Yesterday's bombshell announcement by Harry and Meghan may have left us reeling, but imagine how the Royal maily must be feeling. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared the news on Instagram, and it has not been well received. The wrote:
“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”
A senior source has told The Sun:
“Their statement was not cleared with anyone. It breaks all protocol. This is a declaration of war on the family.There is fury over how they’ve done this without any thought for the implications for the institution. The Queen is deeply upset. The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge are incandescent with rage.
Courtiers can’t believe it. There are so many unanswered questions but they’ve just up and done it without a thought for anyone else.
The plan was there to discuss it and work out a way that works for everyone in the family."
Buckingham Palace issued a short statement last night that many found to be in a bit of contrast from Harry and Meghan released.
In their article, The Sun claims that when Harry and Meghan found out they were breaking the story, they wanted to rush out a statement immediately.
“Harry and Meghan wanted it their way or the highway. So they’ve gone and exiled themselves from the Royal Family. It’s extraordinary.”
Piers Morgan slammed the Sussexes' announcement, tweeting: "Wow. What a disgraceful way to treat the Queen. Shame on Harry and Meghan."
He later adds: "Buckingham Palace says 'it's complicated'. Translation: the Queen's bloody furious."
The news has also cast a cloud on the birthday of The Duchess of Cambridge, who turned 38 today.
In general, it is public perception that Harry and Meghan are acting as global royal superstars without following the rules. Also that this will be an impossible affront to the Queen, to Charles and to William, removing their ability to shape how the monarchy is perceived.