Meghan’s feelings. The family welcomed her with open arms. So the press hurt her little feelings. Yes, that happens when you are famous and you don’t control what others say or think about you. You just keep moving forward and eventually your intentions win out. She’s a terrible actress - and completely uninteresting. She has a ravenous appetite for fame and all this fuss over poor little Meghan when no one else’s feelings matter is beyond tiresome. Now she can capitalize on being a royal and get more acting parts she would have never been considered for. Which is what she wanted.
13
@BR Very nice description of the queen.
@BR
And that’s why we have Kim K and they have William and Kate.
4
The rest of the family are crashing bores.
53
In general, crashing bores keep countries surviving and even thriving; the ones we like to watch tend to be parasitic.
I can think of a few exceptions; but since Harry and his wife do not rise to the likes of Theodore Roosevelt or FDR, also people we liked to watch . . . or even Harry's paternal grandmother.
4
@Mary Bullock perhaps, but they do not wear black shoes with a blue suit.
1
So the Queen & the British people have decided “We quite like dull.” Apparently they also quite like, or tolerate, misogyny, blatant racism with a bit of child sexual trafficking thrown in.
When baby Archie was 4 days old, the tabloids referred to him as a monkey. I’m surprised his parents didn’t leave England in their rear view a week later. Despite the never-ending racist attacks on Ms Markle, the only Royal really pushing back was Harry. Not his brother, sister-in-law, grandmother or grandfather, and for that they should all be very ashamed. As for the future queen? I’d have expected a bit more grace in her manners today.
139
@tiredofpc That British monarchy is a relic of the past, a relic that lives on “caste” system, a queen that is above the fray.
I believe Harry and Meghan made the right move given the coldness we see in the royal family.
7
@tiredofpc
Being dull is how you survive as a monarchy in the age where no country has a government that lavishes such riches on their royals.
The UK is literally the only country left that has maintained the landed gentry in the same roles for centuries. Over 80% of England's land belongs to royalty and can never be purchased legally by commoners. They can only purchase 99 year leases at most.
Being exciting and political leaves your royal budget at the whim of whatever government is in charge. The Queen is not stupid, and knows who butters her bread. Ms. Markle is totally oblivious to that and seems to think her social media followers pay her bills.
4
One, single journalist made that disgusting remark, not tabloids plural! The British press did not treat MM any worse than Kate Middleton or indeed Princess Diana. MM’s ego would not allow her to take second place to William and Kate. The cruel way she mistreated and dropped her father, is very revealing about MM’s character.
14
“They were just more charismatic and exotic. By comparison, Kate, whom we’ve all grown to know quite well, was not the new girl on the block.”
Exotic?
56
Exotic. That’s code for something.
4
That word says it all.
4
@TnG #triggered!
1
Now that the pair are "normals", will they just go away quietly and be nice guests in Canada!
28
Wow. Reading many of the comments, it’s no wonder we have different classes or pretend we do. We seem to have some deep need to sneer at others, no matter where on the staircase we happen to be standing.
30
This is a strangely negative article, that presumes a great deal about what is going on in a complicated situation. The reporter seems to think that this was primarily about "unhappy lives within the royal family". But as another commenter mentioned, he makes no mention of the steady abuse Meghan took from the tabloid press from the beginning, and the inability of the royal family/firm to shield them or provide support. He then goes on to use language like "build their brand" and "marketing" liberally, as if Harry and Meghan are cold and calculating about this shift.
If the rupture between the brothers is truly as bad as it seems to be, it is a family tragedy, and very sad for many of us who have followed their lives and fine commitments. This reporter provides a particularly heartless accounting.
81
I’m surprised that the writer is not informed of the asymmetrical treatment by the press of Kate and Meghan which has been well documented elsewhere. The same news organizations blasted Meghan and praised Kate for doing the same things, going back to the betrothals of each. The double standard is not new, as this article claims, nor is it related to the Sussex’s retreat. In fact, this injustice is one of the reasons the couple are cutting ties.
63
To MMS
YES, you are right.
Harry and Meghan are leaving because of
the non stop racism. They’re a hard working couple who were not supported by the Firm.
And Harry has openly said it is his desire to leave. They will thrive.
6
Harry has talked about leaving the Royal Family long before he met Meghan. The interviews and articles are out there for anyone to view. Harry has also spoken about how unhappy and unhealthy he was until he started seeing a therapist. It's time to stop blaming Meghan for everything. I think she and Archie just gave Harry the strength and courage to do what he has always wanted to do.
The British Royal Family is not some magical fairytale. The members are sometimes very miserable. Several of the Queen's children and grandchildren are divorced. I don't envy any of them, and I certainly refuse to worship people just because they live in palaces.
I wish Harry and Meghan much love and success. I hope they find true purpose and help a lot of people. I will never be so cruel as others who have wished this couple harm.
149
@Missy - so, why did he accept the title of the Duke of Sussex when he married. He could have declined and asked his grandmother for a lesser title, it's been done before, by the Queen's son Edward.
But, you're right in saying he has always wanted out, but he also seemed to want to keep the limelight, the cake and trimmings too.
He is using Meghan, knowingly, as his means to escape, and they're ensuring she gets the blame. Should their relationship crumble he can return to the "Firm" to be fawned over by the tabloids and British public (poor Harry) and she can move on with the rest of her life.
7
@Phil Daniels
Edward is the Duke of Essex. How is that a lesser title?
1
I think they are both quite remarkable. I look forward to seeing how their new life over here will unfold. I do hope that they find useful things to do to improve the lives of others. That would earn the respect of the folks they left behind and hopefully some of that frost will melt. Megan's mother is a social worker so I expect that some of that do-gooder instinct has rubbed off on her.
31
"Building a brand" as a phrase and concept is gross. People need to get over themselves; and that includes Meghan and Harry.
87
It’s their entire livelihood and means of supporting themselves. Their occupation has been and will continue to be ‘celebrity’. Has nothing to do with how they view themselves.
3
I was born into a culture that expected me to marry young, to a man from my class and ethnicity; have several kids; attend church and believe what I was told to believe; and work, if I worked, as a secretary or elementary school teacher.
I said no, fought back and ran. I made the life for myself that I wanted. My family was uncomprehending, and still is. Tant pis, as the French say.
What’s the difference if you are a prince and wealthy, or a working class girl and poor? If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit. Being forced
to be who you are not drives you crazy.
Good for Harry, and good fortune to the Sussexes, including their lovely Archie.
430
@RMC Well expressed.
25
@RMC Thats all very well, and good luck to them...what has upset people and generated the critical response to their decision is the tone deaf way they have handled the whole thing...from their total lack of consideration for the queen (who has had a particularly awful year), their swipe at really the whole of the British public who have mourned the loss of Harrys mother too, by rejecting what Britain has to offer a royal couple...not to mention their hypocracy over many other things that have been covered substantially in the media already. The Brits loathe pushy people, and nearly everything she has done exhibits that as being her nature. The total lack of sensitivity to others, whilst claiming no one has been sensitve to HER is beyond acceptable.
42
@S Norris your comment perfectly encapsulates why this couple is leaving England. Constant judgement (the kind that one can’t quite separate from racism) and a demand they be more gracious whilst subjugating themselves for your entertainment. Beyond acceptable indeed.
51
I have a couple of thoughts.
1. Harry was quite young was his mother, Diana, died in a horrific auto crash while being pursued by the British tabloid media. He and Megan have been targeted by the same media and the uncalled for racist attitudes of many in the U.K. I applaud Harry and Megan for trying to get away from the media circus that has followed and aggravated and tormented them since their marriage. I don't think anyone wants the same fate for either Harry or Megan that Diana suffered. I suspect that weighs heavily on Harry's mind.
2. There is a parallel between Harry and Queen Elizabeth II's uncle Edward. Remember him? He abdicated his throne and title as King for the woman he loved. Edward had become the subject of media frenzy and the disgust of the other members of the "Royal Family" because of his relationship with his mistress and future wife. Harry is also willing to walk away from the fussiness and strictures of a "Royal Existence" to seek a more normal and personally controlled life with Megan and their son, Archie.
Three Cheers for Harry and Megan! May you live long and happy and private lives of your own choosing.
30
@Pete - Edward was mainly rejected from the royal family because he and his wife favoured Adolf Hitler and Wallis was the one to introduce the prince to Hitler because she had been having an affair with one of Hitler's men and his brother was informed about that.
Also the late Queen Mother hated him for making her husband become the King because he was shy, stuttered and also had poor health and she felt that her husband wouldn't have died young if he hadn't been King. PS Edward & Wallis lived a very miserable existence.
4
I didn't actually read the article. My response to the headline is GREAT! Can you now stop printing stories about these people that aren't relegated to the lifestyle pages? These nice young people are now private citizens, intent on becoming the next "thing" so they can make money and live celebrity lives - it's clear that was the intent with all the
"Sussex Royal" trademarking, web-sites, etc. I'm not sure why people are so fascinated with these people here in the States. They supposedly want to be out of the public eye - so do us and them a favor and let them drift into obscurity.
38
@dairyfarmersdaughter Kate literally trademarked "Duchess of Cambridge" for clothing, footwear, and headgear. It's a pretty common practice for the royal family.
18
@LS - where does one buy clothing etc branded "Duchess of Cambridge" - literally, actually, or even virtually. Sure, she favours certain looks, styles and labels - but every woman I ever knew does/did that - even the Queen of England.
2
Note she did not use the word royal. The Cambridge’s had better legal counsel than the Sussexes.
1
Harry, Meghan and their son Archie will live their lives in Canada. It’s their choice. What upsets me is that his Uncle Andrew is “Stonewalling” with authorities on the Jeffery Epstein underage sex scandal. Now where should the anger be placed? On Harry and Meghan wanting some peace in raising their son with or without the families blessing or on Uncle Andrew, great friends with that monster and uncooperative with the authorities who are seeking justice for those girls.
42
Long past time to abolish the aristocracy once and for all regardless of where they hail from. Scraping, bowing, and praising people who have done nothing but win a genetic lottery? That is the absolute height of absurdity.
29
Megan looks happy, William not
21
@john clagett
Megan is quite possibly a brilliant schemer. She probably never wanted to be a Royal at all.
Marrying Harry and getting him to leave his family was the only way she could move from Trumplandia to Canada.
Clever that one.
1
This pair seems to be on a rather pathetic quest for some sort of self actualization, with little regard to the feelings of their families here or in the United Kingdom, where she was welcomed in royal processions just two years ago. They've rejected an opportunity to serve that's available to very few. I fail to see what their "brand" now offers beyond celebrity and avarice. I hope I'm proved wrong.
65
@M Davis
I think that's a fair point. You look back on the pictures of people greeting them and you see they connect with the public. They could've done a lot of good together as royals. She could've been a role model for girls who saw in her face their own. Indeed, they talked about this.
Sometimes things just don't work out. And sometimes we choose our own interests over duty. -- thegamesmenplay.com
19
Most slobs on this planet have zero sense of duty!
Harry, on the other hand, is not one of them! Did he stay in the Royal Palace eating cake or did he ship out to Afghanistan to serve his country? He served.
Should Megan have to give up her acting career just to walk around and smile and be regal like the hood ornament on an expensive car? No!
There’s nothing wrong with being royal but one shouldn’t have to give up on ones life to do it! If anything, that’s what Princess Dianna showed us. That’s why we loved her!
3
@M Davis
Is their son not their family? The royal processions are a stark contrast to the tabloid comments sections, where negative stories about Meghan (and Harry, to a lesser degree) inspire thousands of comments, most of which were--and are--unbelievably nasty. There is no reason to believe that in a couple of years, their son Archie would have been subject to the racist vitriol, as well (as he already has, as a newborn). They owe nothing to their adult "family" members here or in the U.K., only to their infant son.
2
On a simpler scale- both couples outfits were outstanding. Note that Kate and Meghan wore the complementary colors of red and green. The Queen per was very posh. Love that brooch!
12
@Aud
Kate always looks like a paper cutout from the 50s; she's an incarnation of a good girl. Meghan wears clothes beautifully and chooses clothes well; she is effortlessly glamorous. They both seem to be smart and to want to serve - more important qualities by far.
2
I’m unclear about exactly what their brand is actually going to do. Are they going to sell tee shirts on their website? Are they going to give speeches at x-amount of dollars to raise revenue? Or, are they just going to spend the Prince’s inheritance until it’s gone? Hopefully they’ll have good advisors on their commercial and philanthropic ventures. I’d hate to see people take advantage of their patronage.
17
Great photo! It's a shame. The Royal Family could use Harry and Meghan's influence and passion. It's unfortunate that the British tabloid press decided to demolish her. What is particularly sad is that they could play a great role as "royals" in Canada. Why they are being punished is a puzzle to me.
241
@cycledancing
Canadians don't have royal roles. They are not being "punished" when they are getting exactly what they wanted from the Royal Family: to be left alone.
The public does not owe them adulation, and Queen does not owe them titles of royalty when they've expressed the desire to *not* be royal.
126
@cycledancing
The royal roles in Canada are played by Canadians appointed by the Queen as Governor-General of Canada, and as Lieutenant-Governors of the provinces. We are not keen to have any of these positions taken over by "royals".
Almost 80% of Canadians told our government that we do not want to pay for the Sussexes' security services.
About the same number want the Sussexes to follow through in their intention to live as private members of society, earning their own livings.
80
@cycledancing, they are being punished because Meghan dared to “duchess while Black.” Harry was supposed to marry a perfect English rose and play second fiddle to William forever. He didn’t follow the script, so the RF want him to pay for that.
62
Megan knew what she was marrying into. She knew on the first date what she was dating. After marriage they didn't give it but 7-8 months. Not even a year. They didn't last to see one springtime together as royals. Couldn't they have given it a bit more of a try before giving up and quiting. Oh yea, they thought they could give it all up but still be royal and rich and never work. They just wanted to be paid for lending out their family name. They can do what they want. I neither love nor dislike them. I'm not English. Why should I care. I hope they do good in this world. But they just started and even if the start was hard... they really gave up quick.
53
Those are a lot of words for someone who “doesn’t care”.
35
@Avid NYT reader Harry saw his wife headed to the same fate as his mother.
16
Beautiful.
4
I find all kings, queens, and their kids despicable. These folks are parasites who live off the blood and sweat of others. Long time ago their forefathers committed atrocities in their own principalities and elsewhere (esp in the case of the brits) and they are still reaping profits from it.
I once worked in a bank in their fraud department where I spoke with a fraudster and I distinctly recall telling him: "you are able to enjoy luxuries, hotels, cars, women, and keep your own credit cards paid off because someone else is paying for your expensive indulgences. The same applies here to Harry, he is able to look handsome and sport a pretty woman on his arm because all the brits are paying for everything. Tell him to get a job. A real job. For her, at least she was an accomplished actress.
11
Harry was in the Army for 10 years. He’s a veteran. Have some respect.
41
"Exotic." They don't even try to hide the racism.
74
She is American and bi-racial, in a family of white British/European people. Exotic definition by google: originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country. She is very different from them culturally, but not in her appearance. Yet I agree, not the best word to use, but interesting you think that racism is "hidden" in the US.
22
@Fabiana No, I don't think the racism is "hidden." But as a POC, most of us know that "exotic" is quite the dog whistle.
34
@Fabiana No, I don't think the racism is "hidden" and said no such thing in my post. But as a POC, most of us know that "exotic" is quite the dog whistle. It's pretty brazen. "Exotic" is othering and offensive.
19
I admire Harry and Meghan for the decision to step away from the Royal life and figure out their own future. Meghan would never be accepted as a Royal equal by the British media. Everything she did would have been compared to Kate and dissected in a completely unfair way. The meanness of the British Media was very evident in the short time Meghan was a Royal! Glad that they are in Canada, finding a new path for them and their son!
33
Let's see: You have the future King & Queen eclipsed in public affection by the "exciting and exotic" Harry & Meghan. How do you endear the public to the future King & Queen again? Make an exit from the Royal family look like a drama of reckless carelessness. To be sure, they haven't really exited the family. Harry remains in line for the throne, he retains but will not use his title of His Royal Highness. Meanwhile, the graceless public "step back" does create more space for Kate & William to take the public lead yet again, and to remind the public that dull and steady is what the British public really want. I think this is really what is going on here, at its core.
122
@Kristin Jennifer
I don't know where you get the idea that people think William and Kate have been eclipsed by Harry and Meghan. They're the future king and queen -- no eclipse there. They're also classy and poised, offering a different style that many prefer. No offense to Harry and Meghan. At a time when the world is in a crisis of leadership, there's something to be said for steady. -- thegamesmenplay.com
46
@Kristin Jennifer That might sound good, but it's not at all what happened.
Sadly, William and Kate became very popular as soon as Meghan and Harry announced their engagement. The tabloids bulled Kate intensely until that point. William refused to let Daily Mail (the most vicious tabloid) paparazzi know about a family skiing vacation and its revenge was wall-to-wall nasty coverage of Kate for months. And readers got right on board. Every article about Kate attracted hundreds to thousands of deeply unpleasant comments.
Literally the day after Meghan and Harry announced their engagement, the situation switched. Brits realized that they like Kate much better than a brown, divorced person from the USA who didn't grow up with wealth. Quite ironic that the Queen, William, and Kate welcomed Meghan with open arms, but the kind of people who read the tabloids think she isn't good enough.
You're as bad as the tabloids, inventing falsehoods to satisfy whatever agenda you have.
13
@Kristin Jennifer With the greatest respect, I think you have misunderstood what the Queen and the Royal family mean to the British public. We admire Her Majesty, and her family for their sense of duty, before personal pleasure. There is sadness over The Duke and Duchess of Sussex' departure, but there has always been a pride in seeing The Duke of Cambridge fit the mould of a future King, and Catherine, for her simple yet graceful style befitting of a future consort. We love our Royal family. Nothing is going on. The Royal family are often referred to as the firm, they are an organisation, and they have to survive. Of course, things have had to be spelt out very quickly to the Sussexes, far quicker than had been anticipated. They want independence. Sure, but history shows us what that entails when you are royal and have accepted tax payer money for your lifestyle. I think they will have to prove themselves at what they do, just as anyone would. They had a choice and that has to be remembered.
7
Have members of the British public criticized the tabloid press for the way they treated Meghan?
Maybe this is why Kate is getting better press coverage.
7
@Marilyn Kate's "better press coverage" is based on her inherently uninteresting personna. Better means not lurid.
4
Meghan looks like an 60s era Aer Lingus stewardess in that outfit.
69
This is all confusing to me. Is Harry doing this for Meghan? For his marriage? Or to assuage pain from his mother's death...all good reasons. But for now I will just say -- that is the cutest purse I have ever seen!
13
Jeffrey Epstein wasn't a disgraced financier. He was a convicted pedophile. Call it for what it is, NYT.
101
He was a convicted “sex offender”. A pedophile is someone who has sexual interest in pre-pubescent children. All his victims were teenagers. An abuser yes, but pedophilia is something else.
9
@Eleonora
Victims in the VI were as young as 11. And I'm not too picky about calling a guy who preys on 13 year olds a pedophile.
1
I've noticed that many people have a disturbing obsession with Harry and Meghan. Lots of the obsessed are members of the press. I don't understand all the hate and vitriol. These are two adults, but people treat them as if they are property. It's shocking how offended and angry some people get over Harry and Meghan's decisions.
258
@Missy People are upset over their behavior. Let's get that part straight.
33
@Sonia Their "behavior" is minor compared to the other scandals the royals have been accused of. The vitriol directed at Harry and Meghan is ridiculous and unnecessary. The racist and sexist insults are shocking. No one deserves to have their lives threatened because they chose to leave a position. Some people may not agree with how everything was handled, but it does not give them the right to abuse Meghan and Harry.
I'll take this couple over the other royals who choose to associate with pedos, criminals, and corrupt businessmen.
73
@Missy Thanks for expressing what many of us think.
24
I love that in her final appearances, Meghan makes sure to wear her super-hero cape--here today in green, and the other night in red. She looked fabulous both times and Harry is obviously happy. Good for them and best wishes on the next chapter!
57
"...and build their brand"? Brand of what? Famous for being famous, I guess. Just what this world needs more of.
55
Prince William and his family are and have always been the future of the royal family in the UK. The Sussexes are in the same position as the Yorks were in the prior generation: the fifth wheel on the carriage of state. Guess what? In the next generation, barring something happening to George, Charlotte and Louis will be in the same position. A well remembered line from the HBO series: the Crown (and those in direct line of wearing one) always go first.
15
@Michael Blazin - in the case of the Yorks the wheel went in a ditch and the whip came off the handle. New York prosecutors would like to question Mr Duke of York
It all depends on how the Sussex couple develop their new lives and err on the side of great caution. If they move to CA, chances that they will inadvertently succumb to an Epstein-like person or people trap are great; ditto NY billionaires. They should remain in Canada, engage in global projects and hire a British nanny for their son to show their unity and love for the British people. The British tabloids were and are terrible to some people as they compete for a shrinking market and Piers Morgan the worse of all tabloid chroniclers.
129
@Ted I agree. If they use their status to benefit others then they will have shown the public that their issue with their relationship to the crown was being suffocated by the crown. However, if they use their status as members of the crown to enrich themselves then they will have demonstrated that they don't like the limitations of the crown but sure do love the privileges it affords them.
20
@James I agree...it is about playing a good tune and not being tone deaf...as they sadly have been so far. They have again exhibited that love of privilege by giving a talk to JP Morgan (rumour has it for a stonkingly huge sum of money) where Harry confessed to being in therapy for 6 years. Really? Is this appropriate? Who exactly does this help? What cause close to their hearts does this aid and support?
11
@Ted "If they move to CA, chances that they will inadvertently succumb to an Epstein-like person or people trap are great; ditto NY billionaires."
Fascinating and super insightful comment. Having been "set-up" and introduced through the Mulroney's, one could suggest an Epstein like infiltration has already been achieved and is well underway.
7
You know, sometimes the group you were born into doesn't fit, no matter how hard you try to squeeze yourself into the space that someone else created for you and expects you to be in. On a much less affluent and grand scale, I think I might know a little about what's going on here. I'm glad Harry (and Meghan) got out while he's young. If his lot is as narcissistic as mine, they'll never forgive him.
191
@J to the B yes it feels like home to some of us.
9
@J to the B I agree with this 100%
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
Alice is marrying one of the guard.
"A soldier's life is terrible hard,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
We saw a guard in a sentry-box.
"One of the sergeants looks after their socks,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
We looked for the Queen, but she never came.
"Well, God take care of her, all the same,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
They've great big parties inside the grounds.
"I wouldn't be Queen for a hundred pounds,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
A face looked out, but it wasn't the Queen's.
"She's much too busy a-signing things,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
"Do you think the Queen knows all about me?"
"Sure to, dear, but it's time for tea,"
Says Alice.
- A.A Milne
11
Off they go, to obscurity, and a down market celebrityhood. And for what? A tawdry existence on the celebrity circuit and a life of “whatever happened to Harry and Meghan?”
46
But how much should we care at this point? The emphasis on the royal "brand" has made them all seem like hucksters, instead of the upholders of dignity and historical significance that they once seemed to be.
18
Who isn’t utterly repelled by the idea of celebrities cultivating their so-called “brand”?
They’re glorified salespeople...and I ain’t buying.
92
I wish the media would stopping using the word "brand." It's so distasteful in this context.
Also, I hope Harry and William can mend their relationship. It would be sad for them to lose that.
22
I wish them all the best, but the whole "build their brand" thing is just alien to me. Can't they just "build their life together" and raise a family, independent of the duties, expectations, and privileges of royalty? Actually, could everyone please just stop trying to "build their brands" for a while, give it a rest, and get back to simply being human citizens of the world?
180
@NGB, Harry and Meghan want to “build their brand”. They even tried to copyright it before the Queen nixed their attempt by taking the HRH away from them. Harry and Meghan don’t really want to be “normal people” and live a “normal life”. They want to be the celebrity Duke and Duchess and have their own website and marketing that revolves around them. For goodness’ sake, their copyright efforts extended to things like clothes and kitchen goods. Those two want to sell a lot of stuff, including themselves, by branding Duke and Duchess of Sussex on your tablecloth and napkins. Why are people so “aww, poor them”? If they wanted to be just folk, they would be, and give up the whole deal. In reality, not bloody likely.
13
Good for them. Life is too short to live under arcane rules. Make a positive difference in the world!
20
I hope they thrive! And I suspect I am not alone.
Also, she looks fabulous.
38
It seems Kate is the main perpetrator of the nastiness within the royal circle - couldn’t stand being outshone by Megan. Being a future queen was not enough for her. Pettiness princess.
16
@MC Majumdar , do you have any substantive evidence for such petty opinions?
Meghan Markle had some success on a cable TV series and a lifestyle blog with a small to moderate following prior to her relationship with Prince Harry. I suspect that many Americans had very little, if any idea of who she was.
I happened to be in the U.K last fall when the ITV documentary aired; it appeared that Markle genuinely had no idea of how the British public views the royal family, or of how toxic the Briish tabloids can be regarding the royal family.
She probably had enthusiam and her own ideas about how she could fulfill her obligations as a member of the family that didn't mesh with the way things have traditionally been done. Together the Sussexes decided they wanted out, and they will now have the opportunity to build a different kind of life for their family.
16
@MC Majumdar Kate is just boring.
9
@Mary Bullock - one could say the same for Princess Anne, but aside from the Queen she is probably the most loved Royal, as someone said "She just gets on with her work." Amongst other things she helped drag British sport out of the 19th century.
3
So glad they escaped. I wonder if the courtiers at Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace who made money from leaking tips about them to the tabs are sorry to see them go.
I hope they will be happy and safe with their precious Archie.
37
If only the royals had been as upset by the endless racism directed at Meghan than by her and Harry's decision to take themselves out of the line of fire.
93
I'm expecting great things from these two! Meghan looks fabulous in everything she wears. Her prince will now live a life of his own making. Let's make them feel welcome in this next chapter!
30
I am a strong supporter of our Constitutional Monarchy, where Parliament has the real power and the Queen reigns as a figurehead.
Contrast this with the U.S. system, where the House of Representatives is thwarted by an unrepresentative Senate, and the President is little more than a hired buffoon.
That said, Meghan and Harry have no real function in the body politic. Our Governor General, required by law to be a Canadian, competently represents the Crown in Canada. We don’t have any actual use for the royal drones, and their presence out here on the West Coast is more of a nuisance than anything else.
22
Your government has made you smug rather than kind. It's not a good look.
21
@Isabella If the United States had not been blighted by slavery, it would have developed along different lines. You may recall that irresponsible kings and queens are not unknown in British history. This is why their actual power has been carefully circumscribed over the years. If you think about it, however, the United States has largely failed to develop a truly functioning democracy, and it now threatens democracy everywhere. This, alas, is nothing to feel smug about.
8
@Global Charm
What does your post have to do with Harry and Meghan? Absolutely nothing. But you take the opportunity to gratuitously bash the U.S. We have enough problems, which we are well aware of, without lectures from you.
15
Diana would be crying her eyes out to see how her sons had this falling out. She wanted nothing more for her sons than the brothers be there for each other to face the world as a united front. This is the real tragedy of Harry and Meghan's departure.
50
@Purple Spain And who helped this split to occur? It seems like history repeats itself now with past of the Queen's own brother being the one who found love in a woman who was very enticing. After he left with his wife, there were many times it appeared he could not understand the why he could not have it both ways. I wonder if Harry will regret or feel lost. The monarchy has a job - it is not easy for a person who does not understand its obligations and culture.
3
@Teacher The Queen has no brother. I think you meant her uncle, Edward VIII. David and Wallis had a very complicated relationship that was not founded on any form of romantic love as was sold to the public. I really don't think there is any real comparison between the two couples except neither was suited to Royal life.
15
@Purple Spain -I'm thinking that Diana would be proud of Harry for protecting his wife and child from what she experienced. And that was before Social Media. Jut my thought.
25
Who cares, when the President in this former Colony, is absent from His Duties as Head of State.
11
I don' t think these two are needed anywhere. Perhaps they can figure out how to be participants in the Canadian life.
22
@Camille Hopkins
That can be said of everyone of us.
13
Thanks Megan and Harry. Here are two people that are the opposite of tRump. They want out of the celebrity culture and the limelight. Their aim is to live their own life. They do not want to be the center of attention. Good for them!
14
They want the limelight on their own terms, and they want to make as much money as possible using that limelight.
45
@EJW
What in the world makes you think they want out of celebrity culture and the limelight? Building your own "brand" certainly entails finding the limelight and standing in it no matter what. They want attention, just on their own schedule.
39
Isn't this a lovely momentary distraction from worrying about COVID19 or the election.
$3 million for the refurbishment of their official residence, charmingly named Frogmore Cottage. Ouch. A couple who agreed it's okay to spend that kind of public dough on their home is going to have quite a shock when they now have to support themselves.
I don't really have any fondness for the Royals at all, but I did wince to read that the queen heard about their plan through their Instagram. The epitome of bad taste.
Maybe Harry is harboring some unconscious anger toward the Queen and the system for the way his mother was treated and this has caused him to lose his balance. While his big brother does what first borns tend to do - chin up, tally ho, carry on, nothing to feel here. All understandable but sad. My heart aches only for the brothers and the loss of a relationship with the only sibling either one has.
26
@BBenm If I were Harry I would loathe my father for the way he treated my mother.
12
"Plunged the royal family into its gravest crisis since the death of Harry’s mother". Really? It's not a bigger crisis when there is credible evidence of pedophilia committed by the son of the Queen?
152
Is she still a US citizen? She would be a perfect running mate for Biden. Person of color. Public and well liked figure. Is there any reason to think she would be less talented than Kamala Harris or Amy Klobuchar? Being a prosecutor and lawyer is not providing any preparation to be vice president. It is not the same job. And Meghan has had a lot of training in ceremonial procedure so she would be a great representative internationally.
9
@SF Honestly, sorry to express alarm, but did you think before you wrote this? Markle as VP because...she's qualified? And you think the office is about "talent"? And it's about "ceremonial procedure"? We're working on getting rid of a TV failure who's able to dissolve the fabric of public life and you want....more tv? I am sorry but it's not even a little bit funny or cute or whatever.
49
@SF
Except that Joe would keep calling her Jill.
3
@SF
Good god, shades of Sarah Palin! How do thoughts like this even occur to one?
18
Confusion on my part here as an American: it seems the royal family serves a purpose in Britain as a quasi-public institution that gives the British people continuity with their history. Outside that public job, what “brand” exactly do these two individuals have? They seem to be an ambitious actress and a guy who doesn’t do much.
59
Let’s be blunt: did Diana’s electricity dim at all after the divorce? Um, no. She gained even more wattage. Same with Harry - he’s so his mother’s son - and the magnificent Meghan. They will surely be royal in everyone’s eyes always.
29
@Dissatisfied magnificent? That is yet to be established. Or will they be like David and Wallis appearing on late night tv dressed up like peacocks living a grand but empty life.
I do not understand why the press lays most of the blame on Meghan for the couple leaving the Royal Family. The article states, "deepening internal dissent on the part of Harry and Meghan and clear public signs that the prince, and PARTICULARLY HIS WIFE, were unhappy with their lives".
I also don't see why their leaving the Royal Family is such a big deal. Who doesn't want to feel appreciated in their work? No matter how many good deeds the couple took part in, British media came after them with a vengeance.
I'm happy for them.
Without having Meghan and Harry to beat up in the press, what will the bitter U.K. tabloid media have to talk about?
40
@Connie - Harry is using Meghan as his ticket out of the RF, and she knows it. If things don't work out he'll use his 2nd class return ticket to rejoin the RF, and Meghan will get on with her now much boosted 'influencer' life.
Best wishes to them for a rewarding and bless future.
I hope the two princes can resolve their differences.
12
Why aren’t they moving to Windsor, Ontario?
12
Brrr
3
Go ahead, haters, keep hating. I predict that a year from now, Harry and Meghan will be having the last laugh.
19
@Josie
You may be right but this marriage may not last. Wouldn't surprise me in the least.
18
Drop the word royal? Who really cares, anyway, besides QEII?
Just change it to SussexRoyale.
7
@,Joan: sounds like an Ice cream parfait...
6
The #1 reason Harry and Meghan stepped back is the constant RACISM & DEATH THREATS Meghan has faced since day one. The tabloid media has egged on the mob, using Meghan's white trashy father to spew story after story. Once they had a child, Harry saw the writing on the wall and chose his family over the firm...
63
'Much ado about nothing.' Will S.
11
William and Kate needed Harry and Meghan to stay and slog away in their secondary roles. William was born into his role as future king but he is hugely uninteresting. Kate is a Stepford Royal and trae ho-hum. William and Kate needed the edgy, idiosyncratic pair close to feel safe, secure, and superior.
25
Why is Harry always fumbling with his jacket buttons?
He’s doing it in the photo for this article and obsessively in most videos of TV. Or else patting his belly.
Can’t wait for this nonsense to blow over. Americans got rid of these parasites 250 years ago. Only the media seems interested in their existence.
11
I’m sorry but making money off your family connections while calling that same family toxic is just sick. The Royal Family is about selfless charity - they open up nursing homes and daycare centers and visit hospices and military bases. Speaking to JPMorgan bankers for a fee? Pimping yourselves out to the head of Disney for work instead of attending a memorial for fallen Royal Marines? She and he are all about making money while promoting themselves. It is disgusting. And as a woman of color, she definitely does not speak for me. Those who see this as a brave move are mistaken. This is a grabdication.
107
Meghan never called the royal family toxic. That's a straw man argument. Racism is sad and dispiriting whether you think it is or not.
28
What a way to treat your father and grandmother. This could have been done privately, but they were in too much of a rush to make a buck.
55
@ecamp After the way Charles treated Diana? Really?
16
My, my. Quite the cynic, aren’t we? I wonder how you would like to get up every morning and read the filth the tabloids piled on you for no other reason than your race. I wonder how long you would last. Not EVEN two years.
13
If my grandmother treated my spouse the way the Queen treated Meghan, she’d never see me or my spouse again.
2
Frontier outpost of the British commonwealth? How about neither. For heaven's sake we're not a fur-trading output in Rupert's land here in British Columbia (have you been to Vancouver?) and we are *NOT* British (even if that's in the name of our province).
20
Someday the full story
will be told. It seems like a
puzzle with missing pieces...
One has to credit Queen Elizabeth,
Will and Catherine for their grace
and dignity. Born into something bigger
than themselves, in what seems to be an
enviable life, it cannot be easy to have
every moment scrutinized
and judged by the public.
If I were British,
I would not have great respect
for Harry and Meghan who have
emerged as opportunists.
43
Born to it? Catherine is a commoner. She wasn't born into royalty. Harry was. The royal family has had plenty of scandals. Practically every member has been divorced. Prince Andrew was a close friend of pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Hardly a perfect picture.
15
That's one of the saddest pictures ever. Young couple leaves family. I get it, a brave new world, but so sad for the bonds broken. I thought Harry and Will would last a lifetime.
10
Living your life is a precious thing that no title, no matter how royal, can replace. The freedom to be yourself is what most people want - why not Harry and Meghan? I wish them a wonderful, joy-filled life!
18
What brand? They’ve abandoned his family and royal duties. I can’t see how that’s a valuable brand to sell.
40
@Diane Bancroft , Harry comes across a likable man who hasn't fully found a way to lead a fulfilling life; I had never heard of his wife prior to their marriage. Time will tell if they find ways to market their experience as "just " Harry and Meghan.
6
@Diane Bancroft, the “brand” is Duke and Duchess of Sussex. When they attend events, you can bet the event announcements and invitations will boast “and special guests, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex”. When they sponsor events there will be highlighted “Sponsored by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex”. Etc, etc, etc.
“sponsored by Harry and Meghan Windsor” doesn’t have nearly as much cachet.
4
The 'Breaking News' slant of this article astounds yet sickens my
sense of decency in terms of its 'relevance' to the world around it as the media plays its subjects as well as itself via the saddest example of contemporary human nature. 'Keep calm, wash your hands 60 times an hour, never touch your face and carry on.
5
Most Canadians, even those non-monarchists like me (and a large number of French Canadians), admire and respect Queen Elizabeth for her remarkable record of almost 70 years of duty and sacrifice. She witnessed her father, George VI, a shy and modest man with a speech impediment, thrust unwillingly onto the throne when his feckless brother, Edward VIII, chose personal happiness over duty. (Does that sound familiar?) Throughout WWII, rather than sending Elizabeth and Margaret away to safety in Canada or even to a more remote part of Britain during the Blitz when Buckingham Palace was hit, the King insisted that the Royal family remain in London to provide a symbol of solidarity with their subjects suffering daily bombardment. The strain of service, for which he was ill-prepared, contributed to George VI's early death at 56. Queen Elizabeth has demonstrated an equal devotion to her role as a non-partisan head of state and despite criticism has never publicly uttered any complaint. Needless to say, her children and grandchildren have not measured up to such a rigorous standard. So, should the matter come up about how poor Harry and Meghan have been badly treated by the Queen, I'm sure most Canadians would remain unimpressed.
81
On this day when Corona virus might be swirling in our midst and the stock market hasn't found it's bottom, I got ZERO time to read or comment on the plight of these folks.
10
@RA LA
I, too, am much to busy worrying about Corona/stock market to read this royals story or comment on it.
oops.
7
@RA LA Do you realise corona means crown? Ironic isn't it?
Gosh, what is it with the Windsor family? Why can't they be more like the Swedish royal family? Their second daughter, an "ordinary" Princess not a crown P, married an American guy, they have three little kids and live in FLA. She is still involved in some of her mother's charitable foundations and is welcomed back to Sweden with open arms by her v warm family. It is a pretty similar situation, but for some crazy reason the English royals are ice cold. It's like they never got over the abdication of that King before Elizabeth's dad. It's kind of sad to see, photos do speak a thousand words. What a waste.
30
@Sues
Somehow, I don't think that the Swedish Princess's American husband sought to create a "brand" called SwedishRoyal, and make billions of Kronor off it for their personal use. For the record, I have both Swedish and British heritage.
5
O’Canada, a quality of life decision. Good luck.
7
The very definition of a non-event.
9
I'm hoping the "royal" couple has begun to put the nail in the coffin of this antiquated, nonsensical, and anachronistic illusion of "royal blood". It'll be interesting to see how they fare in my favo(u)rite city to the north of us.
That said, I give their marriage 3-5 more years. Even with their money it's going to be a very rough slog.
15
Welcome back home to Canada.
As you will soon learn many of us here do not use the phrase 'North America' as its usual intent excludes Mexico, which is a part of NAFTA. 'North America' is mostly an American term and invention. We are Canada.
But to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a hearty welcome home. As good right proper reserved and thrifty Canadians we will keep our distance, and not fuss over your family of three.
If you are in need of right proper food from Scotland, Orr's Scottish Bakery in Sannichtown, near you, is worth it for haggis, Ayrshire bacon, black pudding, etc. We, my family of four, regularly go there at least once a week for our haggis and steak hot pots.
There is also a village fair this summer in Central Saanich. Last year my wife's flavourful pickles won second prize at this same fair. There was truly no living with her after that.
All the best to you.
21
@On the Salish Sea
They're dumping overpriced British Columbia for celebrity-rich and overpriced Los Angeles. They never considered Canada their home as there is no money to be made in Canada. Canadians don't care about their "brand", whatever that is.
25
Once Canada generated that survey showing that their populace was not interested in paying RMCP to provide security for Harry, Meghan and Archie/his Nanny, H&M started looking for digs in the US. I guess they think Americans want to pay to follow them around Malibu 24/7. Or maybe they think we won't notice they're here?
11
@On the Salish Sea
Canada is a country of 36M people, about the same as the state of California. B.C. is about 5M. They'll vacation there, not settle & live.
I doubt they care about haggis or Saanich. And I care not about them, other than their disruption of the "royal blood" nonsense.
3
Who cares? I never want to see or hear about Markle and Harry again. Ever!
This whole series of events... the marriage hype, the pretense, the Markle family uproars (vintage Jerry-Springer-style rumbling which the media could not get enough of), the sudden knife-in-the-back separation from the Royals (announced via their goop-y, condescending WEBSITE!) which the Queen did not expect... was just one big, planned promotional campaign, cooked up by a B-list U.S. actress and the youngest royal badboy. (Remember, Harry thought wearing a Nazi swastika was funny.)
Ha. Ha... not.
The real laugh... this bratty, insufferable couple announced they will be "self supporting!" He's never had a real job outside his family telling him to show up somewhere, and she's now an acting has-been.
M and H no doubt plan to market their "dramatic story" of how the royals, the media, and the world have done them wrong, all the while hoping the public will sympathize and shuck out cash to support their "causes." Shows how sick our global society has become with twerps capitalizing on what they supposedly rejected.
Welcome to the new Kardashians, ex-Royal style. The horror.
No doubt Grandma the Queen is thanking her lucky stars that she has Will and Kate! Tell us more about them, the hard-working and honorable young Royal couple.
122
@Loretta M Harry had 10 years of military service until
his location was outed by the tabloids and he had to leave. That's a 'job' to most people.
32
@Loretta M
Absolutely. William and Kate are quality through and through.
6
Ten years in the military isn’t a job? Tell that to the world’s vets.
10
Enjoy Victoria - it's a GREAT town! I wish you a wonderful NORMAL family life. The heavy robes of Royalty do not fit everyone, nor should they. I have no doubt you will bring the House of Windsor closer to the people and have fun doing it.
WELCOME.
27
I could care less where they live, and what they do.
20
"Build their brand"? Is that what life under capitalism has come down to?
54
@Thomas Zaslavsky My thoughts exactly. They left the royal "brand" to build their own. Who says monarchy and capitalism can't mix?
11
if the Kardashians can make millionaires out of each of their daughters and Mumsy Kris, then H&M will do fine.
6
@Thomas Zaslavsky
Build their brand indeed! At least one of the several TV series currently available featuring Britain's royal family (I think it's the Netflix offering, "The Royal House of Windsor") delves rather deeply into the creation and evolution of "the brand" created by King George V. Anti-German sentiment during WWI made the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha uneasy, especially as their royal cousins across Europe were being toppled from their thrones. So the family founded by Victoria and her German Prince Albert changed their name to the quintessentially British "Windsor" and was transformed from minor teutonic princelings (albeit with DNA from Henry VIII) into a 20th C version of the dynasty so strongly branded as British to the core that many have actually come to believe it was directly descended in an unbroken line from Aethelstan, or maybe Alfred the Great.
4
Trust me. Its not a life most people would want. Why else do you think that Meghan and Harry want to exit that life.
And it IS work. You have to play a part at endless dreary functions. You have to radiate charm and charisma. Difficult for most of us.
Now throw in a guttersnipe press (I've lived there, I know) that is constantly, criticising, belittling and snooping into your private life. In fact you have no privacy.
And if you want to live a normal life? The whole country comes down on you like you're a traitor.
Perhaps Meghan was not the best choice for Harry after all, but I admire the fact that he is willing to stand by his wife.
You might think he's got a silver spoon stuck in his mouth with a $30-$40 million fortune, but when you have to start having to paying for security at $10 million a year, you realize its not enough.
28
Very sick of all the folks here parroting UK tabloid trash - the same racist tabloid trash that likes to tear down and build up Royals as they see fit and who literally compared Archie to a monkey. The Duke and Duchess are a classy couple and I wish them all the support (and positive press!) they need for their new life.
61
The groveling they did when they made their impromptu weird announcement on their website really said it all! They wanted to have their cake and eat it too. I think Harry has his hands full with his weepy, clingy, grasping wife, hanging onto his arm constantly with both hands no less and breaking into tears in public all the time because it's soooooo hard standing on a balcony in a 5 thousand dollar dress waving. Boo hoo. . . . .
88
You, sir, do not like women. Meghan doesn't never cry in public. Her eyes looked slightly damp once during an interview. I guess that unhinged you. Your paranoia is comical.
20
@Isabella
And you like to assume someone criticizing a woman must be a man.
13
I never understood the tabloids in the UK until that is Donald Trump came to office. Shameful really as it shows there is a difference between news and noise. But it has uncovered the racism that is as hardwired into the British as it is in the Americans. Neither will admit it even exists even though proof can be found all over...
I hope they do well and their children, free from the poison pen of the press. Make as much money as you can for as long as you can.
26
When I would read something in the British press about Meghan it was very harsh and demeaning, even though her sister-in-law could have worn, done, or said the same things. The British press was merciless and racist.
Good for you M&H!! Enjoy your lives with your little Archie and each other. Western Canada is beautiful and filled with wonderful folks!
Stay away from the drama, and the racism that you have had to endure, Meghan.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful life.
30
First the British press criticizes Meghan for trying to upstate the beloved Kate. Then when Meghan steps back to leave the stage free for Kate, the British press gets angry because Meghan won't be around to upstage Kate anymore.
No wonder Harry and Meghan want to do what so many other royals have done and step back from being royal. They have behaved in the most proper manner throughout their marriage -- which contrasts mightily with Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Fergie, who certainly seem to be given the benefit of the doubt as are their daughters and their daughters' private activities.
There is a double standard in Britain. Good for Meghan and Harry for exposing it. Now William and Kate and their 3 children can have the royal stage for themselves, which is what the press was demanding should happen until Harry and Meghan decided to do just that.
74
@RJ Excellent comment. They were damned either way.
whether they stayed or left. We are only on this earth for a short period of time so I am glad they decided to live their life their way.
31
Harry was not just a brave soldier ( well known fact, and well respected by his comrades I. The military).
He also is know. To have been the most sensitive of Diana’s sons, ultra close to his mum as young boy. As he grew up, he held her so close that death did not part his love, admiration and lessons he learned about her difficulties she faced as a young royal.
So why is it any surprised that this beloved royal son was ultra u dears Gandhi gets and devoted to his new American wife? Why is it surprising that as popular as she became as a tv star in Canada, they decided they wanted to live in That nation—which has the reputation of VERY KIND citizens.
He is well down the line of royal succession. So why not chose to make his bride and newborn his prime focus and biggest human devotion recipients!
He sounds like a terrific husband! She could not have found a finer one.
I wish them a life of happiness.
46
@Jean , Ghandi?
5
Not sure what "brand" they plan on building---Meghan was a minor, not-famous tv actress, and Harry was the lovable but not primary royal, who had been working on very promising and valued charity work.
Does Meghan now think she will be in demand as an actress?Does Harry now think the corporate world will want to support his projects?
After all the drama of this last year subsides, what will be the "value" of their "brand?"
A mystery...
71
@SLB
Maybe they don't really care about their "brand". Maybe they're just interested in getting away from their wretched and toxic family, so that they can focus on being the best possible parents to their children. Maybe their "brand" is just to become awesome parents, in an environment free from people who have no value add.
28
@Joe B I think a "brand" is something you actually take to market. They took out a slew of licenses...so i doubt their "brand" is just to be who they are...awesome parents, etc.
16
At some future date I imagine we will learn that Harry is, in fact, the offspring NOT of Charles, but of Diana's lover, James Hewitt. One need only look at a photograph of Hewitt to understand that reality...just as one need only look at Ronan Farrow to understand that his father is not Woody Allen, but Frank Sinatra.
27
@MSPWEHO
Ronan looks exactly like his mother when she was a young woman. SHE looked a lot like Sinatra and maybe that was the initial attraction that led to their marriage.
7
I guess I can understand why it's so difficult to make the world a better place when we still have the nonsense of Royality. It s insane to think of them as somehow above us.
8
They're going to "Patch" together a new life, huh? Interesting word choice- how about "begin" or "build"? "Patch" connotates scraps, left overs and discards... I don't think I'd put what they are doing as quite that piecemeal.
17
Harry and Meghan are lucky they are rich, well-connected and talented enough to leave the United Kingdom.
The country is dominated a bile-filled tabloid press - Murdoch's Sun, Rothemere's Daily Mall and Desmond's Daily Express - which destroys everything in its sights.
These papers destroyed Princess Diana so Harry won't let them destroy his and Meghan#'s happiness.
By the way, why is it that all these nasty newspapers support Brexit?
The UK is a nasty place these days and the fault lies in the tabloid press.
Good luck Harry Meghan and Archie - we will miss you in Ol' Blightey - but we understand why you had to go.
61
I truly wish them well as they build a new life without royal pretensions. Without Harry & Megan to inject a little normality, the remaining royal family begins to look ridiculous.
26
Harry: spoiled, indulged, coddled and babied all of his life. When he left, his and her duties had to be dealt to the other member of the family, - I sincerely doubt that there was any apology on their parts. When he does not get what he wants he stages quite a fit and demands private talks with Her Majesty. He wanted out, or was convinced he wanted out, now you are out. See how you like it - out West, he is what we call a 'weak sister.'
We may all thank the Lord William was born first.
35
@Mamie Watts Weak sister. Haven't heard that in a while, and boy did it make me smile, and also hit the nail on the head :).
12
I like the Queen. I like Harry. I like William. Heck, I'm even quite fond Charles and Phillip. They're good at what they do. It's the monarchy itself that is the problem. To Harry, I say "Eh, good for you: you got out". It's high time for modern democracies to to ditch their absurd and outdated royal trappings. Installing a head of state by the pure coincidence of birth sets a very poor example to all of their citizens by showcasing the complete lack of merit it took for them to get there. All monarchies and aristocratic systems should be abolished in the name of birthright equality. The People should be the sovereign.
21
I'm continually stunned at the volume and intensity of the vitriol aimed at this couple, with no end in sight. How does this really affect your life? They're not hurting anyone, they're a very attractive couple with a lot of money that seem to be newlyweds in love. Not very much rage hurled at Harry's uncle, a close friend of a pedophiliac monster who's been accused of statutory rape, but sure, let's tear these two to pieces because they're photogenic and they didn't want to work for the Firm anymore after Meghan was treated terribly by the English press. Sure.
147
@Lella
Well said.
2
To my fellow adult women, if you saw this dating profile, would you write to the man?
"Hopeless romantic! I am willing to give up everything for you! Yes, everything! I will leave my family, my beloved military duties, my close friends, and everything I love, just to be with you! Happy to relocate to wherever you choose."
Most women would be horrified just reading this and would bypass or block the guy. There is only one type of woman who seeks out men with tragically low self esteem: controller-narcissists. What are people not getting here? Harry is on a collision course.
95
@dga
I stand in awe of your consummate ability to get right to the heart of the marriage, and to analyze the specifics of the deeply damaged hearts and souls of two young people whom you have never -- and probably, if THEY are lucky -- never will meet!
6
@dga
Harry is sixth in line to the throne. Unborn children rank ahead of him. What is in it for him to hang around? How do you know he didn't want to escape his family and all things royal before he met Meghan?
6
Amazing that this poison-pen article managed to avoid all mention of the vicious and racist press and public treatment of Meghan, extending even to spite toward her infant son.
I'd leave too. And in fact, I applaud Harry heartily for putting his lovely wife and marriage and family above the strange sham of endless royal appearances. After what Diana was put through, I'm grateful that Harry and Meghan are stepping out and moving far away before the media's savagery and the royal family's hypocrisy can poison yet more lives.
107
@TL Moran Yes. This. Vicious and racist articles, unashamedly published by major media. Some subtle, some just jaw-dropping stuff. Relentless. And the thousands of dreadful Comment postings that followed. Astounding that the Times article blinks at the racism.
6
Then perhaps we can now stop writing about them?
22
Does anyone else see the parallel to the end of season 7 of Suits -- Markel's last season before marrying Harry -- when Mike and Rachel got married, left Pearson Specter & Litt, and moved to Seattle to open a firm that took on class-action lawsuits?
4
@Alex The Perfectly Fine
Apart from not being responsive to my original post, you are also incorrect. Suits aired for 9 seasons, so unless the USA network is one of those rare networks where the executives don't like to make money, many were watching.
And, in fact, it was one of the top-3 shows on USA during its run, netting, for example, over 2 million viewers per episode in season 7 (Markel's final season).
I would agree that Markel is not a "star" in Hollywood terms, and even in Suits she was not one of the primary characters. But she is a decent actress, was well-cast in Suits and had a good run in that series.
1
No more hats !
7
The only thing I got out of this story is a hope that some day the brothers can patch things up.
18
What was Meghan thinking?
She must've had an idea of how demanding yet superficial life as a royal is.
Kudos for getting out, but, really, she wanted a little girl-fairy tale wedding and then real life intervened.
And why would she leave an infant with a friend?!
She couldn't travel with the child in the first class manner they all do?
She'll go back to acting; who'll turn her down now for a role? And Harry? He's no dummy, I guess he'll find something personally rewarding.
7
@DD
"And why would she leave an infant with a friend?!
She couldn't travel with the child in the first class manner they all do?"
My guess is that she did not want to possibly expose her infant child -- with a developing immune system -- to the coronavirus during a trans-global flight. That seems to me to be the responsible thing to do if commitments require a parent to travel.
32
@Dan88
Good point. I'd've just canceled the whole trip...
7
The Firm is a family business, and Harry and Meghan quit. They did not want to work for the glory of Prince George, age 5. Can you blame them?
24
@Terry Nelson
I don't blame them for wanting to leave. I blame them for the disgraceful way they left. Classy people provide notice and don't take their grievances to the tabloid media. They chose not to do that.
"Leave us alone; we want privacy" rings a tad hollow when you're leaving to go live in LA, be an actor and a corporate speaker for the likes of JP Morgan.
57
Missing here is mention of the racist vitriol heaped by the British media on Meghan and Archie, and the fact the royal family did nothing to defend them. Very ugly. Glad H&M found a way out and up, and away from the bullying.
92
To build their brand, they have to sell themselves—pretty much what the two of them have been doing individually for her to become a celebrity and for him to be an obedient Royal. The only difference is that they will make far, far lead money than Harry would have just being a Royal.
8
By paying even the slightest attention to stories like this, the NYT inches closer to becoming a tabloid itself.
What's that? The public wants to know?
No, most of us don't. Please stick to the important stuff.
28
Rather read this than another article about the never ending pronoun debate, me too movement lawsuits and anything Jay Zee, Kardashian or Taylor Swift. Not to mention the most PC Modern Love Column and the whines if the upper class in both advice columns. ick!
11
A shrewd social climber married a well meaning, fragile prince. She literally saw him coming......She had everything to gain, in fact she started orchestrating for the exist just months after the wedding.
How long do you think this marriage can last? For Harry's sake, I hope not too long
129
@rita a Well said.
4
@rita
Unsubstantiated claims like these, as if the writer is Harry and Meghan's confidant, are ridiculous. It's not Falcon Crest. They are real people. Be grateful for what you have and wish others well. It costs you nothing.
38
Rita, Rita, Rita. Calm down. Your bitterness is showing!
20
I hope the media finally begins to ignore the couple and give them their hard-fought space. When Megan wanted distance from the Royals, and wanted to do what she did, she expected anonymity.
Hopefully she stops craving the attention that people in her condition are apt to need.
The media should ignore them, giving them their space.
21
@Incredulous of 45, “she expected anonymity”. Are you serious? The woman had her own lifestyle blog and hired a professional online marketing firm to set up her and Harry’s personal website. She has an Instagram account with a million plus followers and they announced their exit from the royal family on Instagram! To a million people worldwide! Meghan Markle doesn’t want anonymity. She wants fame and fortune, and lots of it. Geez.
5
I think the British Royal family missed a wonderful opportunity to move their nation forward into the 21st century by fully embracing Harry's wife, Meghan - and speaking out firmly, publicly and frequently in support of Meghan against all of the ignorant and disgusting expressions of prejudice she was all but drowning in.
71
I wish them the best as Kate and William will be forever servants to the wishes of others.
17
Harry was always the favourite, amongst the public that is. I think that his behaviour since Meghan has soured that to some degree, and if he is being led by her then its probably unrecoverable.
She's definitely unpopular thats for sure!
Good luck Harry, hope you made the right decision.
11
I question as to whether they will "patch" together a new life in Canada. I suspect that they will "forge" a life in Canada.
Hat`s off to the Royals!
9
So bored with Megan and her fake smile and calligraphy, and her complaining from Africa, and her family problems and whining. That letter to her dad was all anyone ever needed to see to be certain about the kind of person she is. Sad, low self-esteem, wanting to be noticed, she comes into the royal family saying she will "hit the ground running" and only hits the eject button when she sees she won't be modernizing the monarchy or calling the shots. If they go on to become billionaires on the backs of their celebrity as nothing more than a royal abdicate and a B-rated nighttime soap actress, then I think that is all the reason in the world to re-think the monarchy. Go be private and let us see what you have really accomplished in about 20 or 30 years. I am bored to death of them.
130
@DChastain I know, right? Calligraphy! How dare she! I share your outrage.
Given the massive impact on your life and all Californians, it makes total sense that you would write such a detailed and bitter invective about someone you don't know and with whom you are so, so bored. Go on!
31
You are so bored with Meghan that you read the story and then rushed to the comments to tell us, twice, how bored you are. She will be devastated.
28
The adjective modifies both "smile" and "calligraphy". It isn't calligraphy I have a problem with, it is fake and terrible calligraphy, with all those ridiculous and time-consuming embellishments. Her "calligraphy" is questionable and unevenly spaced handwriting with lots of loop-de-loops. Calligraphy is an art, one she obviously did not master, and handwriting is a huge insight into personality. Written ostensibly privately and only to her estranged father, I'm pretty certain an authentic person would never add such boorish and time-consuming flourishes to an intimate and "private" letter, especially one running five or more pages. If it was actually for her father's eyes only, it is like wearing stilettos and a fascinator to compete in a greased-pig contest. That said, I didn't think my response was bitter at all, but I do think my (two) claims of boredom are probably disingenuous, since I do watch the whole spectacle like a sordid reality show happening in real time. And since I am back here today, I find I do prefer this to the market crash, coronavirus, anything from the White House, and all of the the mind-deadening dullness of the seemingly endless primaries. So I guess I should be more thankful for the entertainment :).
1
I am FIRMLY on the side of Harry and Megan! I truly thought that the lessons learned after the tragic death of Princess Diana had been learned by the sclerotic British monarchy, but I was wrong. Some things never change. I truly feel that the role of the monarchy, long the glue that held British society together and provided a backbone in times of trouble (especially during World War II) is no longer meaningful. Aside from a British press that should be held accountable for tapping private phones and spreading the worst sort of rumor and gossip unchecked, the Royal Family as a whole did next to nothing to support the young couple, preferring to bury their heads in the sand, just like they did with Charles and Diana. If it doesn't affect the monarch or heir directly, seems like no one else matters. Well they reap what they sow and while the institution will no doubt continue as it has for centuries. I think there are many more today than 6 months ago that might say "I couldn't care less". I'm one of them and find Harry and Megan INFINITELY more relevant and interesting than the rest of the motley crew. Andrew, are you listening?
39
Harry and Meghan deserves to be happy,it’s unbelievable the hate they received just because they upstaged Wills and Kate. Jealousy is a real force! Maybe once they are gone, William and Kate will get the attention they desire. I just hope the Queen can rectify the tension between the brothers . I don’t care whom Harry would have married, he’s more interesting than William! So sorry but TRUE !
36
Such hyperbole! "Patch together a new life" "Decamp for one if its [England's] frontier outposts..." If a global pandemic that threatens the world with social and economic collapse haven't given obsessed royal watcher some perspective on this tempest in an Earl Grey teapot, nothing will. Lordy! Western Canada, a frontier outpost... Maybe they'll strike gold in them thar hills!
19
The whole idea of monarchy is a outdated useless institution but the Brits seem to like it and if they didn't they have the ability to get rid of it if they choose to. I totally understand not wanting to live under the constant gave of the gutter tabloid press of the UK so I wish the couple well. Meghan can always go back to acting. I am not sure what Harry will do. Apart from his Royal status there is seemingly nothing special about him about him. I think his celebrity status will fade after a bit. I wish him well anyway.
11
The thing is their first plan called for having it both ways. A bit disingenuous I think. I like the Queen’s decisiveness.
113
@Gordon Hastings
Amen to the Queen! She is my heroine.
6
When the English complain about Americans they're are talking about Americans who behave like Meghan Markle. Embarrassing. Some people don't travel well. It would be nice to think this little mess will disappear. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning of the Markle - debacle.
46
It's a trade-off. They cannot use the Royal titles, but Meghan Markle, of unmistakable loveliness, will not have to wear those unspeakable hats anymore. Seems more than fair.
22
Royals, schmoyals.
The concept of "royalty" is a perfect example of a shared delusion which benefits a few at the expense of the many.
Are the folks in the U.K. getting their money's worth from this batch of entitled humans?
Who are we to say?
One more example of the persistence of myths in contemporary life.
7
The royal family will not long last after the Queen passes there will be nothing left but ragady people .They have lost most of the world's respect after the way harry and Meghan were treated . I for one see them in such a new way , no longer a fan . Though with harry & Meghan I wish them the best .
21
This is silly. Leave us alone but pay attention to us. They make their money from being public figures. Making dramatic pronouncements and setting up social media doesn't say leave me alone. Now if Ms. Markle studied nursing and became a registered nurse and Mr. Windsor studied accounting and became an accountant and they lived quiet lives out of the public eye, I would find it believable.
173
@ana Setting up social media?? Gasp! Make what money?
Also, maybe Harry wants to be a nurse and Megan wants to open a book store. Then what?
Save your outrage for Harry's uncle Andrew, who's still on the dole and has zero public responsibilities.
16
@ana How about imagining Meghan studies accounting and Harry becomes a nurse?
4
@ana
The conditions of Harry's birth family was not his fault. They need security and are not obligated to be poor, just because they don't like the dullness, racism and hypocrisy of the royal life.
He chose to spend 10 years in the military, which isn't the lap of luxury. He is now following his wishes.
3
This entire piece is written without explicit regard to the very critical context that sparked Harry and Meghan's departure -- the racist and hypercritical coverage of Meghan, wife to Harry, the man who lost his mother at an early age to aggressive media (and, who was dragged by the media prior to her death for daring to enjoy her post-royal life).
From the beginning, Meghan has been compared to Kate, emphasizing her "exotic" looks and "American" attitude to Kate's "English rose" poise and charm. To call it a dog whistle would be generously subtle. Meghan has regularly been depicted as an interloper who has weaseled her way into the royal family and is now exercising some supernatural influence over Harry like he isn't a grown man who has always had a complicated relationship with his royal duties and a rebellious streak.
"They, too, said little to Harry and Meghan, who once symbolized the future of the royal family and whose decision to leave almost ruptured it." Please. The royal family didn't say a word as the new couple was being harassed by the media until Harry put his foot down and issued his own strong-worded warning, which the media either mocked or ignored.
"...clear public signs that the prince, and particularly his wife, were unhappy with their lives in the royal family." THIS IS WHY THEY LEFT. This behavior by Brits pushed Harry away and it's easiest to blame Meghan as some sort of nefarious influence than admit fault in their bigoted and abusive behavior.
117
PERFECTLY SAID!!
18
@Vanessa Moses
She knew that this is what she signed up for. None of that could have been a surprise.
1
@Vanessa Moses What utter tosh!
People in the UK are baffled about where this narrative of “racist coverage” came from. On the contrary, she was widely welcomed.
The main problem, as many people here see it, was a disconnect between American ambition and British tradition. Meghan tried to go too far, too fast, and, it seems, didn’t like it when she met obstacles.
She preferred to do it her way, which is absolutely fine, but you can’t be half in, half out of the RF, as Harry is sadly finding out.
4
Nice photos. How come British royals and ex-royals wear such funny hats?
4
@Svirchev
The only "funny" hat I know of is a MAGA hat.
23
@Svirchev Royal protocol says that women must wear hats to all formal royal occasions, an etiquette rule that dates back to the 1950s, when it was seen as improper for upper class and royal women to show their hair in public.
9
May Harry and Meghan find peace and autonomy once they leave their official roles. Most of us don't really know what happened in the Firm to further alienate the couple. The obvious antics with the tabloid press would give anyone pause. Besides, Harry has been through more than his fair share of trouble, at the hands of his family. Let's see: walked dutifully behind his beloved mother's casket in front of the world as a young boy, accepted as stepmother the woman who cheated with your father on your mother, faced speculation about your parentage for years and acted as the third wheel to your big brother and his perfect English Rose of a wife. Oh, and to top it all off, have your wife and son cruelly, casually insulted daily by the press. Yes, we would all sign on for that. I am sure he isn't perfect, but with a backstory like that, who would blame him for wanting out of it all. He probably didn't want to end up walking behind his wife's casket. God bless and good luck to them both.
1
At least Meghan no longer has to wear those awful hats demanded of the "Royals" at every public event.
6
@BB HERNANDEZ I don't know about the hats but those shoes she is wearing are horrors! Elizabeth Warren wears flats/sneakers and a black gym/yoga outfit everywhere. I guess she is much more intelligent and likes to feel more comfortable than Meghan. I'd break my leg/fall down with those shoes on!
15
Next Megan will be co-hosting on the "The View", chronicling Royal events, Harry will be on "Jimmy Fallon" singing songs and then guest with James Cordon in "Carpool Karaoke". Yes, building their "brand". People will be spending money that they do not have, so they can buy something that they think baby Archie will wear. They would be better off moving to China so they can sell their wears to more people. And so it goes.....
26
"...patch together a new life..." in their new "frontier outpost, Western Canada"
Who writes this stuff? Come now, NY Times, they aren't fleeing the UK in disgrace like some remittance men. On the contrary, I applaud the courage and commitment of Harry and Meghan, and I say to them this: "Welcome to the 21st century. Vancouver is an amazingly cosmopolitan, contemporary city, and I'm sure you'll be right at home there."
Bravo to you both.
36
I say good for them. Let them have a life.
26
"build their brand"??? Seriously, there is something so vapid and childish about all of this. I respect their right to live their lives as they see fit, but spare me the updates. Don't care.
30
Martha Stout's classic book "The Sociopath Next Door" should provide insights into where this marriage is headed, and what's next for Harry.
34
@dga
Actually that book provides insight into the "family" Harry and Meghan left.
1
What's the big deal? My ancestors left England 400 years ago.
22
If Harry and Meghan want to be normal, then they should be normal. Besides the HRH being taken away, their titles of Duke and Duchess should also be taken away. And good for Canada refusing to pay for their security detail. Normal people don’t need security, and if they do, (like actresses), they should have to pay for it themselves. I’m sure Meghan’s Hollywood friends can recommend a good security firm for them to employ and pay for by themselves.
And oh, boo hoo, the press was mean to Meghan. The press and the British people both, were far and away meaner to Wallis Simpson than anything they have said or done to Meghan. Plus, Meghan refused to bring Archie to see the Queen right after it was announced they would not receive government paid for security. Way to stick it to grandma, right? Can anyone spell “spiteful”?
When this couple gets divorced (not if, when), they need to pay for that themselves too. No handouts from Daddy’s Duchy of Cornwall. Charles needs to cut off the allowance. Harry is a millionaire all by himself thanks to Diana.
Be careful what you wish for. You might get it.
72
@Neil, funny how you aren’t as outraged about the Queen shielding Andrew from any kind of legal action—and letting him keeping his titles. Proof, once again, that racism is the real reason behind the Meghan hatred
11
William is dull all right. He recently said that Harry had let the "team" down. Toffee-nosed git.
18
No master how wistful the tone of this article may be, reading about this is better than reading about Trump and the coronavirus, I’ve got to say.
I wish Prince Harry and Meghan well. I hope they can live their lives and raise their son in peace. Prince Harry, unlike King Edward VIII, is never going to ascend the throne anyway so I don’t see his wish to pursue a more private life with his wife and child as wholly unreasonable. I wish the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, another lovely couple, all the best as they move forward with their lives and family. Prince William is my age so I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for him. I hope that he and his brother can reconcile and appreciate each other’s differences in a kind and loving way one day.
I also wish Her Majesty the Queen well. This dignified old lady, who has ruled with such grace for over half a century, is in the twilight of her life and reign and deserves as much peace as possible now. (Prince Andrew, go away.) I hope that her grandsons and their wives continue to demonstrate respect and affection for her and that she knows how many people around the world appreciate and admire her. I say let’s appreciate her while we still can, and let’s let her grandchildren live their lives, whether those lives are in England or Canada. The world is so sad and troubled now, and the snark aimed at (mostly) Meghan in some of these comments is just petty. People are dying and Trump is insane: things are bad enough. Let’s be kinder.
84
“That was written by people on the other side of the Atlantic who don’t understand how the royal family works,” said Dickie Arbiter, who served as press secretary to the queen from 1988 to 2000.
Well presumably Harry does and the statement went under his name, so he appears to be fine with it.
30
Obviously the Queen learned nothing from the way Princess Margaret was treated. She could have been kind and loving but she doesn't know how to do that.
16
@ML Rice
What are you talking about?
Meghan is American, divorced, and biracial.
3 reasons right there to take pause.
But the Queen approved the match - precisely because she *did* learn her lesson with her sister - and went out of her way to be good to Meghan and welcome her into the family.
And look what she got in return.
40
What is wrong with being biracial? Prince Charles, the next king is divorced. So is his wife, the future queen consort. Let's not be hypocrites.
8
Can we please now stop the coverage? There are many, many more important subjects to address. Basta!
26
@mrmeans2 I agree. There are too many articles about those two. I don't care... I don't read them -- boring. There are more important topics to write about.
3
There are 2 sides: Harry is weak and you cannot have 2 competing heirs to the throne ; the 2nd side is they are Diana's revenge for what was done to her.In any event history does seem to repeat itself in this family. Folks need to look up the Duke of Windsor and his lover/wife whose name I forget at the moment. Returning to Hollywood is sort of sad for Prince Harry I think. Rather like the Duke of Windsor in exile in Paris. Are they going to collect salaries from their charities? And if making public appearances is their work, exactly why are they stepping down?
13
@Harriet Katz
The idea of two competing heirs to the throne is a total media fabrication. Harry knows his place in the pecking order and wanted to leave. Good for him.
ps he's not 'returning' to Hollywood.
16
@Harriet Katz there is no two competing heirs to the throne. The line of succession is unquestionable.
6
My son has a friend who is very much like Harry. You love them to death, but they're always doing things that are simply inappropriate or spontaneous without thought. And how they think is, well - a bit illogical.
Harry, no doubt likes being in the spotlight and out shinning his brother William, who by the way, does everything correctly, with dignity and foresight. William is and has always been very solid and grounded.
At the end of the day, everyone loves Harry (he has a big heart), wishes him well and hopes that he prospers and enjoys his new life. The good thing is, if things go south, grandma will welcome him back in to the fold.
15
Can't help but think that in a few years, an aging and obscure Harry will wonder if he did the right thing. He enjoys opining on lots of things and having a public role, but it was only his accident of birth that gave him the perch from which to do that. If he were former army captain Harry Jones, nobody would listen. As former royal Harry Sussex, it might be the same. When the queen in THE CROWN tells Prince Charles, "No one cares what you think," that fiction seems closer to the truth.
49
@Blair This is a weird thing to say. Isn't everyones life an "accident of birth"? You also don't know who people will listen to... there have been people from less than stellar backgrounds who've moved nations. Why not this theoretical army captain you mention? BTW, the still have their titles, they just aren't supposed to use them.
In terms of what the famous think, this seems to be thrown out there when someone takes exception to what's been said. Somehow being famous means you can't articulate your own thoughts. Look, they have the right to say what they want and you have to right to ignore it. It's very easy to do. Trust me, I do it all the time.
5
Please. Diana left both her sons very wealthy and the two sons also have money from their father's duchy so Harry, I doubt, is little worried about becoming poor. The celebrity press seems to be more worried about that issue than anyone else.
Meghan also has her own money from her work as an actress and influencer before she married. I am sure they both can survive financially, and I think they are being very petty about the use of "royal" and need to grow up a bit. Harry and Meghan are being petulant when they decided
" they said they were under no legal obligation to stop using “royal” outside Britain, though they said they would refrain voluntarily from doing so." If you don't want to be royal and have the job of a royal, fine, and I can understand to a point the stress that caused, but to be a brat about it I can't. Elizabeth deserves a bit more respect here from her grandson and her daughter in law. I have to say, though, that the two brothers' coldness towards each other is disheartening but not all families have members that get along. Everyone who reads this newspaper can attest to that probably.
56
@Mallory
you seem awfully personal about the royals. Are you a family friend? former employee?
If not, you really don't know what any of them are thinking.
18
I am puzzled by this line in the article:
"They (Prince William and Kate Middleton) said little to Harry and Megan who once symbolized the future of the royal family and whose decision to leave nearly ruptured it."
The future of the Royal Family? By my count, Harry--no longer a Prince--was 6th in line to the throne behind Prince Charles, Prince William, and then George, Charlotte and Louis--the offspring of William and Kate.
So what exactly is it that Harry and Megan have allegedly "nearly ruptured."?
And now I guess I can return my thoughts to lesser matters like the coronavirus and the US Presidential election.
47
He's still a prince :-)
7
The monarchy needs to downsize, so from that perspective it's a good thing. On the other hand, it seems like Harry and Meghan were gratuitously snarky about the situation. From a distance it appears the royal family members have been nothing but kind and welcoming to Meghan.
Now, about their brand. They don't have a brand. The British monarchy has a brand and it's owned in trust for the United Kingdom and her realms by the sovereign. I hope they have that reality firmly planted in their heads as they strike off to make their fortune.
76
@Will.
It's an absolute blessing they left the Royal Family. William and Kate look better than ever in the public eye. We can only hope Harry and Meghan disappear and are never heard from ever again. Unfortunately, that is not going to be the case. "If you make a big enough mess you can't be ignored." Meghan should needlepoint that quote into a little pillow.
51
@Will. The British monarchy is in decline like the Empire before it, and like present-day Britain, in the post-Brexit world. I fear that it is sustained on this side of the Atlantic by the television programs currently offered by CNN and the series of offerings by PBS.I think Britain and the monarchy should be opened as a museum.
7
@P&L
Poor Kate, she is now destined to disappear completely into the Buck House wall paper.
11
Building a relationship with your in-laws can be very difficult. It took four years for my step-mother-in-law and I to even start to feel comfortable around each other. I wish Meghan would have given it more time and commitment. I believe this is the root of their troubles, and not so much the media circus.
26
I wish Meghan and Harry well. I think they were both naive, Meghan about who she is and Harry about the perception of his marriage, and these issues are not going to disappear magically in Canada. If they don't face these issues head on, the pressure will tear their marriage apart.
38
now can she stop wearing those silly hats?
14
@Kassis I like the hats! :)
12
Where was Princess Anne? I know Andrew was not at the ceremony, but all the other "children" were seen, except Anne.
4
@lucysky,
Prince Edward and his wife are rarely noted as well.
2
@Miss Ley But they were there, seated right beside Meghan and Harry. No sight of Anne.
2
@lucysky,
Thank you. A reminder to get new spectacles here!
As an occasional reader about this subject, I find that there is no reason for any monarchy to continue to exist today. It is utterly out of step with the times. I applaud the young couple for resigning their royal duties.
Megan and Harry overshadowing William and Kate is reminiscent of Diana overshadowing Charles and the whole royal family resenting her for it.
They can’t help it if the younger couple is more charismatic and hip than the others.
28
Branding? I'd like to suggest a few that the planet could us....
1. Compassion for all
2. Equanimity.
3. Living Simply
4. Social justice
5. A livable wage for all.
6. Universal Healthcare
7. Respect and care for the planet
8. Eradicating the existence of the haves and have nots.
21
Ahh, the trials and tribulations and drama of those born into wealth, and conditioned to think that their lineage makes them superior and entitled to lives of luxury free from the burdens of the ordinary.
How heartbreaking to see them struggle.
35
I can't help but think that the 'palace staff' are the source of many of the hateful lies spread by the press about Meghan, and that the same staff are behind some of the mean-spirited decisions that have forced M&H to leave. Yes the Brit press played its part, but never under-estimate the sheer nastiness of privileged boors who have nothing but their bloodlines to brag about. The outrage of having a mixed-race American become a high-level participant in their world was just too much to accept. And, as a great line in an old movie pointed out, learning how to cheat is one of the things you learn on the playing fields of ol' England.
206
Goodbye. Please don't come to America.
66
Isn’t she American?!
10
@P&L She is free to come back to her own country. She wasn't living in exile.
11
@FDRT
It's just a hope & a prayer, darling. I want them to stay excruciatingly happy in Canada.
I wonder how long it will take until Meghan gets divorced from Harry - now that he is no longer useful for her financial interests.
Harry acted like a fool.
113
@Mr. Newman
5 more years max. They will become incredibly rich, incredibly tacky and announce their divorce. He will pine for his old life and old family. I think that’s a pretty realistic prediction albeit with no insider knowledge.
21
@Mr. Newman As an insider, do tell, what do you envision for Prince Andrew? Also, how is he? We don't see him as much as we used to. Did he do something wrong? I vaguely recall something about Pizza Express. Has he been cut off from the royal family slush?
Another royal family question, since you'd know: What education and training are Charles and William undertaking to prepare to be the head of the Church of England? That's a lot of responsibility and moral authority. To have any credibility, it can't be that they just flip a switch.
I don't understand why the article and comments talk about work. The Royals don't work in the way I think of work. They live a spoon fed life of luxury.
261
@Alternate Ideas
Take a better look. Look at the Queen's schedule. It's not a job you want.
138
@Alternate Ideas
I would have to think long and hard before I would take that job. It is hard work, mostly mental, I agree, not physical. But crushingly demanding nonetheless.
You are expected and forced to be an image of perfection, every day for the rest of your life.
96
@P&L For one tenth of her assets, I'd take the job in a heart beat ....
34
Harry and Meghan may be semi-royals, but to me they are superstars. Welcome to North America!
340
@Michael
Question is for how long. They may soon wake up to the harsh reality.
24
@Michael
In what way superstars? That has yet to be established.
A bit actress with a thin resume married to a sixth in line to the throne who never went to college and has no discernible skills. They have not yet any concrete plans for a sustainable income.
147
@Michael
Ah, America, where a significant number apparently think it's a good thing to idolize those they enthusiastically call, 'superstars'.
38
yawn. they say "leave us alone oh no, the media". then they claim to want to build their "brand"... who cares! people are dying. these people are privileged, boring, and self serving. next!
57
So let them live "normal" lives. I'm just wondering, how easy it would be to immigrate to Canada if you were not a member of the British royal family?
26
@Christy I suspect they will land permanently in the US for Megan's career, and US taxes are way lower than Britain"s and Canada maybe.
If you have financial assets, and a skill ( like she is a tv star in Canada!!!!), it isn’t.
3
The rest of today's news is so bad, this is the only article I can stomach reading. At least some people don't have to think about their 401k.
18
The Windsor soap opera, featuring the endless perambulations of the Harry/Meghan phenomena, has hopefully now come to an end.
I for one am sick of it.
23
Harry can always return to being a royal if he wants. Its not irreversible from my understanding.
5
Yawn. enough of these two.
26
As long as both of her sons are happy and at peace with their lives and decisions, I think Princess Diana would be smiling down on them, fully supporting their choices.
I wish Prince Harry, his beautiful bride, Meghan and their little darling, Archie, all the best. I hope they find their new life rewarding and less stressful.
96
If Harry & Meghan wanted, they could go off to be anonymous rich people in Canada and that would be the end of that.
What they want are proper jobs.
16
Harry and Meghan? Who cares?
45
@Steven
You do. You clicked and commented.
33
@Angel It kills me when people say they don't care but leave evidence that is diametrically opposed to that statement.
1
Meghan and Harry are a smashing couple...their fashion, style, and charisma are overpowering compared to Kate and William. A smart royal family would have used that to their benefit, but not this family. They are very "norm" driven. You must fit in and not stand out. So M and H are doing the right thing by divorcing them and carving out their own life.
77
@J. G. Smith
Exactly. Most of us are excited to see what they do next. Glad they will be moving back to North America.
27
The royal biographer’s comment, “[t]hey were just more charismatic and exotic,” regarding Meghan and Harry in comparison to William and Kate seems tone deaf and could be interpreted as being racist. Perhaps another reason for wanting to leave the royal family behind.
68
@Dan I was thinking the same thing. Referring to a person of color as "exotic" is not a compliment. I didn't realize how backwards British people still seem to be. And I thought Americans had a lot to work out.
24
The saddest part is the crumbling relationship between Harry, William and Kate---they seemed to be a great team, and seemed very close, and have a good time together.
I'm always wary of a partner that takes away, not adds to, a close family relationship.
Yes, life seemed like a grind, but if Megan was so facile, clever and talented--and had given things more time, she could have been a fresh new modern face to the ages-old family, and done great things for the causes she said were so important to her.
Megan appears to have the talent to re-invent herself whatever happens in the future, so at the end of the day, I hope Harry and his baby are happy, whatever happens going forward.
90
@SLB
William and Kate are married with kids. It would be foolish to think Harry wouldn’t want the same or place his brother and wife before his own wife. The most successful relationships are ones that put spouses first. The streets are littered with divorced couples, caused by intrusive in-laws. Boundaries are important.
28
@SLB I agree. They used to look like they all enjoyed one another's company very much (Will, Kate and Harry). Why would Meghan want to remove Harry from those relationships? Was she completely unaware of the importance of family to Harry? Early on I remember reading that Harry hoped that Meghan and Kate would be "thick as thieves". Did Meghan make any effort whatsoever to get along with anyone in that family? It looks as though this was one big plan from the start...........
6
@SLB, if the Royal Family was smart, they would have realized what they had in Meghan—and not let racism and the British press tear everything she did apart.
15
If Harry & Meghan truly want to throw off the "chains" of royalty, then Harry needs to give up his place in the Line of Succession.
And, more to the point, if he cannot handle the heavy lifting and public exposure of being a Prince, then he surely would not enjoy the incredible weight of being a monarch should anything ever happen to William and his children.
It will be interesting how things look this time next year. Stay tuned!
38
@Samantha Jane Bristol
Harry is currently 6th in line. The odds of him actually becoming King are slim to none.
20
CHOGM had a meeting preventing anyone that’s not the progeny of Charles from becoming the ‘ruler’.
@Samantha Jane Bristol He said long ago that no one wants to be the monarch. Why do people seem to forget this. He had to backtrack because I guess the Queen (or someone) didn't want what they saw as bad mouthing of the Crown. His wife gave him the impetus he'd been seeking since his mother was killed by the press. Can't say I blame him.
7
Humans are such odd creatures. We never tire of fairy tales no matter what else is happening. And every such story requires a princess and a witch of some sort. The British royals are our players in a modern day mashup of Cinderella and Housewives of London.
6
One should not be doomed to something one does not want because of their parents. Let this couple live their lives. I find it disappointing that William, who lived the same tragedy as Harry as they watched their mother hounded to death by the media, would not be more understanding of his brother's choice.
IMO the entire institution is archaic and quite the waste of the people's money and the royals lives. The time of kings and queens is long gone, with the wars that crowned them. These "blood lines" are just indicative of whomever had the best army hundreds of years ago. Total absurdity in this day and age.
57
@georgiadem I don’t think anyone cared about them leaving until they wrote a manifesto insisting they would still be due 95% of their funding, and taxpayer-funded security estimated to total $20 million annually. Hardly a modern couple. A pair of snowflakes.
85
@georgiadem , How on earth do you know if or how understanding William is or was?
6
Why wouldn’t they want their freedom! Prince Harry is sixth in line. Their lives would have been wasted had they stayed under the ghastly royal thumb...and he surely didn’t want to end up like his great aunt Margaret. Great things await them. Seize the day!
50
Fortunately, the United States of America can watch all of this as outsiders. It really is focused on people's day to day lives not because of something really interesting or extraordinary is happening but because these people represent a monarchy that long ago gave up ruling anything in fact, representing sovereignty and being seen to represent it.
2
Meghan is a schemer whose only goal is to monetize her connection to the royal family and make herself as wealthy and famous as possible. Harry is the dupe she is using to do it.
254
@Thomas Morgan Philip Looks like she'd have encouraged Harry to keep their royal status if that were the case.
54
@Laura she didn’t expect their titles to be stripped. Read her manifesto and even more petulant follow-up
55
@Thomas Morgan Philip How do you know so much? Are you some sort of insider??
33
C'est la vie -- I think we will live. After all, they are two over-privileged, fake and pretentious Hollywood-wanna-bes, who, other than being born to a certain family, have absolutely no significance.
156
@WorriedWorldCitizen Fake and pretentious? You must know them personally and well to criticize them so harshly. Maybe you served in the military with Harry? No? Worked with Meghan in television or roomed with her at Northwestern? No - not that either? What's that, you don't know them? Ohhhh.
Agreed on insignificant -- just like the rest of the monarchy.
7
@MM Yes, I did serve with Harry and I was the double on Meghan's TV show (I am a Princeton alum myself, so not Northwestern). Because that's what is needed to form an opinion of two people who have been on the news, constantly, since they've been dating.
In all seriousness, I do agree that the rest of the monarchy is insignificant -- except for the Queen herself.
6
@WorriedWorldCitizen
‘Fake and pretentious....etc’, this unbridled nastiness is what you have to contribute in the public space about 2 people who have done much in terms of their philanthropy. They have the invictus games to help war vets, the help raise funds for various charities and continue to seek ways to promote various good causes.
So many commenters don’t take the trouble to volunteer or do any public good yet don’t hesitate to hurl mud at those who do.
4
Best of luck to them. Between the toxic British press and the open racism showered on Meghan, who can blame them? Harry lost his mother to the press. Hopefully they have wonderful lives now.
162
@Paul Shindler I don’t think she had it any worse than any of the other royal women. You’re falling for her very expensive American PR spin courtesy of Sunshine Sachs.
24
She lost her life due to a drunk chauffeur and no use of a seatbelt.
18
@Politically Homeless, no other royal women had their baby called a chimp in the press.
20
Harry had the fortune, or possibly misfortune, of being born a royal. He saw another way and he went for it! Good for him! Just because you’re born into a situation doesn’t mean you have to stay in it.
581
@PJ Atlas Is this a Times Pick? NYT is all against Royal Monarch?
I'm from a democratic Royal Monarch country.
I rather feel for Queen and Royal Family.
I didn't see any respect or commitment to join the Royal Family in Meghan's carefree smile on their wedding day, when I already knew this day was coming.
Harry looked sad today.
Sorry Harry, you passed a point of no return.
You must live as a famous person for being famous now like reality TV stars.
86
@PJ Atlas - if there ever was (is) a perfect example of a "whiney," Harry is it! The self indulgent little creep and his attention demanding wife Meghan!
44
@PJ Atlas Just as long as you can still profit from that situation!
18
All this can change when Harry's father, Prince Charles becomes King. Someday the beloved Queen will pass away...and may she rest in peace. Then when the new sovereign is crowned...all can be restored. Titles and hopefully relationships.
We are all watching a story unfold...stay tuned!
12
Harry and Meghan putting themselves first. Harry has, to a great extent, abandoned the duty he was born to. I'm sure he has his reasons, not least of which is his American wife.
73
@Victoria "duty he was born to" And therein lies his problem (and a major problem with monarchy in general). He was born into it, he never asked or consented to it. He is now exercising his options. I sincerely wish him the best of luck.
23
@Victoria Harry's duty was to be a spare heir, after his brother William. But William's had three kids, so Harry's "duty" has largely evaporated... through no fault of his.
25
@Victoria, Harry’s duty is now to his family, Meghan and Archie.
14
Ah yes, the frontier town of Victoria. Just a log fort and a few tipis outside the gates. We wish the young couple well as they leave the comforts of civilization and venture out into the wild.
134
@grkoehn Actually, they're in Saanich. Thank goodness. Although it's just up the road from the log fort, at least it's up the road. Couldn't they have picked Vancouver or Toronto?
1
@Dana Scully actually they're in North Saanich, which has some of Canada's finest real estate. Why on earth would they choose Vancouver or Toronto over beautiful Victoria?
13
They're in Saanich now, but I believe I saw they were looking for property in Vancouver. I can't see them not settling in Vancouver or Toronto, especially if she would like to resume her acting career.
2
I am so glad they are going to "build their brand". I wish them well.
But I'm old enough to remember when couples got married and just went to live their own lives.
50
Best wishes and congratulations on your courageous move. All will work out for the best and England has gained two valuable ambassadors.
25
Meghan's fashion sense is impeccable. Please Meghan, keep teaching folks how to dress up again! The Brits are just jealous of her style, charisma and American in-your-face daring-do! Work it Girl!
135
@Mark Alexander Megan is lovely, but give me the classic style of the Duchess of C. any day.
17
@Mark Alexander I don't care about the shoe color -- how about the shoe comfort? Those shoes are dangerous. Men must be more intelligent than women. They don't wear those horrible shoes with high heels. They don't wear makeup. Their hair is usually cut short and easy to care for. They don't wear earrings/lots of jewelry. And some women are much more intelligent than others like Warren who wears flats/sneakers and a black gym/yoga outfit for comfort. I don't read these silly articles -- just read some of the comments. NYT -- stop publishing articles about these two. Enough is enough.
8
@Mark Alexander Did you happen to notice Kate today? Hint: she was the one dressed, for the umpteenth time, as Lttle Bo Peep. This time in a claret color. Just imagine...Queen Bo Peep. She lost her sheep. Eating her curds and whey.
It sounds like horreur story!
12
Completely unnecessary and unfortunate; it didn't have to happen.
79
The British people want Kate to be their royal Stepford wife. Meghan is not going to do that. She went to a school and spoke up for women's rights.
She and Harry will be just fine. It is the rest of them that are teetering on the edge of complete irrelevance.
Blessings on Meghan and Harry, and God Save the Queen!
217
@Valerie Elverton Dixon "Meghan is not going to do that. She went to a school and spoke up for women's rights."
As opposed to Kate who stopped her education in 7th grade?
Let's call it what it is, dear Meg cracked under the pressure and is now going back to what she knows: writing a blog and pretending to be a thoughtful know it all. The one narrative that bugs the heck out of me is "she has a mind of her own", unlike the other 4 billion women on this planet who don't have a mind of their own? Good luck Harry, you will need it.
278
@Decebal The multi-million dollar question is this: Does Prince Harry have a mind of his own?
65
@Decebal Well said.
12
Meghan will be fine; she is getting what she wants.
Time will tell about Harry. Must be a very poignant moment for him, leaving his homeland, even with all of its faults and pressures. Hope he finds the inner peace and fulfillment he seems so desperately to be searching for...
370
@Concerned citizen in
In photos this week both Megan and Harry look radiant and at ease -- a stark contrast to many of the images we've seen over the past two years.
Why not be happy for them? Given the choice, I'd pick Harry's lot over William's (and Meghan's over Kate's) every time. He gets to have a life -- and succeed, fail or both, just like the rest of us -- instead of being consigned to the royal family hamster wheel of banality.
23
@Concerned citizen in
Tough job being a member of a royalty!
Guess they'll go to Canada and get employment through their connections and celebrity.....
5
@Concerned citizen in
What will she want next year? A different life? A different mate?
If I cared about Harry I would worry for him.
9
The newspaper isn't called the Times of London. It's called "The Times." It's a national newspaper based in London.
16
The Canadian gov't may want to update their quarantine policy.
40
"....build their brand."
Two questions:
1. What is "their brand"?
2. Why are the male "royals" always twiddling with their coat buttons? It's as if they don't know what to do with themselves.
29
@george eliot Your second question answered your first.
16
@george eliot
The Queen just forbade them to use their brand "Sussex Royal".
5
This is interesting!!!
I am just going too sleep!!!
Boring.
11
Clearly, a lot of Brits have never experienced racism therefore, don't know the toll it takes on one's psyche. For anyone to think they made this decision to leave lightly again don't know how important it is to step away from toxic situations & people for your own well being. I wish these two the best of luck and know just because of who they are; they will have a dynamic impact in the world. May Jah guide & protect you.
285
Small point, but it's not called the British Commonwealth anymore. It's just the Commonwealth.
14
Their brand? As any seasoned marketing type will tell you, "brand" means you need to stand for something. What do they now stand for--B level Hollywood creds and grasping ambition? I think the K family already owns that.
303
@TigerLilyEye
Meghan: "Markle was a counselor for international charity One Young World. At the 2014 summit in Dublin, she spoke on the topics of gender equality and modern-day slavery."
"Meghan Markle has long been involved in humanitarian efforts and charity work – from volunteering in soup kitchens as a teenager, to advocating for gender equality with the UN and raising awareness for the world's most vulnerable children."
Meghan has done more for others - of her own volition, not duty - than most members of the Royal family. Rather than denigrate her, the British media and Royal family should follow her example of true charity.
20
@TigerLilyEye
What they stand for is being true to yourself.
2
It will all work out in the end. Kate will be queen, Megan will get the Prince, and they all will live happily ever after (or not).
8
Prince William is just jealous, I believe, that his brother gets to "escape" the family business.
The idea; though, that Harry and Meghan are off to Canada to create a "brand" of themselves rankles of having one's cake and eating it, too. "Leave us alone" yet "look at us!"
105
@Kelly I don't think the point was "leave us alone" as much as it was "stop insulting my wife" with impunity in incredibly repugnant ways. Today she was called "5 clicks up from trailer trash". Markle was an actress and Harry was Harry. This goes way deeper than "leave us alone". They want to be somewhere that isn't overtly racist and where their children aren't called monkeys.
254
@Kelly It's true American style.
3
Now they can get a real job like the rest of us and earn their daily bread. Else they can pretend they are special/non-specials and sell a "brand". Do we want to buy their "brand"?
40
Best wishes to Harry and Meghan in the next chapter of their life in Western Canada.
101
Can't believe the notion of "royalty," an entirely artificial construct that both creates and enforces material and social inequality, is still extent. We're all here for awhile and we all die, folks. No difference whatsoever between the "haves" and "have nots" except what we accept. "Building a brand" is the perfect description. That's all it is: a brand, a mirage, a willful assertion that "I'm superior and you should care about/pay me." Hard pass.
434
@Parapraxis “Can't believe the notion of "royalty," an entirely artificial construct that both creates and enforces material and social inequality, is still extent [sic].”
There is much truth in what you say, but does America without any royalty have any less social inequality?
“We're all here for awhile [sic] and we all die, folks. No difference whatsoever between the "haves" and "have nots" except what we accept.”
True, but in which respect is the UK any different from the US in this regard, even though we have a royal family? If any country has a greater disparity between the haves and have-nots than the USA, I’d like to know which country it is.
“"Building a brand" is the perfect description. That's all it is: a brand, a mirage, a willful assertion that "I'm superior and you should care about/pay me." Hard pass.”
Yes, just like Coca Cola. That’s why this couple is cheapening the image of the royal family. Push royalty too close to business or Hollywood and you cheapen the institution. The mystique of royalty is lost, perhaps forever.
54
@Mark Alexander
“Does America without any royalty have any less social inequality?”
Absolutely, yes. America has plenty of problems with social inequality, but at least we are all told that we are born equal. Nobody in this country is endowed with a hereditary title that they inherit from their parents and pass down to their children. We have no dukes, barons, princesses, or queens. We have no House of Lords drawn from a peerage. Nobody is referred to as “his royal highness” or “her majesty,” and we are not obliged to bow to anybody. You may argue that formal titles are irrelevant in the face of constructive inequalities, but I would disagree in the strongest possible terms. Hereditary titles are formal rebukes to the concepts of universal dignity and equality. How we address ourselves and each other matters more than anything.
“If any country has a greater disparity between the haves and have-nots than the USA, I’d like to know which country it is.”
According to the world bank, there are 51 countries with greater income inequality than the United States. I’m certainly not proud of our position on that list, but let’s not get carried away with hyperbole. Fun fact—the country with the lowest income inequality (again, per the World Bank) is Ukraine. Does anybody really aspire to be just like Ukraine?
“The mystique of royalty is lost, perhaps forever.”
That could not happen soon enough. This remnant of feudalism has no business surviving in modern democratic societies.
67
@Parapraxis
Great comment. I wholeheartedly agree.
12
Good Luck Harry. Princess Diana will always watch over you and your new family. Who wouldn't want you to be happy and thrive after so much heartache-- walking behind your mother's coffin in procession at such a young, tender age. You deserve much happiness.
696
@That's What She Said - oh my - as if other people do not suffer much worse events in their life!
26
@That's What She Said
You mean Harry has had more heartbreak than William? Wasn't Diana his mother too? Harry speaks as if he was the only one who suffered from her death.
Harry never mentions how much they suffered, only himself. William had the further burden of being the older brother as well. It could not have been any easier for him.
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@That's What She Said - Meghan looks STUNNING
today.
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I think we could have done without the part of the coverage that wants to imply quiet discord among the at these formal events.
The entire family is adjusting, and everyone knows the Queen is very elderly.
I wish every one of them the very best.
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I'm not a "royal family watcher" by any means, but I have a lot of respect for these two young people. This must have been a very difficult decision for them. I wish them and their child the very best, and I hope that with time, the relationship between the brothers will heal. The media and the general public should just leave them alone.
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@BL I have sympathy for Harry since he grew up with parents who fought constantly and then lost his Mummy, which obviously affected him deeply. However his wife made a contract with the Royal Family when she married Harry. Not just a contract of marriage, but a job contract. Now she has broken that contract after only two years. A career failure by any standard. That is bad enough. But now she wants to profit off her newfound “royalty” without doing any real work. It almost makes you wonder if that was her plan all along. And no, I’m not a racist. I didn’t even know the woman wasn’t white when I first heard of her-which wasn’t until she dated Harry. Hmmmm.
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@BL Based on their social media presence, I don't think they want to be left alone. The only way they will be able to make enough money to live the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed is though their celebrity. It seems as though what they really want is to be able to have a public and a private life on their own terms. They want to have their cake and eat it, too. Good luck with that.
232
You make it sound like Meghan signed a pact with the devil in her own blood. But as it turns out, she and Harry were merely employees at will in an English tourist attraction and domestic morale building company, quite free to leave when the gig no longer suited. They’ll continue as consultants with best wishes for their former employer. What’s so bad about that?
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