Point by point, what Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s extraordinary statement REALLY means
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry released an extraordinary statement on Friday night detailing what their life outside the Royal Family will look like.
But the 1,114 word post on their Sussex Royal website has sparked claims the couple are "very unhappy" with their Megxit agreement.
Here, Royal expert and commentator Richard Fitzwilliams breaks down what he believes some of the paragraphs mean.
Sussex Royal
What they said: While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘Royal’ overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ or any iteration of the word ‘Royal’ in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020.
What they mean:
Speaking to the Sun Online, Mr Fitzwilliams said this point underlined just how unhappy the couple were at not being able to use the word Royal.
He said: "This points out that they could not legally be stopped from using the word 'Royal' overseas but that they will not be using it.
"It underlines how unhappy they are with the arrangement and for not being allowed to use it."
But he pointed out the change in trademark for the couple wouldn't damage their brand - and they could still make megabucks in speech and book details.
He said: "In reality this won’t diminish their earning power or the pull of their global brand which is undoubtedly huge."
Independent life
What they said: The Royal Family respect and understand the wish of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to live a more independent life as a family, by removing the supposed ‘public interest’ justification for media intrusion into their lives. They remain a valued part of Her Majesty’s family.
What they mean:
Harry and Meghan hope that by stepping back from frontline duties, and no longer taking money from the public purse via the Sovereign Grant they will be able to escape some of the media scrutiny and attention.
Mr Fitzwilliams explained that Meghan and Harry were hammering home the point they wanted to choose "what they do and don't do".
And he pointed out the birth of their son Archie may have elevated the couple's concerns.
Recently, Harry's pal Nacho Figueras said the prince "just wanted to protect" his son.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: "They want to choose what they do and what they don’t do and, which caused problems after Archie was born, what is private and what is not.
"How Archie grows up for example and where. Now they obviously can but not as working members of the royal family and not using their titles."
Job seeking
What they said: While there is precedent for other titled members of the Royal Family to seek employment outside of the institution, for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a 12-month review period has been put in place.
What they mean:
Mr Fitzwilliams said this point in the statement could suggest that the couple believe they are not being treated in the same way as other royals such as Princess Beatrice and Peter Phillips who are allowed to earn their own money with no review.
He said: "It isn’t clear why, because Harry’s military appointments are being kept open and it only makes sense to see how this arrangement works after a year.
"Their behaviour is completely unprecedented."
Representing the Queen
What they said: The preference of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex was to continue to represent and support Her Majesty The Queen albeit in a more limited capacity, while not drawing on the Sovereign Grant.
What they mean:
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were widely believed to want a "half-in, half-out" deal that allowed them to work as royals without being senior members of "The Firm".
Mr Fitzwilliams said this part of the statement reaffirmed this - but pointed out their hopes were not practical.
He said: "Who would be the arbiter of whether their activities in achieving financial self sufficiency were appropriate? What if they were tacky?
"What was unprecedented and inappropriate was the way they released the statement saying what they wanted without telling the Queen and senior royals first.
"The Sovereign Grant only pays for 5 per cent of their income so it isn’t that substantial."
Security
What they said: It is agreed that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to require effective security to protect them and their son. This is based on The Duke’s public profile by virtue of being born into The Royal Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the shared threat and risk level documented specifically over the last few years. No further details can be shared as this is classified information for safety reasons.
What they mean:
Scotland Yard officers protecting Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently were reported to be concerned over running errands at their new Canada base.
Experts have estimated the annual bill for protecting Harry and Meghan at £3 million to £6 million.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: "They will obviously continue to received the security they need for these reasons. The taxpayers in the U.K. and Canada might not like it however.
"Polls show the vast majority do not approve of it in the UK and in Canada and many feel the Sussexes have handled their affairs extremely selfishly."
Royal duties
What they said: It was agreed that The Duke and Duchess will no longer be able to formally carry out ‘official duties’ for The Queen or represent The Commonwealth, but they will, however, be allowed to maintain their patronages (including those that are classified as ‘royal’ patronages).
What they mean:
Mr Fitzwilliams pointed out that much of the statement released on Friday was "unnecessary" and sounded bitter.
He said: "Since they are closing their office at Buckingham Palace and sacking their staff how will they cope with handling their patronages?
"They will apparently not be starting a 'foundation' but a 'non-profit entity' to effect change. They have their 'cause driven work' which they are indeed committed to."
And he pointed out the Queen had "kept the door open" for a 12 month review in case the couple had a change of heart.
He said: "It should be remembered when they announced in January they were stepping back as senior royals in a surprise, unprecedented statement they said they intended to “collaborate” with Her Majesty The Queen.
"It’s a very odd phrase to use, surely 'serve' would have been more appropriate and shown some humility."
Harry and Meghan's statement in full
We are pleased to now be able to share with you an update on many of the details agreed at a meeting of The Royal Family in January 2020, which outlines The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new roles, taking effect Spring 2020. We had hoped to be allowed to share these details with you sooner (to mitigate any confusion and subsequent misreporting), but the facts below should help provide some clarification around this transition and the steps for the future.
AS AGREED AND SET OUT IN JANUARY 2020:
- It is agreed that the commencement of the revised role of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will take effect Spring 2020 and undergo a 12 month review.
- The Royal Family respect and understand the wish of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to live a more independent life as a family, by removing the supposed "public interest" justification for media intrusion into their lives. They remain a valued part of Her Majesty’s family.
- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will become privately funded members of The Royal Family with permission to earn their own income and the ability to pursue their own private charitable interests.
- The preference of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex was to continue to represent and support Her Majesty The Queen albeit in a more limited capacity, while not drawing on the Sovereign Grant.
- While there is precedent for other titled members of the Royal Family to seek employment outside of the institution, for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a 12-month review period has been put in place.
- Per the agreement The Duke and Duchess of Sussex understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties and not undertake representative duties on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.
- As agreed and set out in January, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will retain their “HRH” prefix, thereby formally remaining known as His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer actively use their HRH titles as they will no longer be working members of the family as of Spring 2020.
- As the grandson of Her Majesty and second son of The Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex remains sixth in line to the throne of The British Monarchy and the Order of Precedence is unchanged.
- It was agreed that The Duke and Duchess will no longer be able to formally carry out "official duties" for The Queen or represent The Commonwealth, but they will, however, be allowed to maintain their patronages (including those that are classified as "royal patronages").
- It is agreed that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to require effective security to protect them and their son. This is based on The Duke’s public profile by virtue of being born into The Royal Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the shared threat and risk level documented specifically over the last few years. No further details can be shared as this is classified information for safety reasons.
- In relation to the military, The Duke of Sussex will retain the rank of Major, and honorary ranks of Lieutenant Commander, and Squadron Leader. During this 12-month period of review, The Duke’s official military appointments will not be used as they are in the gift of the Sovereign. No new appointments will be made to fill these roles before the 12-month review of the new arrangements is completed.
- While per the agreement, The Duke will not perform any official duties associated with these roles, given his dedication to the military community and ten years of service he will of course continue his unwavering support to the military community in a non-official capacity. As founder of the Invictus Games, The Duke will proudly continue supporting the military community around the world through the Invictus Games Foundation and The Endeavour Fund.
- Based on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s desire to have a reduced role as members of The Royal Family, it was decided in January that their Institutional Office would have to be closed, given the primary funding mechanism for this official office at Buckingham Palace is from HRH The Prince of Wales. The Duke and Duchess shared this news with their team personally in January once they knew of the decision, and have worked closely with their staff to ensure a smooth transition for each of them.
- Over the last month and a half, The Duke and Duchess have remained actively involved in this process, which has understandably been saddening for The Duke and Duchess and their loyal staff, given the closeness of Their Royal Highnesses and their dedicated team.
- As The Duke and Duchess will no longer be considered full-time working Members of The Royal Family, it was agreed that use of the word ‘Royal’ would need to be reviewed as it pertains to organisations associated with them in this new regard. More details on this below.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
- As shared in early January on this website, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not plan to start a "foundation", but rather intend to develop a new way to effect change and complement the efforts made by so many excellent foundations globally.
- The creation of this non-profit entity will be in addition to their cause driven work that they remain deeply committed to. While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word "Royal", it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation will not utilise the name "Sussex Royal" or any other iteration of "Royal."
- For the above reason, the trademark applications that had been filed as protective measures and that reflected the same standard trademarking requests as done for The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have been removed.
- While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word "Royal" overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use "Sussex Royal" or any iteration of the word "Royal" in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020.
- As The Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to develop their non-profit organisation and plan for their future, we hope that you use this site as the source for factual information. In Spring 2020, their digital channels will be refreshed as they introduce the next exciting phase to you.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex eagerly await the opportunity to share more with you and greatly appreciate your support!