When Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan announced plans to step back as senior members of the royal family, the palace confirmed that a solution would be reached within days, not weeks. This afternoon (Monday) Prince Harry will join a family meeting with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Prince William “to talk things through.”
… The face-to-face summit, which Meghan is likely to join by phone from Canada, follows a series of consultations and will see “a range of possibilities” brought to the table. These options, says the source, will “take into account the thinking of the Sussexes outlined last week. Making a change to the working life and role in the monarchy for the duke and duchess requires complex and thoughtful discussions.”
Are Harry and Meghan getting advice from Barack and Michelle? A British tabloid says so. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are friends with former President and First Lady and the tabloid claims Harry and Meghan would like to model themselves on the pair, who have maintained their profile after Barack’s presidency.
… Michelle and Barack still attend high-profile events and have continued to make money through their biographies. Both have lucrative speaking careers and last year signed a deal with Netflix to produce films.
… These are all things Harry and Meghan are reportedly interested in, and have been getting advice on from the former first couple.
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QUEEN OK WITH HARRY AND MEGHAN GOING PART TIME _ Queen Elizabeth said on Monday that she would allow Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, to make a transition to being part-time royals, splitting their time between Britain and Canada and supporting themselves. In a statement she said, “My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family … we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”
Fans of royal tradition are takingMeghan MarkleandPrince Harry’s stated intention to leave the royal family very personally. Many are blaming Meghan. Meanwhile,Oprah Winfreyis denying claims that she urged the pair to Megxit,Prince Charlesmay no longer want to bankroll them and rumors of Harry’s mental strain are swirling.
TWITTER, DIVIDED
One Meghan detractor fumed: "Meghan is clearly going to be made the modern day Yoko Ono/Wallace(sic) Simpson within the Royal Family & the press... #GetOut #Megexit."
Another concurred, tweeting: “People aren’t angry that Meghan and Harry want to leave. Please, go! We’re angry they expect to keep their titles, privileges, luxuries and funding while pimping their royal status for gross monetary gain. Not to mention their disrespect and ingratitude to the Queen.”
ActorToby Stephenshad their back, writing: “Seeing the press reaction to Megan and Harry’s announcement, just confirms why they’re right to step away. Good luck to them.”
Another tweeted: "In a unique twist on the Disney-approved version, the princess has swooped in and freed the prince from his tower."
MEGHAN FLEES FIRST
Meghan, it seems, was so eager to go, she hopped a plane to Canada Thursday night to go be with her and Harry's son Archieagain. He was cared for during the time his parents left him byJessica Mulroney, his nanny and Meghan’s best friend.
Harry will reportedly join her soon.
DISNEY
Meghan is already hard at work on her post-royal life, according to reports. She has signed an unspecified project with Disney in exchange for a donation to an elephant charity. Reports indicate that the deal was in the works before the announced split.
MENTAL HEALTH, SECRECY
Meanwhile, Harry was concerned about his mental health unless he stepped back, insiders tellThe Daily Mail. Harry supports mental health causes through his charitable endeavors and has previously spoken out about his personal struggles.
Sources also blab that Harry and Meghan went against the Queen’s wishes in going public with their wishes, and that Scotland Yard will be tasked with reviewing security plans for the future as taxpayer funded plans could spiral into the millions if they’re living in two places.
NEXT?
Insiders predict that a broad agreement on the future for Meghan and Harry will be shared in the coming days, and that they will be allowed to keep their titles while also enjoying increased freedom.
But others shriek, not so fast! According to financial records,Prince Charlesspent $11 million in royal funds to cover Meghan, Harry andPrince WilliamandKate Middleton’s royal duties. 95% of those costs are bankrolled by income he earns from the Duchy of Cornwall estate, the 5% coming from a taxpayer funded grant. Sources spill that Charles may only shell out money in the future, if they maintain many of their royal duties.
We should know something soon. The Queen has reportedly called a meeting with Harry, William and Charles today (Monday). The plan is to “talk things through,” sources tellPeople, with the goal of arriving at a resolution ASAP.
OPRAH
Winfrey is denyingPage Six’s report that she urged the pair to step back from royal duties. She toldPeople: “Meghan and Harry do not need my help figuring out what’s best for them. I care about them both and support whatever decisions they make for their family.”