It’s become a new mantra: “No half in, half out.” But does the constant repetition make it true? What’s so impossible about being half in and half out of the royal “Firm”? Perhaps it’s time for a new definition of “working royal”.
When Harry and Meghan announced they were “stepping back” as senior members of the Royal Family – and note it was stepping back, not stepping down – they said they wanted to work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support the late Queen. They didn’t say they wanted to leave the “Firm”, they just wanted to be let off the Palace lead a little more – and, incidentally, cost the taxpayers less by earning their own living. What’s wrong with that?
The statement made it clear that they wanted to continue to “honour their duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth and their patronages”. But they also wanted to balance their time between the UK and North America. Lots of couples who marry someone from a different country do the same.
It seems the Sussexes are now doing the geographical balancing – but the door remains firmly shut if they have any ambition to represent King and country at home or abroad.
To my mind, it could all have been so different. Meghan, a strong, independent and mature woman with dual heritage, could have been such an asset to a modern monarchy. Yes, she would have had to learn to toe the line on certain controversial, highly political topics. But she’s a smart woman. And Harry, with his cheeky charm, was always riding high in the popularity polls.
At first, it seemed there might be some room for manoeuvre. The Queen said she would have preferred them to remain full-time working royals, but she understood their wish to live a more independent life and not be reliant on public funds. It was complex and there was more work to be done, but she wanted a final decision made quickly.
When it came, that decision was uncompromising. The Sussexes were out. No longer working royals, no longer allowed to use their HRH as part of their titles. No half in, half out.
But why? No doubt the Queen was influenced by the disasters that befell Edward and Sophie, now the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. In the early years of their marriage, both had tried to pursue their careers – Edward running a TV production company called Ardent, and Sophie her successful PR firm. Ardent struggled to make a commercial success – and caused a right rumpus by trying to get special access to William at university – and Sophie was duped into talking about the Royal Family and some top politicians by an undercover tabloid reporter dressed as a sheikh. Both subsequently gave up their careers and became full-time working royals, now much valued by the King.
Of course, there would always be a potential conflict of interest if Harry and Meghan were half in and half out. But surely they could learn from the past mistakes of their relatives and tread carefully?
Obviously, any commercial activities they undertake would be sprinkled with royal stardust. But isn’t that already the case? Harry is in demand because he’s the King’s son. Meghan‘s “As Ever” brand has the unique selling point that it is created by a duchess, whether or not she’s allowed to use HRH. They are earning their own living, standing on their own two feet.
Why shouldn’t they also take on a few royal duties, representing the sovereign on a Commonwealth tour or helping out with occasional charity events at home? Where’s the harm?
They could be paid from the Sovereign Grant for their working expenses, like other members of the family, and be financially independent the rest of the time. Security is a separate issue, but no more complicated than it is at present.
I would argue that it’s time to remove the straitjacket of the “working royal” definition. But I wouldn’t hold your breath. The King’s blunt letter this week made that clear. In the meantime, the Sussexes will probably resume some of the charity work they did before they fled to California. As Harry once pointedly remarked: “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
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