New ‘hybrid model’ is a way forward

WHAT next for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex? Can the hybrid model be done? I say it can.

And actually, it could be a way forward for the royals, especially the younger members of the family.

Life in the Royal Family might be gilded, with wealth and privilege that most of us could barely imagine.

But it is an oppressive world and it means facing a barrage of criticism that you are simply supposed to take.

Princess Diana was hounded by paparazzi and her brother noted the irony that a woman named after a mythical huntress became “the most hunted person of the modern age”.

The Queen Mother, as young Elizabeth Bowes-lyon, was dubious about marrying the Duke ofyork

‘I expect they’ll set up a foundation’

because she feared “never again to be free to think, speak and act as I feel I really ought to”.

And that was in 1921, before the internet, 24-hour-news and with a public and media that largely accepted what they were told about the royals.

Now, in this social media age, it is a free-for-all and Meghan has been subject to sexist and racist criticism.

Harry has always found the Royal Firm constraining. Now, I expect to see them set up their own charity, like the Gates or Obama foundation.

Some say they want to be global celebrities and draw attention to the trademarking of the Sussex brand.

But my expectation is that they’ll use these branded goods in charitable collaborations – rather like “make poverty history” T-shirts.

We may see some media work but I don’t expect to see Meghan going back to acting and the part-time royal model should free them to take on more of the foreign travel.

And, if it works, it frees up future royals, both their own son, Archie, and other junior royals, such as Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, for a future in which they can both support the monarchy – and have some degree of living their own life.

We pay for the royals, yes. But that doesn’t mean that we own them.